PERMITS - Street Opening / Street Access / Trench

Department of Public Works – Permit(s)
Contractors are responsible for obtaining the correct permits as needed for any project in Lynnfield, regardless if the work is residential or commercial.  The town has bylaws and regulations that require permits from the department of public works before any such work can begin. The permits apply to any heavy equipment being used, as well as any excavations.

All permits and supporting insurance/bonding documents should be emailed to dpwpermits@town.lynnfield.ma.us

Department of Public Works – Permit(s) required for types of work
Please check this list to determine the permit(s) required.

Permit(s) Required based on Type of Work

What type of work does your project involve?	Permit(s) Required
Digging a foundation (new, addition or repair)	Street Access and Trench
Digging pits for a septic perk test	Street Access and Trench
Digging for a septic system (new or repair)	Street Access and Trench
Digging a trench for any other reason on the property (not in the Right of Way)	Street Access and Trench
Digging a trench for any other reason in the Right of Way (such as a water line or other utilities)	Street Access, Street Opening and Trench
Any Landscaping (grading, importing soil/stone/etc., patios) that involves heavy equipment (bobcat or larger)	Street Access
Pool construction - In-Ground	Street Access and possibly Trench (if pool excavation is narrower than 15')
Pool construction - Above-Ground	Street Access
Driveway	Street Access and Street Opening
Retaining wall(s)	Street Access and Trench
Demolish a building or portion of building	Street Access
Any addition such as dormers, roof work, adding a second story that involves large hydraulic equipment to raise and lower materials	Street Access
Drilling for a well	Street Access
Any interior or exterior work that requires a dumpster	Street Access - Please mark "Dumpster" on the Street Access Permit.  You do not need a second Street Access Permit if you already have one from one of the other items above
Tree Removals	Street Access - Please verify the requirements with the Tree Warden in the DPW office.

 

All Permits (Access, Opening and Trench) are not allowed to carry over into the following calendar year, unless the Town Engineer has allowed it with special conditions. 

Any other work NOT covered by the above list must be reviewed by the Town Engineer to determine permit(s) required.

Street Access Permits:  MORE INFORMATION
To apply online, please download and fill out the application below, then click this link to make a payment: Pay for a Street Access Permit

• Needed for bringing heavy equipment over any public way
• Ensures the Town has recourse in case of damage to the public way (road, sidewalk, curb, drainage structures, utilities, etc.)
• Requires insurance and a bond
• Examples if your project involves the use of a:  Dumpster, Excavator, Dozer, Loader, Crane, Construction Equipment  
• Scroll to the bottom of this page for the Street Access Permit Application

Trench Permits:
To apply online, please download and fill out the application below, then click this link to make a payment: Pay for a Trench Permit

• Needed whenever a trench is being dug in town, on either public or private property
• Trench is defined by OSHA as a narrow excavation over 4’ deep with a base width under 15’
• Ensures that OSHA regulations are being followed in the town
• Requires insurance on record
• Examples include:  Septic excavation, Gas excavation, Water excavation
• Scroll to the bottom of this page for the Trench Permit Application

Street Opening Permits:   MORE INFORMATION
To apply online, please download and fill out the application below, then click this link to make a payment: Pay for a Street Opening Permit

• Needed whenever the public right-of-way (street or sidewalk) is disturbed
• Ensures the Town has recourse in case of damage to the public way
• Requires that the road has not been paved in the previous 5 years
• Requires insurance and a bond
• Examples include: Driveway alterations, Gas and Water work in the right-of-way
• Scroll to the bottom of this page for the Street Opening Permit Application

Regulations Governing the Issuance of Permits can be found at this link:  Right of Way Permit Manual
Insurance Requirements for Permits can be found at this link:  Insurance Requirements

All permits and supporting insurance/bonding documents should be emailed to dpwpermits@town.lynnfield.ma.us