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1. When is a Sewer Connection Permit required?

A ”Sewer Connection Permit”, (fee structure is based on type of building and flow-please see Attachment “A-1” for Fee Schedule), is required to connect a building to the City of Fitchburg Sanitary Sewer System versus having a Private Sewerage Disposal System. A Utility Site Plan is required to accompany the application. Please see Attachment “A-2” for requirements of a Utility Site Plan.

2. When is a Street Excavation Permit required?

A “Street Excavation Permit”, $350 flat rate fee, is required when excavating in the City of Fitchburg Street Layout. This permit could be for the installation of a gas, water, sewer, drain, electrical, or service repairs from the utility to the building.

3. When is a Driveway Permit required?

A “Driveway Permit”, no fee required, is required to install a driveway, sometimes referred to as a “Curb Cut”, from the roadway to the building property. A sketch/plan of proposed driveway is required on/with the Application.

4. When is a Street / Sidewalk Occupation Permit required?

A “Street/Sidewalk Occupation Permit”, no fee required, is required when the Street or Sidewalk will be closed to traffic. An example of this is when it is required to excavate across a street or a dumpster must be place in the Street Layout temporarily.

5. When is an Outdoor Dining License required?

An “Outdoor Dining License”, no fee required, is required when an establishment shall occupy City of Fitchburg Property for seasonal dining purposes.

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1. What is a Street Line Survey?

A ”Street Line Survey” is the physical staking/marking/survey layout of the street property line along your property’s frontage along the street. This is the “common line” that defines the extent of Private Ownership, (what the Property/Parcel owner’s deed describes), and the extent of City of Fitchburg Ownership, (what the City refers to as “Street Layout”). DPW Engineering does not stake out your private property corners.

2. What is a Tree Location?

A “Tree Location” is used for the determination of the ownership of a tree that is in question along the frontage of a property along a public street (not all streets are owned by the City of Fitchburg) or abutting a City owned parcel. A tree is determined to be owned by the City if the majority of the tree’s base is located within the “Street Layout” or on City Property.

3. What is a Dig Safe Mark Out?

A “Dig Safe Mark Out” is the physical painting/marking/staking/survey layout of any sewer and or drain pipes that the Department of Public Works Engineering Division has record of on file in the office. A sketch or plan of proposed excavation is required to assist with determining the “limits” of the necessary delineation of utilities in the field.

In accordance with Dig Safe’s color coding system all marking of sewer and drain shall be done in the color green unless otherwise specified. In the rare occurrence where no record information is on file, the dig safe mark out shall read “Location Unknown”.

Please note that the City of Fitchburg is not a part of Dig Safe System, Inc. and should be notified separately. Water lines are marked out by the City of Fitchburg’s Water Division’s Engineers and they can be reached by phone at 978-345-9616. Contact Dig Safe before you dig, it’s the law. DigSafe Website

4. What are Mapping Services?

“Mapping Services” is typically the reproduction of existing plans on file in this office or brought into this office. Creation of maps and plans is also done by this Division but complexity of creation greatly determines time frame for completion due to limited personnel.

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1. How do I rent the Coggshall Park Stone House?

Rates

Stonehouse: 4 hour Time Blocks 10am-2pm and 2pm-6pm (set up and break down need to be done during the 4 hr block the building will not be opened earlier and the parties will not be allowed to stay past the time block they have secured or risk the loss of the safety deposit of $75.00

Non-Resident- $300 per 4-hour block. Setup and breakdown need to be done within that time frame.

A non-refundable $100 deposit is due at the time of the reservation, full payment i.e. $200 is due 2 weeks before the event, and a refundable $75 security deposit is required 1 week before the event.

