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1. When is a Sewer Connection Permit required?

A ”Sewer Connection Permit”, (fee structure is based on type of building and flow-please see Attachment “A-1” for Fee Schedule), is required to connect a building to the City of Fitchburg Sanitary Sewer System versus having a Private Sewerage Disposal System. A Utility Site Plan is required to accompany the application. Please see Attachment “A-2” for requirements of a Utility Site Plan.

2. When is a Street Excavation Permit required?

A “Street Excavation Permit”, $350 flat rate fee, is required when excavating in the City of Fitchburg Street Layout. This permit could be for the installation of a gas, water, sewer, drain, electrical, or service repairs from the utility to the building.

3. When is a Driveway Permit required?

A “Driveway Permit”, no fee required, is required to install a driveway, sometimes referred to as a “Curb Cut”, from the roadway to the building property. A sketch/plan of proposed driveway is required on/with the Application.

4. When is a Street / Sidewalk Occupation Permit required?

A “Street/Sidewalk Occupation Permit”, no fee required, is required when the Street or Sidewalk will be closed to traffic. An example of this is when it is required to excavate across a street or a dumpster must be place in the Street Layout temporarily.

5. When is an Outdoor Dining License required?

An “Outdoor Dining License”, no fee required, is required when an establishment shall occupy City of Fitchburg Property for seasonal dining purposes.

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1. What is a Street Line Survey?

A ”Street Line Survey” is the physical staking/marking/survey layout of the street property line along your property’s frontage along the street. This is the “common line” that defines the extent of Private Ownership, (what the Property/Parcel owner’s deed describes), and the extent of City of Fitchburg Ownership, (what the City refers to as “Street Layout”). DPW Engineering does not stake out your private property corners.

2. What is a Tree Location?

A “Tree Location” is used for the determination of the ownership of a tree that is in question along the frontage of a property along a public street (not all streets are owned by the City of Fitchburg) or abutting a City owned parcel. A tree is determined to be owned by the City if the majority of the tree’s base is located within the “Street Layout” or on City Property.

3. What is a Dig Safe Mark Out?

A “Dig Safe Mark Out” is the physical painting/marking/staking/survey layout of any sewer and or drain pipes that the Department of Public Works Engineering Division has record of on file in the office. A sketch or plan of proposed excavation is required to assist with determining the “limits” of the necessary delineation of utilities in the field.

In accordance with Dig Safe’s color coding system all marking of sewer and drain shall be done in the color green unless otherwise specified. In the rare occurrence where no record information is on file, the dig safe mark out shall read “Location Unknown”.

Please note that the City of Fitchburg is not a part of Dig Safe System, Inc. and should be notified separately. Water lines are marked out by the City of Fitchburg’s Water Division’s Engineers and they can be reached by phone at 978-345-9616. Contact Dig Safe before you dig, it’s the law. DigSafe Website

4. What are Mapping Services?

“Mapping Services” is typically the reproduction of existing plans on file in this office or brought into this office. Creation of maps and plans is also done by this Division but complexity of creation greatly determines time frame for completion due to limited personnel.

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1. Who do I talk to about available commercial space?

Various commercial brokers can be helpful.

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1. What are the business hours at the Municipal Offices?

City Hall is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm, with the exception of the Building Dept which opens at 7am.

2. Where do I obtain a copy of the City Council agenda or meeting minutes?

City Council agendas are available online in the Agenda Center or can be requested in person at the City Clerk's Offices at 166 Boulder Dive, Suite 108. Agenda Center

3. What is the make-up of the City Council?

The Fitchburg City Council consists of 11 members. 5 Councilors-at-Large elected by the general voting population of the City and 6 Ward Councilors elected by the residents of their specific ward. For a list of all our current City Councilors and contact info please follow the link below. City Council

4. Where can I find a copy of the City Code

The City Code can be found at the following link: City Code online

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1. What are the Landfill hours?

The Landfill is open to residents on Monday 8:00 am-3:00 pm (yard waste only), Wednesday 7:30 am-3:00 pm, Friday 7:30 am-12:00 pm and Saturday 7:30-1:00 pm.

