Permitting Guidebook City of Pittsfield

April 2016

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Table of Contents

I. Purpose II. City Departments and Functions III. Determining what Permits are required IV. Pittsfield Permitting Procedures-Step-by-step V. Site Plan Review VI. Special Permits VII. Subdivisions VIII. Variances IX. Zone Changes X. Wetlands Protection Act XI. Building Permits XII. Sign Permits XIII. Related Permits

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Purpose

The purpose of this guidebook is to present the concepts behind

Pittsfield’s permitting procedures in a manner that is understandable and

user-friendly. It is our hope that through this document the permitting process can become easier to navigate in a manner that will continue to protect public health and safety while resulting in quality development.

II. City Departments and Functions

Permitting Coordinator (413)-448-9673 The Permitting Coordinator is the first point of contact when developing a project proposal or applying for a permit. This position acts as a single point of

reference and contact for all development related permit information. Throughout the development, the Permitting Coordinator acts as a liaison

between an applicant and the City permit granting authorities. The Permitting Coordinator helps applicants track where an application is in the process as well as when a decision can be expected.

Department of Community Development (413)-499-9368 The Department of Community Development is responsible for all community

and economic development, planning, and housing activities for the City of Pittsfield. The Community Development Board, who is represented by the City

Planner, approves Site Plans and issues Special Permits, approves Subdivisions, and reviews and makes recommendations on Zone changes. Questions

regarding these issues can be directed to the City Planner through this office. Conservation Commission (413)-499-9359

The Conservation Commission approves site plans, as well as issues permits for work in or near wetlands, rivers, and wetland buffer zones. The Commission also works to preserve other resource areas protected by the state.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals issues special permits and variances. It also hears petitions for administrative appeals from decisions made by the Building Inspector and Planning Board.

Building Commissioner (413)-499-9440 The Building Commissioner, with support from the Building Inspectors, serves

as the Zoning Enforcement Officer, and reviews site plans for compliance with the City’s Zoning Ordinance, Massachusetts Building Codes, and State

handicapped access standards. To construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, or remove

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a Structure or Building, or to change the Use or Occupancy of a Structure or Building, or to install or alter any equipment for which provision is made or the

installation of which is regulated by 780 CMR, a written application must be filed with the building official and the required permit obtained. Please note that all

fire detection systems, including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire suppression systems, and fire alarm systems require building permits. Tents,

fences, and signs require building permits as well. Department of Public Works (413)-499-9330

The DPW reviews applications and advises City boards on engineering and site design matters such as Stormwater Management, roadway design, traffic, water/sewer and other utilities. The DPW also issues permits for

access/entrances and utility hook ups.

Health Department (413)-499-9411 The Board of Health, assisted by the Health Inspectors, issue permits under local and state health and sanitary codes. This includes permits for tobacco

(restrictions apply), septic systems, wells, food services, special events, swimming pools, etc. (see page 24) The Health Inspector also coordinates with

the Planning Board and Conservation Commission on placement of septic systems and wells in new subdivisions and near wetlands.

Fire Department (413)-448-9764 The Fire Department reviews site plans for adequate roadway emergency access requirements, public safety and fire protection. The Fire Department issues

permits for a variety of things including underground storage tanks and storage of flammable/hazardous materials.

City Council The City Council issues special permits for shopping centers, malls, plazas, etc.;

and issues permits for Zone changes.

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III. Determining what Permits are required

The number of permits required for any given project depends upon the specifics

of that project. These specifics will include the site, the Use category, the location, the scale, and the proximity to wetlands or other regulated resource areas. It is important to contact the Permits coordinator early in the design

process to determine which permits will be needed. Knowing this specific information as early as possibly will keep your project moving smoothly.

These issues should be discussed with the permits coordinator:

1) Which sections of the Zoning Ordinance apply?

In which Zoning District is the project located?

Is the project allowed By-right or does it require a Site Plan Review or a

Special Permit?

Is the project located within the Arts Overlay District? Zoning Map

What site design criteria apply to the project (landscaping, heights,

signage, etc.)

