Did a tree fall in the middle of your cul-de-sac? Are you trying to figure out where, exactly, your wetlands begin? Are you dreaming about a new kitchen and have no idea when/if you need permits? Are you purchasing a home that had a lot of work done? Can’t remember the last time you had your septic tank pumped?
Although these may not be the questions that keep you up at night, they are very important to have answered. Fortunately, smack dab in the middle of Sudbury, at 275 Old Lancaster Road, the Sudbury Town Offices sit.
The Sudbury Town Office building houses the departments that know almost everything you may want to know about your home and property. As real estate professionals, this building is a second office for us. As a home owner, you should be just as familiar with the wonderful folks who can help you with almost anything you need to know about your house and property.
Please note, that most (not all) of the offices are open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. The main number is 978-443-2209 (all extensions listed below). Be prepared to pay for copies of whatever documents you would like – ranging from $0.25 to $1.00 each, depending on the size of the paper.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT (8 a.m. – 3 p.m.) x1361:
Thinking about adding on to or updating your house? Interested in knowing about the work that was done to the house you are buying? Talk to the Sudbury Building Department. These fine folks are responsible for issuing all permits related to building, plumbing, electrical and gas.
As you are not likely to stay in your house forever, you should be aware that most buyers like to know that permits have been issued for work that you have done to your house. If you have obtained a permit(s), it tells buyers that not only do you adhere to the rules, you don’t cut corners, and you have received assurance that the work that was performed was done so correctly and to code.
The Sudbury Building Department maintains all of the records and they can be viewed – in the office, at any time.
CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) x1370:
Many properties abut conservation land or have protected wetlands on the property. It is important to know about the restrictions you have as the homeowner when living with protected land. The Conservation Commission is responsible for implementing and enforcing the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Sudbury Wetlands Administration Bylaw.
According to the Town of Sudbury Wetlands Bylaws: “Lands within 100 feet of wetlands resource areas and within 200 feet of perennial streams and rivers are presumed important to the protection of these resources because activities undertaken in close proximity to wetlands and other resources have a high likelihood of adverse impact upon the wetland or other resource, either immediately, as a consequence of construction, or over time, as a consequence of daily operation or existence of the activities. These adverse impacts from construction and use can include, without limitation, erosion, siltation, loss of groundwater recharge, poor water quality, and harm to wildlife habitat. For this reason these adjacent upland areas are a valuable resource under this Bylaw. The Commission therefore may require that the applicant maintain a strip of continuous, undisturbed vegetative cover in part or all of the adjacent upland resource area and set other conditions on this area, unless the applicant provides evidence deemed sufficient by the Commission that the area or part of it may be disturbed without harm to the values protected by the law.”
In essence, if you have wetlands – be aware of where the 100-foot buffer zone is on your property and don’t do anything inside that zone. If you have questions, feel free to stop by or call Debbie Dineen at the Conservation Commission.
Also, the Conservation Commission meetings are open to the public. Residents are encouraged to attend the meetings.
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT (8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) x1389:
Would you like a copy of your property’s plot plan? Looking for the street plan or a great map of Sudbury? Have questions about your land?
Stop by the Engineering Department, which provides engineering services to various boards and committees, Town departments (police, fire, DPW, planning, conservation, Sudbury Water District and the Sudbury Public Schools).
HEALTH DEPARTMENT/BOARD OF HEALTH (8 a.m. – 3 p.m.) x1379:
It is good to know the folks at the Board of Health. They are responsible for evaluating your septic system and private well installations. They are also involved in other environmental health related issues, including housing code violations, mosquito control, hazardous waste, animal/rabies control, public ground water supplies and emergency preparedness.
When you are selling your house, you will need to have a Title 5 inspection done. The Board of Health retains all copies of the reports. They are also involved if a new system needs to be installed.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT (8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) x1221:
Did a tree fall in the middle of your street? Is your driveway flooded? Did someone swipe your street sign? Did you just bust a tire going over a pothole and need to tell someone? Call the Sudbury Highway Department.
The Highway Department is a division of the Department of Public Works and it is responsible for maintaining all the public streets and roads.
WATER DEPARTMENT
The Sudbury Water Department is on Raymond Road (from Route 20, right on Raymond, the building is on the right, across from the baseball field). You can pay your bill there, or ask questions about your water.
Although you can always call us for guidance, Sudbury’s resources are always available to you.
Carole Daniels and Gabrielle Daniels are The Daniels Team of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Sudbury. You may contact them by phone at 508-277-6956 (Carole cell), 617-320-8150 (Gabrielle Cell), or by Email to [email protected]
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