Building FAQs

Most numbered roads and some of the others (Ball Hill, Brook Station, Mountain, Leominster) have old county layout markers (granite square posts) which are marked WCH. These mark the edge of the Town’s property.

The way roads were measured back in the day were by rods. One rod is 16.5 feet long. Most secondary roads are 2 rods (33 feet) wide.

Note that the width of a road can vary along its length.

Consult the Highway Department for an exact width if you are concerned about setbacks or ownership of a tree.

• A permit is not needed if you plan to build a shed of 200 square feet or less
• Your shed must be 30 feet from back and side property lines and 50 feet from the street

The building department has up to 30 days to issue or deny a building permit. Most applications are approved within a week.

• Plans/drawings of work to be performed
• Plot plan showing:
  • Any existing building
  • Where proposed building/addition will be
  • Septic
  • Well
• Copy of Builders insurance coverage and/or HIC/or Construction Supervisor’s license

Massachusetts Building Code specifies that a permit is needed for new structures, additions, dormers, chimneys, woodstoves, decks, roofing, siding, windows, swimming pools, antennae and sheds.  WHAT ABOUT RENOVATIONS?