Is the project located within the Floodplain District?

2) Does the Wetlands Protection Act apply?

Is the project located in or within 100 feet of a stream bank, wetlands

vegetation, land under water, water body, or land subject to flooding?

Is the project located within 200 feet of any stream, river, creek, or brook

that runs year round? 3) Do the Pittsfield Subdivision Regulations apply?

Are any new lots or roads being created?

Are any existing property boundaries being changed?

Pittsfield Subdivision Regulations 4) Are related development permits needed?

Is the project on City sewer and water or will a septic system or well be

needed?

Is the project located on a state highway or will it have access onto a state

highway?

Will hazardous materials be stored or used on the site?

Will the property be logged?

Will the project trigger any of the Massachusetts Environmental

Protection Act (MEPA) thresholds?

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IV. Pittsfield’s Permitting Procedures - Step by Step

1) Contact the Permits coordinator for a preliminary consultation

Explain project to identify local, state, and federal permits that will be

required

-This will include identifying the project’s use group and type of construction, potential wetlands issues, and zoning and

subdivision requirements.

Determine if the project’s scope is large enough to schedule a Pre-

Development Meeting with Community Development.

2) If there are conservation issues surrounding the project, submit conservation applications first. Once approval is granted, submit Community Development

applications to the Permits Coordinator for determination of completeness prior to submission to City Clerk for certification (this can eliminate Re-Application).

Completed Application Form

Appropriate filing fee(s)

Correct number of copies of all Plans and necessary Documentation

3) Attend public hearing or administrative review to present the proposed Project (any of the following, most likely only one)

Community Development Board

Zoning Board of Appeals

Conservation Commission

Building Inspector

Board of Health

4) A decision is made by the Community Development Board, Zoning Board of

Appeals, Conservation Commission and Building Inspector/Commissioner on zoning, wetlands, subdivision, and building permits. Note that all decisions will

not be made simultaneously.

5) The below listed approvals must be recorded at the Registry of Deeds after a specified appeal period of 20 days. Once the appeal period has expired, they must then be registered to become valid before building permits for the

requested use can be issued. Required for:

Special Permits and Variances

ANR’s and Definitive Subdivision Plans

Order of Conditions

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6) At this point other development permits and licenses become applicable, and will need to be pursued. The Permitting Coordinator will have information

available.

Department of Public Works (water, sewer connections)

Health Inspector (abatement, swimming pools)

Fire Department (storage tanks/alarm systems)

7) Upon receiving necessary permits, approvals, licenses etc., apply to the

Building Inspector for a Building Permit for the desired construction of Use of the property.

8) Schedule the required inspections during construction. Inspection information

will be made available when the various permits are distributed.

Electric

Gas

Construction

Plumbing

Elevators

Wetlands

9) Upon completion of construction:

Apply to the Conservation Commission for a Certificate of Compliance for

projects involving wetlands.

Apply to Community Development Board for a Certificate of Completion

for subdivision roads and utilities.

Apply to the Building Inspector/Commissioner for an Occupancy Permit

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V. Site Plan Review

Purpose: The purpose of Site Plan Review is to ensure that new development meets the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and is designed in a way that

reasonably protects the physical, environmental, and aesthetic qualities of the neighborhood and the City.

What Projects Require Site Plans: Single-family homes do not require site plan approval. Most other uses require site plans including the creation, expansion,

substantial alteration, or change in use of:

All uses requiring a Special Permit

Any business, commercial, industrial, or institutional use (except home

occupation not requiring a special permit)

Any residential use of more than two (2) units including subdivisions

Sections 7.711 - 7.734 list the various Uses subject to Site Plan Review.

Consult Use Table for Conditional Uses Requiring Site Plan Review

Site Plan Review Application - CDB

What are the Contents of Plan? Reviewing Authorities: The Site Plan Review and Permit Granting Authority

may differ. Community Development Board reviews all Site Plan applications. Community Development Board: A public hearing is not required if the use is

By Right. All other uses require either a Site Plan review or a Special Permit. The maximum review period for site plan approval is 45 days. Site plans for projects requiring a special permit are submitted and acted upon as part of the

special permit application. Special Permit applications are reviewed in 65 days and require a public hearing.