Resident (with proof of residency i.e. driver's license and a current utility bill)-$200 4-hour block Setup and breakdown need to be done within that time frame. A non-refundable $75 deposit is due at the time of the reservation, full payment i.e. $125 is due 2 weeks before the event, and a refundable $75 security deposit is required 1 week before the event

 

 

More information

2. Do I need a Park Permit?

All events in a City of Fitchburg Park, Playground, and/or Field require a park permit. Permits Applications are available on the Parks Division Webpage via OpenGov or in the Recreation Department Office at City Hall Fitchburg. Applications are not permits, please have a permit in hand before advertising your event.  Events expecting more than 50 will need to complete a City of Fitchburg Public Assembly form through the Fitchburg Fire Department.

3. I've rented the Stonehouse and nobody came to open the doors. Who can I call?

Please call the DPW 24-hour hotline at 978-829-1900. The phone is answered by dispatch on Mon-Fri from 7:00 - 3:00 PM. All other hours it's answered by a service center which will contact a DPW employee to come assist you. If you are calling in off hours please allow the phone to ring, it will be answered 100% of the time.

4. Can I have a private event in the Parks?

All City of Fitchburg Parks, Playgrounds and Fields are open to the public. No groups or persons holding a permit from the Recreation Department may block off the park or close it to the public without the express approval of the Board of Park Commissioners. To get on the next Board of Park Commissioners agenda please contact the Recreation Director.

5. When does the pool open?

The J. Robert Crowley Swimming Complex is a seasonal complex which typically opens the week Fitchburg Public Schools go on summer vacation. The pool typically closes a week prior to the return to school. For the pools projected schedule visit Pools and Splash Parks.

6. How much does it cost to rent the Henry P. Coggshall Stone House?

Rates

Stonehouse: 4-hour Time Blocks 10am-2pm and 2pm-6pm (set up and break down needs to be done during the 4 hr block the building will not be opened earlier and the parties will not be allowed to stay past the time block they have secured or risk the loss of the safety deposit of $75.00

Non-Resident- $300 per 4-hour block. Setup and breakdown need to be done within that time frame. A non-refundable $100 deposit is due at the time of the reservation, full payment i.e. $200 is due 2 weeks before the event, and a refundable $75 security deposit is required 1 week before the event. 

Resident (with proof of residency i.e. driver's license and a current utility bill)-$200 4-hour block Setup and breakdown need to be done within that time frame. A non-refundable $75 deposit is due at the time of the reservation, full payment i.e. $125 is due 2 weeks before the event, and a refundable $75 security deposit is required 1 week before the event

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1. How do I report a pothole on my street?

Requests to repair potholes can be submitted online via SeeClickFix or over the phone at 978-829-1900.

2. I hit a pothole and would like to file a claim, who do i contact?

Claims should be filed with the Mayor's Office. You can download the form online or contact the Mayor's Office at 978-829-1801.

3. How can I tell if there is a snow emergency parking ban in effect?

Snow Emergency Parking Ban's are announced in the Alert Center of the city website. During a Snow Emergency you will also find the alert in a bar across the top of the home page. For information about parking bans, municipal snow closures and city ordinances related to snow please visit www.fitchburgma.gov/snow. 

4. How can I tell if a tree belongs to my property?

If the main trunk of a tree is entirely on your property, it is your tree whether you planted it, a previous owner planted it, or nature put it there. If the main trunk is split along the property line the tree belongs to both properties and cannot be removed with both owners consent. If you are not certain about the boundary between your property and the City's property you can contact the Engineering Division for clarification.

5. How do I request the City trim a tree along the side of the road?

The City cannot prune trees that are not planted on public property. Additionally, the City does not trim tree branches due to encroachment on electrical wires; to report a needed pruning due to a branch's proximity to wires, contact Unitil at 888-301-7700. If the tree is on public property you can report the tree online through SeeClickFix or contact the DPW at 978-829-1900.

6. My trash/recycling wasn't picked up today?

The City's trash and recycling program through Waste Management is overseen by the Fitchburg Health Department. To report a missed pickup you can submit an online report or contact the Health Department at 978-829-1870. Visit the Health Department webpage for for more information about trash and recycling schedules, proper recycling, bulk item pickups and more.