In preparation for when Massachusetts lifts its COVID-19 shutdown, the Town of Watertown will begin to accept building permits.
Watertown Building Inspector Peter McLaughlin sent out details of how builders can submit plans on Monday afternoon. In mid-March, the Town stopped construction in Town and announced it would not accept applications for new projects as part of efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.
A week later, the State issued a ruling that allowed some construction, such as residential projects, so some projects could continue construction in Watertown, but the application process remained halted.
The latest order from Gov. Charlie Baker extended the State of Emergency, which includes halting of some construction, until May 18. The Watertown Department of Community Development and Planning said Monday they would begin accepting applications online and through the mail, but added the permits will not be granted until the Governor lifts the State of Emergency.
In the announcement sent out by the town, officials said: Be patient. We will get to every application as quickly and safely as possible. We know you want to get back to work but we must continue to follow guidelines set forth.
See Watertown’s building application forms by clicking here.
The Town sent out the following information:
The Watertown Department of Community Development and Planning is now accepting and reviewing Building Permit applications through our on-line portal and through the mail.
Please note the following:
- No new permits will be issued until the Governor lifts the State of
Emergency. Reviewing applications now, will forgo any more delay when permits can be issued. Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first serve basis and no exceptions will be made. We currently have a que of applications submitted prior to the shut-down which will take priority, the only exception will be emergency situations such as an active roof leak. - Any application that is incomplete will not be reviewed until all necessary documents are provided. We will communicate through email and/or by phone. Once we have a complete package, the application will go into the que – we will not ‘move to the front of the line’.
- Any application requiring DPW approval must be submitted to DPW prior to being submitted to the Building Department. 617-972-6420
- Be patient. We will get to every application as quickly and safely as
possible. We know you want to get back to work but we must continue to follow guidelines set forth.
We thank everyone for their patience
Peter McLaughlin
Building Commissioner
617-972-6480