Zoning Board of Appeals: Approves all uses that require a special permit from the ZBA. The site plan is submitted to the Community Development Board and

acted upon in addition to the Special Permit application. Review Process: Once received, site plans are transmitted to various

departments for an inter-departmental review and comment period of up to 35 days. When a use requires a Special Permit from the ZBA or the CDB a public

hearing is required (within 65 days) and the site plan is submitted and acted upon as part of the Special Permit application. A decision must be made within

90 days of the public hearing.

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Fees: Application Fee: $200

VI. Special Permits

Purpose: The purpose of Special Permits is to ensure that new development meets the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and is designed in a way that reasonably protects the physical, environmental, and aesthetic qualities of the

neighborhood and the City.

Sections 7.811 through 7.843 contain the various Uses subject to Special

Permit.

Consult Use Table for Conditional Uses Requiring a Special Permit

Section 6 explains the delineation, regulations, and restrictions of the

Flood Plain District. Development of any kind within the Flood Plain

District will require a Flood Plain Special Permit from the Community Development Board.

Review: Special Permit applications shall be determined complete by the

Permitting Coordinator, and submitted to Community Development Department for a 35-day interdepartmental review period. The application will appear at a

public hearing of the Community Development Board within 65-days. Upon acceptance, a Special Permit will be voted on within 90-days.

Fees: Application fees should be paid by check and made out to the City of Pittsfield, and must be attached to the application. Advertising cost for the Public

Hearing is the applicant’s responsibility, and payment will be accepted by the Department of Community Development.

Application Fee: $200 Advertising Fee: ZBA - $111.50, CDB – (price will vary)

Special Permit with Site Plan Review - CDB Special Permit Application – CDB Special Permit Application - ZBA

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VII. Subdivisions Purpose: The Community Development Board must approve any division of land into two or more lots. All plans showing the creation of new lots must be

endorsed by the Community Development Board before they can be recorded in the Registry of Deeds. Plans stamped by a registered Land Surveyor certifying

that no new lots or changes in existing boundaries are shown on the plan may be recorded without Community Development Board endorsement.

There are two types of subdivisions: 1) Approval Not Required, and 2) Plans Requiring Subdivision Approval

Approval Not Required Plans (ANR’s) ANR plans show the creation of lots with frontage on existing roads. The

Community Development Board will determine if there is adequate frontage, and adequate access (as determined by the City’s Zoning Ordinance). Frontage

must be on one of the following:

A public way or a way which the City certifies is maintained and used as a

public way

A way shown on a subdivision plan which has been previously approved

and endorsed by the Community Development Board, or

A way which was in existence when the Subdivision Control Law took

effect in Pittsfield and which the Community Development Board has

determined is suitable for the proposed use of the lots. Endorsement of an ANR plan does not certify that the lots shown on the plan

qualify as building lots. This determination is made by the Inspector of Buildings. Community Development Board endorsement only indicates that the

plan shows a division of land that does not require approval under the Subdivision Control Law and City of Pittsfield Subdivision Regulations.

Review and Submission Requirements Plans shall be determined complete by the Permits Coordinator, submitted to the

City Clerk and forwarded to the Community Development Department. The Board has 21 days to review the plan and provide a decision. A complete application includes 2 copies of the application, filing fee, 7 copies of the Plan

(one for each Board member) and 1 Mylar.

Filing Fees: $75

ANR Application

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Plans Requiring Subdivision Approval

Plans that show a division of land into 2 or more lots with frontage on a proposed new road requires subdivision approval. There is a two step review

process of subdivision plans: 1) Preliminary Plans, and 2) Definitive Plans.

