Frequently Asked Questions

The Department does not recommend Land Surveyors or Professional Engineers. However, you are welcome to look through our application files which contain contact information for these professionals. In addition, the Inspections Division maintains a list of Land Surveyors.

The Department Staff will review the Flood Insurance Rate Maps generated by FEMA and determine whether or not your property is within the floodplain. Based on your Floodplain designation and the proposed project the Department Staff will advise you as to what local permits from the Planning Board and Conservation Commission are required.

The Conservation Staff is available to make a site visit to determine the presence of jurisdictional wetland areas and advise you as to permitting requirements and processes. Generally work within 100 feet of a wetland and 200 feet of a perennial river will require Conservation Commission review. Staff is available to assist.

Please call the Department of Planning and Community Development 781-794-8230 for staff assistance.

The Zoning Bylaw can be viewed or downloaded by following the following link:  Town of Braintree, MA Table of Contents (ecode360.com)    

The Department charges a nominal fee for copying ($.20 a page). A full size plan sheet is currently $5 per copy. If a request for documentation requires staff time to research and compile, the charge will be the hourly rate of the administrative staff based on the number of hours required.

The Conservation Commission typically meets on the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Please check the Conservation Commission page for the current meeting schedule.

The Department keeps only plans approved by the Planning Board and Conservation Commission. If the property in question was part of an application submitted for review there may be a plan on file. Residents are urged to inquire to Planning and Community Development.