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CITY OF NEW BEDFORD
Mayor Jon Mitchell
Department of Planning, Housing and Community Development
Patrick J. Sullivan, Director
GUIDE TO PERMITTING
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CITY OF NEW BEDFORD GUIDE TO PERMITTING
The City of New Bedford is committed to an open, streamlined and transparent permitting process.
New Bedford recognizes that a streamlined, transparent, and efficient permitting process is vital to
attracting sustainable new investment and job growth. Recognizing that the permitting process can be a
lengthy process that may lead to unnecessary delays and increased expenses, the City of New Bedford has
implemented an open, streamlined and transparent permitting process that expedites all projects, both
large and small, within the city.
By creating a streamlined and fully transparent permitting process, the city aims to foster communication
between permitting boards, commissions and developers; to standardize forms and applications, and to
provide the right contacts and necessary resources to aid applicants and the general public through what
can be a complex and unfamiliar process.
This guide provides information that will:
Guide applicants and the general public through the city’s application and approval process
Outline the functions of the Permitting Task Force
Introduce the permitting granting boards and city departments involved in the application
review and approval process.
Offer suggested best practices
Provide useful links to additional information
The Application & Approval Process. New Bedford’s process begins with active collaboration and
meaningful communication among city officials, permit applicants, consultants, and other community
stakeholders. Land use changes resulting from construction, new development, adaptive reuse,
redevelopment and other such changes are subject to regulations and ordinances managed largely by
municipal departments, boards, and commissions. New Bedford’s goal is to approve projects as efficiently
as possible. With good preparation and communication many projects—even large projects—may be
approved within 60 days.
Included within this guide is a list of city departments with contact information and brief descriptions of
what role they play in the regulatory process. A flow chart describing the process one would follow in the
permitting process gives a snapshot view of what to expect during this phase of development. Additional
information in this guide offers a comprehensive look into the City’s permitting application and approval
process since the timeframes for application review, public hearing notices, appeal periods, and fees can
vary for each permit.
Should you have any questions we encourage you to contact the City Department of Planning, Housing and
Community Development – Planning Division for assistance.
We are ready to work with you!
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Working your idea…If you have a project that you want to see approved and built in New Bedford, there
are a few important steps that will help get you there. Here’s what we recommend:
Establish Good Communication Early on
We encourage applicants to begin working with us as early as possible in the development of a
project to establish good communication with the necessary city agencies. Why? Good
communication is the best way to provide you with assistance through what can be a complex and
unfamiliar process. This is critical to ensure that in developing your project, the right steps are
efficiently and swiftly navigated at the outset—and throughout—the permitting process.
Create a Permitting Plan
Whether it is a small addition or a large commercial development, the permitting flowchart in this
booklet will guide you through the required actions/approvals for a project prior to submitting a
formal application and help you in creating your own permitting plan.
Utilize the Permitting Task Force
While anyone can request a pre-application meeting, applicants with complex development
projects are strongly recommended to attend a pre-application meeting of the Permitting Task
Force as described in detail elsewhere in this booklet. This allows for an informal review of your
development in its conceptual design stage, identifying potential issues that may/will arise for the
municipality, the applicant and impacted stakeholders.
Work with Experienced Professionals
In many cases projects may have been delayed due to incomplete or insufficient application
materials being submitted. This can become frustrating for the applicant and the city department
reviewing the application. It is important for applicant to work with engineers, architects and other
land development professionals who have experience with the type of project you are proposing
and the permitting process through which it must travel.
Submit a complete application
Many projects that initially provide complete applications to city departments often gain their
requisite approvals through the permitting process within a 60-day timeframe. However, it should
be noted that projects with complicated environmental constraints requiring multiple state and
federal agency reviews or other issues beyond the control of the City may have an extended
timeframe.
The Permitting Task Force. The city has streamlined its permitting process to ensure clarity and
accessibility for all prospective projects regardless of project scale with an eye toward enhanced business
expansion and recruitment. To help accomplish this, the Permitting Task Force serves as a “one-stop” shop
where applicants may meet with representatives from a variety of city departments relevant to their
specific project. The Permitting Task Force is comprised of a representative from each city department,
board and/or commission that is regularly involved in New Bedford’s permitting approval process.