Preliminary Plans The preliminary plan serves as a conceptual design. It includes the proposed street layout, lot boundaries, drainage system and topography. Preliminary

Plans are required for all non-residential subdivisions and optional for residential subdivisions. However, it is recommended that a preliminary plan be submitted for all subdivisions. A preliminary plan cannot be recorded with the

Registry of Deeds. Consult Subdivision Regulations for Contents of a Preliminary Plan

Definitive Plans A definitive plan is the final design plan complete with engineering specifications. This plan must be prepared by a registered Land Surveyor or

Civil Engineer. The plan must contain information regarding width and length or every street, lot lines, topography, centerline profiles of streets, layout and

design of sewerage, storm drainage, water supply and wetland resource areas as defined by the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act.

Consult Subdivision Regulations for Contents of a Definitive Plan

Review Process and Submittal Requirements

Preliminary Plans Applications will be determined complete by the Permits Coordinator, and submitted to Community Development. The form shall be filed with the City

Clerk. Sets of plans will be distributed to the necessary departments. Each department will notify the Community Development Board within 30 days as to

their approval or disapproval. The Health Department has 45 days to notify. An informational meeting with the applicant may be scheduled to make necessary

changes. The plans will go in front of the Community Development Board, and receive an approval or disapproval, and be recorded with the City Clerk. This will happen within 60 days of acceptance of the application.

Definitive Plans Plans will be submitted to the Community Development Department. After

review to determine completeness, the applicant will be given a Form C to submit with the required fees for the public hearing and application for review of

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the Definitive plan. Form C will be filed with the City Clerk. The plan will be distributed to the necessary departments. Each department will notify the

Community Development Board within 30 days as to their approval or disapproval. The Health Department gets 45 days to notify. A public hearing

will be held at which an approval, a modification and approval, or disapproval will be issued for the definitive plan. There will be a 20-day appeal period, after

which a certificate of approval will be issued, not more than 90 days from the hearing date.

Fees: Preliminary Subdivision Plan: $100, Definitive Subdivision Plan: $500 (plus $25 per lot)

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VIII. Variances Purpose The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) hears and acts upon petitions for Variances

under the Zoning Ordinance for land or structures that do not meet the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. A dimensional variance applies to

zoning requirements such as lot area, lot frontage, open space, building height and property line setbacks. A use variance applies to a land use that is not allowed in a particular zoning district under the Zoning Ordinance.

Grounds for Approval In order to grant a variance, the Zoning Board of Appeals must make all three of

the following findings.

A literal enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance would involve a

substantial hardship, financial or otherwise, to the petitioner or appellant;

The hardship is owing to circumstances relating to the soil conditions,

shape or topography of such land or structures, but not affecting generally the zoning district in which it is located;

And that desirable relief may be granted without substantial detriment to

the public good and without nullifying or substantially derogating from

the intent or purpose of the Pittsfield Zoning Ordinance.

Review Process Applications are determined complete by the Permitting Coordinator prior to submission to the City Clerk for certification then forwarded to the ZBA.

Variance applications are transmitted for a 35 day interdepartmental review and comment period. Variances require a public hearing within 65 days of receipt. The ZBA may impose conditions, safeguards and limitations of time and

use, if the Variance is granted. The ZBA is under no legal obligation to grant the Variance, and in absolutely no circumstances can a variance be granted to allow

a prohibited use.

Fees Application Fee: $200, Advertising Fee: $111.50

Variance Application

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IX. Zone Changes What is a Zone Change? A Zone change is applied for when a proposed use of a particular parcel of land

is not allowed in the City’s Zoning District in which it is located.

Who may initiate a Zone Change? -City Council -Zoning Board of Appeals

-Community Development Board -A landowner to be affected by a zoning change It is important to contact the City Planner before any Zone Change petitions are filed Review Process and Submittal Requirements

A petition must be submitted to City Council. City Council then refers the petition to the Community Development Board for a public hearing. The Community Development Board submits recommendations on the petition to

City Council at which time City Council must hold a public hearing within 90 days of receiving the Community Development Board’s recommendations. City

Council must complete a 2 readings of the petition upon which it is immediately effective.

A petition for a zoning change must include a completed petition form, a property map indicating the lots to be included in the zone change and a completed site plan application if the request is to permit a new use of the

property.