2. What do I do with my used Christmas tree?

The City picks up Christmas trees early January. Please see the Health Department's Rubbish & Recycling page for the current schedule.

3. My trash or recycling was not picked up. Who do I notify?

Please go to the Health Department page and look for the "Report Missed Trash Collection" under Rubbish & Recycling.

4. How can I get my trash or recycling cart repaired?

Broken wheels, lids or carts need to be notified to the Health Department at 978-829-1870

5. What if something does not fit in my cart?

Bulk items are not picked up during the regular collection so please don't put them at the curb. They can be collected by appointment for a fee. For a comprehensive list of solutions, please visit the Rubbish & Recycling page under the Health Department.

6. How can I obtain trash or recycling carts?

Carts are delivered by the Health Department. Please call 978-829-1870 for delivery and fee schedules.

7. When can I put my trash and recycling carts at the curb?

Carts can only be at the curb from 12 hours before to 12 hours after collection. They must be stored away from the curb at any other time.

8. When is my trash or recycling pickup?

Trash collection is performed weekly and recycling bi-weekly. For your specific collection day, please visit the Trash and Recycling page under the Health Department.

9. How can I get an inspection of my home?

Simply call the office at 978-829-1870 , option 0, and request an inspection. You will be put in contact with the inspector that covers your area. Inspections will be conducted within 7 days of request. You can also go to the Housing page under Health Department to fill out a form request.

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1. How do I get a Library card?

Library cards are free to Massachusetts residents. See here for information.

2. Where can I park when using the Library?

Free parking is available at the Library lot adjacent to the Youth Library, at the corner of Boulder Drive and Newton Place. Parking is also available across Newton Place in the municipal lot. In addition, metered parking is available on adjacent streets.

3. Do you have computers I can use to access the internet and print?

Public access computers are available for use with a library card for one hour at no charge. Printing is $.10 per page in black & white, and $1 per page for color.

You can also print from anywhere using this link.

4. How much does it cost to fax documents?

Documents will be faxed to domestic locations for $1 for the first page, and $.50 for subsequent pages to the same number. We do not receive faxes.

5. Is there a charge to scan documents to a flash drive?

There is no charge for scanning. Documents can be emailed, or copied to a USB flash drive, which are available for purchase at the Library for $6.

6. How do I download library ebooks?

We will help you download ebooks from the Library! Information here on how to download ebooks & mags

7. How do I access my Library account to see what I have borrowed or what I owe?

Use your Library card number and pin (available from a Librarian) to access your account. Pay fines here also. Go to this page, using card number & pin.

8. How old does my child have to be to get a Library card?

Children must be 5 years of age to get a library card.

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1. I've rented the Stonehouse and nobody came to open the doors. Who can I call?

Please call the DPW 24-hour hotline at 978-829-1900. The phone is answered by dispatch on Mon-Fri from 7:00 - 3:00 PM. All other hours it's answered by a service center which will contact a DPW employee to come assist you. If you are calling in off hours please allow the phone to ring, it will be answered 100% of the time.

2. How do I rent the Coggshall Park Stone House?

The Stone House is available for rental during park hours year round. To rent the stone house you need to submit a rental application and a $25 deposit. More information

3. Do I need a Park Permit?

All events in a City of Fitchburg Park, Playground, and/or Field require a park permit. To apply for a park. Permits Applications are available on the Parks and Recreation Website. Events expecting more that 50 guests should plan on filling out a City of Fitchburg Public Assembly form through the Fitchburg Fire Department.

4. Can I have a private event in the Parks?

All City of Fitchburg Parks, Playgrounds and Fields are open to the public. No groups or persons holding a permit from the Recreation Department may block off the park or close it to the public without the express approval of the Board of Park Commissioners. To get on the next Board of Park Commissioners agenda please contact the Recreation Director.

5. How much does it cost to rent the Henry P. Coggshall Stone House?

The Stonehouse has a 4 hour minimum reservation fee for $100. After 4 hours it's $25 an hour. A $25 deposit will be due upon reservation. The remainder must be paid in full one week before your event.