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Zoning

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1. How do I find my Zoning District?

Enter your location on the GIS map (see GIS Mapping within the Community Dev't and Planning Department heading). Under the General Information tab, page down to find the Zoning District.

2. What do I have to do to add a deck or addition to my home?

You need to know if your new project will meet the required distances to the lot lines without exceeding the maximum lot coverage. Find your property on the Zoning Map then check the Zoning Ordinance to see if you meet the criteria. If you are unable to make the determination, the Zoning Office can assist you: 617-972-6427 Zoning Map

3. How do I know what setbacks are required?

You can find the Table of Dimensional Regulations within the Zoning Ordinance, Article V, Section 5.04 (page 43). Locate the Zoning Ordinance on the home page under Quick Links.

4. What is a Plot Plan?

A plot plan is a drawing of your property prepared by a professional land surveyor. The plot plan will show the lot area, the dimensions of the structure, and setbacks to the lot lines on all sides of the property. For more information: Massachusetts Association of Land Surveyors & Civil Engineers www.malsce.org

A mortgage survey is not a plot plan. The mortgage plan is usually prepared by the mortgage holder for their puposes and a copy given to the homeowner. They usually contain disclaimers such as, "not to be used to locate property lines".

5. Can I run a business in my home?

The Watertown Zoning Ordinance states a distinct difference between a Home Office vs. Home Occupation.

Home Office - Business within the dwelling operated by the residents with no employees, no deliveries, and no customers that visit the site.

Home Occupation - Allowed by Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Business, occupation or sale of articles produced on the premises where sold, conducted in the dwelling by residents, allowing no more than two non-residential employees, not occupaying more than 25% of the area of the dwelling and not changing the residential character of the dwelling.

6. What are the rules on fencing and sheds?

- In residential districts, fencing cannot be higher than six feet.
- No requirement of finished or unfinished side of the fence facing the neighbor.
- Fences should only go on property lines if you have had your property surveyed. Do not guess -
putting up a fence and then having to take it down is costly.
- Consult the Zoning Office or the Zoning Ordinance on restrictions along driveways
- Sheds must be 5' away from all property lines
- Sheds larger than 8'x12' will require a Building Permit (applications available on-line within Building Department heading).

7. Do I need a permit to enlarge or extend my driveway?

- An approval is required from the Zoning Enforcement Officer for any changes to an existing driveway or when installing a new driveway.
- Re-paving an existing driveway without changes requires that your contractor obtain a permit from the Department of Public Works (DPW).
- There are dimensional requirements for parking spaces. Refer to the Zoning Ordinance on the Home page of this website.

8. What is Reasonable Accommodation?

The Department of Justice and the Department of Housing and Urban Development expressly prohibit, under the federal Fair Housing Act, the discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability. One type of disability discrimination prohibited by the Act is the refusal to make Reasonable Accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services when such accommodations may be necessary to afford a person with a disability the equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.

In order ensure the Town’s compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act; the town has implemented a new permit application process to streamline the review of instances where an accommodation is necessary for an individual’s or individuals’ disability. Below are links to the staff memorandums to the Commission on Disabilities, Application and Process Flow Chart, and the Reasonable Accommodation Questionnaire/ Application.

Feel free to contact the Zoning Office or Building Division for any questions you may have.

Memorandum to the Commission on Disabilities (March 20, 2012)

Memorandum to the Commission on Disabilities (April 18, 2012)

Application and Process Flow Chart

Reasonable Accommodation Questionnaire/Application