Filling Fee: $400

Please Contact Permitting Coordinator for Zone Change Application

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X. Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act Reviewing Authority The Pittsfield Conservation Commission is responsible for administering the

Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. The MWPA includes provision of the Massachusetts Rivers Protection Act. Proposed projects are reviewed based

upon the proximity to a resource area and the ability to minimize potential impacts.

Projects Requiring Approval Any proposed activity or project, that will “remove, fill dredge, or alter” the wetland resource area, the 200-foot riverfront protection area, or the 100-foot

buffer zone associated with a wetland resource area must obtain a permit from the Conservation Commission. The term “alter” includes but is not limited to any development, construction, destruction of vegetation, any change in

drainage characteristics or flow patterns, and any change in the groundwater. A wetland resource area includes any stream, river, creek, pond, lake and the banks

associated with them; any meadows, marshes, swamps, bogs, any land under water, land subject to flooding, and any riverfront area.

Applications and Permits Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation: The ANRAD serves two

purposes. 1) Provides a procedure for an applicant to confirm the delineation of a

Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW).

2) It serves as the application for Simplified Review for projects in the Buffer Zone.

Request for Determination of Applicability: This application requests the Commission to determine if the proposed work or property is subject to the

MWPA. For smaller projects, the Commission may also determine if the work can be done in a manner that will not negatively impact the resource area. In

response to an RDA, the Commission may issue one of the following decisions: 1) Positive Determination- this means the proposed work or property is

subject to the MWPA and requires the filing of a Notice of Intent 2) Negative Determination – this means the proposed work is not subject

to the MWPA.

3) Negative Determination with Conditions- this means the proposed work is within the 100-foot buffer zone and will not adversely impact

the resource area if proposed precautions are adhered to.

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Notice of Intent (NOI): This application provides the Commission with a detailed description of the proposed work that is located in a resource area,

riverfront area or buffer zone that may impact a nearby wetland resource area. In response to a NOI, the Commission may issue an Order of Conditions

permitting the proposed work with conditions consistent with the standards in the Wetlands Protection Act Regulations, which prevent significant adverse

impacts to a wetland resource area, or deny the project because it cannot be performed in a manner that prevents negative impacts to a wetland resource area.

Review Process Request for Determination: Within 21 days of receipt, the Commission will

conduct a site visit and make a decision at a public meeting that has been advertise in the local newspaper.

Notice of Intent: Within 21 days of receipt, the Commission will conduct a site visit and hold a public hearing that has been advertised in the local newspaper.

Within 21 days of the public hearing, the Commission will issue an Order of Conditions approving or denying the request.

Filing Fees Filing fee is based on the project type. Contact the Conservation Agent to determine the total applicable fees (413-499-9359).

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XI. Building Permits

Purpose Permits are issued by the Building Department for a multitude of activities

including but not limited to: construction, reconstruction, alteration, repairs, removal or demolition of a building or structure, the change of a building or structure’s Use or Occupancy, and the installation or alteration of any equipment

regulated by 780 CMR.

For your convenience, effective July 13, 2015, the City of Pittsfield has adopted

online permitting for the submittal of applications for residential and commercial building permits, sheet metal permits, plumbing and gas permits and electrical permits.

Paper permit applications will no longer be accepted as of October 1, 2015. If you do not own a computer or if you need assistance using a computer, both are

available. A computer station terminal is located on the mezzanine level of 100 North Street, immediately to the right upon entering the Health Department. Assistance can be obtained in the office or by contacting the Building Inspectors

office at (413) 499-9440 during normal business hours. Office hours are Monday –Friday 7:30am-3:00pm.

Applicants will no longer have to obtain signatures from other departments when submitting a permit application, however, should plans require review by the City of Pittsfield Fire Department, Health Department, Planning Department, Conservation Commission or Water & Sewer Department and cannot be uploaded with the online application, they must physically be brought to the Building Inspectors, who will

distribute said plans to those applicable departments. Applicants can mail a check payable to: City of Pittsfield – Building

Inspectors Department, 100 North Street Mezzanine Level, Pittsfield, MA 0120, or walk into our office utilizing the 10 Fenn Street entrance. For Plumbing and Gas Permits ONLY - Applicants will have the option of paying for their

permit online with Master Card and Discover Card or debit from a checking account.

APPLICANTS WHO REGISTER, (this takes less than 5 minutes) will benefit by the following:

Much of the information will auto-fill on the permit application after your original registration.

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Have an ability to view the status of their application and comments from other departments, including whether additional information is required.

Edit an application before the permit is issued. Add attachments (plans, pictures, specs, license(s), certificates of

insurance, etc.) to the application. The capability of “chatting” online directly with the Building Inspectors

staff. View inspection results. Track all permitting history including which permits remain open

requiring final inspections or completed.

STEPS TO FOLLOW

Step 1) Pop up blockers: Pop up blockers in windows must be shutoff. Microsoft

Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox are the preferable internet browser’s to use with this permit software.

Step 2) If you will be a registered user - Register with Full Circle Technologies,

Inc. Note: If you are already registered with Full Circle Technologies, Inc. for another city or town in Berkshire County, you do not have to create a new user

id. You may log on using your existing id.

Step 3) Apply for a permit as a Registered User or a New User

FILLING OUT A BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION, (after you have logged

onto the online permitting website).

Click on New Application located at the upper left hand side of the home page form.

Choose your street from the drop down menu. Choose your street number from the pulldown menu.

Select the appropriate permit application from the dropdown menu. Residential permit applications are for one and two family dwellings,

town houses and accessory uses (swimming pool, utility shed, gazebo, fence etc.). Commercial permit applications are for all other residential work, (multi-family dwelling, lodging facilities, hotels, motels etc.) and for

all commercial work. The Use Group for 1 & 2 Family Dwellings is currently; R 3 and almost

always, the Construction Type is: V B. For certain types of permit applications you will be prompted to submit

an attachment. If for some reason you cannot complete the attachment,

submit the attachment even if incomplete.

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Please mail or hand deliver a check payable to; City of Pittsfield – Building Inspectors, 100 North Street, Mezzanine Level, Pittsfield, MA 01201

ADDING ATTACHMENTS TO A PERMIT APPLICATION:

After you submit your application, a page appears notifying you that your New Preliminary Application has been received. Click on the exit button at the bottom

of the page, and it will return to the home page. Select your permit by clicking in circle in the column heading “A” … on the far left side of the home page. On the

far right of the page under the heading, “My Options”, click on the dropdown menu. Click on “add attachments” and follow the prompts to add

site plans, drawings and documents etc.

INSPECTIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS:

Construction or work, for which a permit is required, shall be subject to inspection by the building official and such construction or work shall remain

accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved. Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of

the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or of

other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid. It shall be the duty of the permit applicant to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes. Neither the building official nor the jurisdiction shall be liable

for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.

Preliminary inspection:

Before issuing a permit, the building official is authorized to examine all buildings, structures and sites for which an application has been filed.

Required inspections:

Footing and foundation inspection. Footing and foundation inspections shall be made after excavations for footings are complete and any required reinforcing steel is in place. For concrete foundations, any required forms

shall be in place and any required reinforcing steel prior to the inspection. Materials for the foundation shall be on the job, except where concrete is

ready mixed in accordance with ASTM C 94, the concrete need not be on the job.

Foundation Drainage Inspection. A foundation drainage system inspection and approval shall be made prior to backfilling the foundation to ensure compliance with IRC 2009 section R405.

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Foundation Waterproofing and or Damp proofing Inspection. A foundation waterproofing and or damp proofing inspection and approval

shall be made prior to backfilling the foundation to ensure compliance with IRC 2009 section R406.

Concrete slab and under-floor inspection. Concrete slab and under-floor

inspections shall be made after in-slab or under-floor reinforcing steel and building service equipment, conduit, piping accessories and other

ancillary equipment items are in place, but before any concrete is placed or floor sheathing installed, including the subfloor.

Lowest floor elevation. In flood hazard areas, upon placement of the lowest floor, including the basement, and prior to further vertical construction, the elevation certification shall be submitted to the building

official. Frame inspection. Framing inspections shall be made after the roof deck

or sheathing, all framing, fire blocking, fire caulking and bracing are in place and pipes, chimneys and vents to be concealed are complete and the

rough electrical, plumbing, heating wires, pipes and ducts are approved. Lath and gypsum board inspection. Lath and gypsum board inspections

shall be made after lathing and gypsum board, interior and exterior, is in

place, but before any plastering is applied or gypsum board joints and fasteners are taped and finished.

Exception: Gypsum board that is not part of a fire-resistance-rated assembly or a shear assembly.

Energy efficiency inspections. Inspections shall be made to determine

compliance with IEBC 2009 with Mass. Amendments. In Stretch Code communities, compliance with 780 CMR Appendix AA shall include, but

not be limited to, inspections for: envelope insulation R- and U-values, fenestration U-value, duct system R-value, and HVAC and water-heating equipment efficiency.

Other inspections. In addition to the inspections specified above, the building official is authorized to make or require other inspections of

any construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this code and other laws that are enforced by the department of building safety.

Final inspection. The final inspection shall be made after all work required by the permit is completed and approved.

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New Buildings or Dwellings & Additions & Change of Use

A. A water supply, (where applicable) must be installed prior to the issuance of a building permit.

B. A Disposal Works Permit (where applicable) from the Health Department. C. The Department of Public Works must review all plans for new

construction and when bedrooms are added to existing dwellings, or when a building changes use.

D. When an application for a permit must comply with the provisions of 780 CMR 4 or 780 CMR (7th edition) 9 or 780 CMR 34, one set of construction documents shall be transmitted to the head of the fire department for their

review and approval. E. Affidavit form must be submitted, stating where rubbish or debris will be

brought for disposal.

Required Inspections

The Building Official will inform the applicant of the required inspections for

each type of project.

Certificate of Occupancy

1. Final inspections completed and approved by all of the required departments.

2. Certificate of Compliance (septic system), where applicable, from Health Dept.

3. Building or House Street numbers in place, (4) four inch minimum numbers and a contrasting color.

4. Copy of Business Certificate (where applicable), apply to the City Clerk.

Fees Fees can be found in Chapter 24, Section 1 of the City Code – Click here

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XII. Sign Permits

On June 28, 2005, the City Council enacted certain amendments to the City’s Sign Ordinance, including designating the Zoning Board of Appeals (the

Board) as the Sign Appeals Board. Any person seeking to install a sign not in conformity with the City’s Sign

Ordinance may request an exception by completing the Zoning Board of Appeals

Application. Applicants are encouraged to work with the planning staff in the Department of Community Development to complete an application.

The application must be accompanied by:

1) A copy of the building inspector’s decision of denial 2) A drawing of the proposed sign, with sufficient detail to allow the

Board to fully understand the nature of the sign and how it would

deviate from the Sign Ordinance regulations. 3) Four (4) copies of the application

4) An application fee in the amount of $50.00 addressed to the City of Pittsfield, and a legal advertisement fee in the amount of $111.50

addressed to The Berkshire Eagle. Once the application is received, the public hearing must be scheduled at least

sixty five (65) days from the date of filing. At least fourteen (14) days in advance for the hearing, the Board will publish a notice stating the date time and location

of the hearing, and will notify in writing the applicant and abutters of the location of the proposed sign.

The Board may, within its discretion, grant exception in cases that involve practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships when the Board finds:

1) That the alleged hardships and /or practical difficulties are peculiar to the premises, the business, or the person requesting the exception, and

result from conditions which do not exist generally throughout the City; and

2) That allowing the exception will result in a balance of the competing

interests, considering the public benefits intended to be secured by this Chapter, the individual hardships that will be suffered by the failure of

the Board to grant an exception, the compatibility of the proposed exception with its surroundings, and the rights of others whose

property would be affected by the allowance of the exception. It is suggested that these factors be taken into consideration when preparing the

application.

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XIII. Related Permits The majority of projects will require additional permits outside the realm

of Zoning, Wetlands, and Subdivision laws. These permits will be called “Related Permits”. Related permits may be within the City, state, or federal

jurisdictions. The following is a summary of the most common related permits.

City Permits

Department of Public Works New or altered driveways on any City or State road require the filing, review, and approval of an Application; a mark out by the Water Department, and a

Driveway Inspection by the Engineering Department. If any excavation work will be done within any City Right-of-ways, an excavation permit will also be

necessary. Excavation Permit

Any subsurface work within the City of Pittsfield that is within a Right-of-Way will need an excavation permit. This is meant to make sure that all City utilities are located before any work commences.

Sewer Permit A sewer permit is required for all construction, alteration, or disruption of any

new or existing residential or non-residential connection to any public sanitary sewer.

Water Permit A Water permit is required for all construction, alteration, or disruption of any new or existing residential or non-residential connection to any public water

main. Building Inspections Department

Demolition Permit

A demolition permit is required prior to any proposed demolition work to an existing structure.

Building Permit A building permit is required prior to any residential or non-residential

construction and associated activities and after completing a Site Plan Review. Occupancy Permit An occupancy permit is required prior to any residential or non-residential

structure being occupied. The Building Inspector will verify that all permits and conditions have been obtained and complied with prior issuance.

Building Inspections during Construction During construction the following utility and safety inspections shall be scheduled as required:

Electric

Gas

Construction

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Plumbing

Elevators

Health Department and Inspections Food Permits A food permit is required for numerous food establishments, permanent and

non-permanent:

Temporary Food Establishments

Non-profit Food Establishments

Food-service

Mobile Food Vendor

Residential Kitchen

Catering

Food Retail

Farmer’s Market

Swimming Pools

Public, Semi-Public, or Special Purpose

Tobacco Sales - (Restrictions Apply) Mobile Home Parks

Body Art Funeral Director

Tanning Establishment Hotel/Motel

Well Construction Permit A Well Construction permit is required for a new well or the destruction of an existing well.

Camp A Camp permit is required in order to receive a license to operate a recreational

camp for children. Plan Renew Applications are required for:

Swimming Pools

Food Establishments

Title V

A title V permit is required for any construction of a new septic system or alteration of an existing septic system.

Inspection Witnessing Applications are required for:

Perc Tests

Septic Systems

Fire Department The Fire Department issues a multitude of permits for Uses such as storage of hazardous materials/flammables, gasoline stations, paint spray booths, above

and underground storage tanks, etc. For a complete list of permits and fees contact the Fire Department at 413-448-9764

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City Council City Council issues permits and licenses such as: Junk Dealers and Waste

Collectors licenses, Taxi Cab licenses, Special Permits for Shopping Plazas, Malls, Drive-thrus etc., and permits of the Storage of Flammable or Hazardous Materials.

Licensing Board Under the guidance of City Council, the Licensing Board issues a variety of licenses including but not limited to; Special Liquor licenses, Transient Vendors,

Hawkers and Peddler Vendor licenses, Second-hand articles, Lunch Wagons, Bowling Alleys, and Fortune Tellers.

State

Curb Cut Permit

A curb cut permit is required by the Massachusetts Highway Department for new or altered driveways on any State roadway.

Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) MEPA requires the submission of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for “works, projects and activities” undertaken, funded or requiring a permit from

state agencies if the project exceeds specified thresholds. 401 Water Quality Certification

This is required by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for any project that will alter over 5,000 square feet of wetlands and/or the

dredging of more than 100 cubic yards of Land under Water as defined in the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. Forest Cutting Permit

The Massachusetts Forest Cutting Act requires landowners to file a Forest Cutting Plan with the Department of Environmental Management for the

harvesting of forest products that exceeds specified thresholds (MGL Chapter 132).

Federal (Section 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act) Required by the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) for work affecting the “course, location, condition or capacity” of navigable rivers and tidal areas.