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The Permitting Task Force is primarily made up of representatives from the following departments, boards
and commissions, as each project may require:
Planning Board
Zoning Board of Appeals
Conservation Commission
Historical Commission
Traffic Commission
Building Department
(Inspectional Services)
Public Safety
Department of Public
Infrastructure
Board of Health
Licensing
New Bedford Economic
Development Council
The city’s Permitting Task Force meets with potential applicants on a weekly basis when they are either in a
conceptual development phase or preparing for permitting. Such pre-application meetings are at the option
of the applicant but are encouraged as they reinforce proactive planning with applicants and help to ensure
that projects move efficiently through the city’s permitting process. These task force meetings assist
applicants to understand the permits that they must apply for, the order in which they should apply, and
what specific expectations—paperwork and timing—they face in going through the permitting process.
This pre-application meeting is an important part of the overall development process, providing a
collaborative forum where applicants can discuss their plans with multiple departments at one time, get
their questions answered and ready themselves for the specific types of relief and/or permitting they will
need to undertake their development.
The City of New Bedford takes pride in the way it conducts its permitting process and is ready to assist all
applicants. To set up a Permitting Task Force meeting to review your project, please contact the
Department of Inspectional Services at 508-979-1540.
City Department Guide. The following chart briefly highlights the functions undertaken by each
respective city department as it relates to the permitting process.
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(Also known as the Building Department)
DEPARTMENT
FUNCTIONS RELATED TO PERMITTING
Department of Inspectional
Services (DIS)
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Danny Romanowicz,
Commissioner
This department ensures construction safety and enforces, issues and
revokes permits under the provisions of the MA State Building Code for all
construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, demolition, removal,
inspection, installation of mechanical equipment, etc. DIS also ensures code
compliance associated with building safety, ingress and egress, energy
conservation, and sanitary conditions and conducts annual inspections of
required buildings and enforces specialized codes such as the Architectural
Access Code, the Plumbing & Gas Codes, the Electrical Code and the
provisions of the City’s Zoning Code, Sign Code, and other related
regulations. The Commissioner serves as the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
Department of Planning, Housing
and Community Development
(DPHCD)
Patrick J. Sullivan,
Director
The Planning Division of this department guides public and private land use
decisions, maintains the livability and character of the city and protects the
environmental integrity of the city by ensuring that development and
construction is in conformance with the City’s Zoning Code, Sign Code, Site
Plan Review, and long/short term development plans.
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City Department Guide. Continued.
DEPARTMENT
FUNCTIONS RELATED TO PERMITTING
Department of Public
Infrastructure (DPI)
Euzebio Arruda,
Commissioner
Manual Silva,
Deputy Commissioner
The DPI oversees the Water, Waste Water, Street Infrastructure and
Engineering Divisions. The Department is responsible for reviewing and
approving all water, wastewater and stormwater utility work including
assessment of service eligibility, project design basis as well as material and
construction standards. The Engineering Division provides comprehensive
engineering and technical support and services that promote infrastructure
improvements. The Division provides a wide range of technical assistance
and engineering services and provides recommendations to the city boards
and commissions and reviews projects for compliance with local, state, and
federal laws and regulations.
Fire Department
Michael Gomes,
Fire Chief
Ensures fire truck access and adequate water supply in case of fire. Ensures
building has required fire alarms, sprinklers, and other devices. Ensures
appropriate exit paths for evacuations if needed. Ensures potentially
hazardous activities such as welding are done safely.
Licensing Board
Nicholas Nanopoulos,
Director
The Licensing Board operates in accordance with Massachusetts General
Laws. It is the Licensing Board’s responsibility to consider the impact of its
approval in the granting of new or the renewal of existing licenses, and the
impact said license will have in the neighborhood, as well as to the overall
betterment to the City of New Bedford. The Licensing Board also conducts
violations hearings as warranted to ensure the public’s safety.
Traffic Commission
Scott Downing,
Executive Secretary
The Traffic Commission is responsible for the review and approval of all curb
cuts and street signage. It also serves as the operating agent for the city’s
public parking garages.
Health Department
Brenda Weis,
Director
The city’s Health Department ensures the protection of the public health by
enforcing state and local health codes and regulations.
Conservation Commission
Sarah Porter,
Conservation Agent
The Conservation Commission is charged with preserving the character and
natural resources of New Bedford through oversight of the location and
scope of all construction activities within wetland jurisdiction including the
100-foot Buffer Zone to wetlands, the 100-year floodplain, Certified Vernal
Pool Habitats, and coastal zone management.
New Bedford Economic
Development Council
Derek Santos,
Executive Director
The NBEDC is a nonprofit economic development organization that works
closely with a host of municipal departments on the permitting of a wide
variety of development projects and business expansions throughout the
city. The NBEDC is responsible for the management of the City’s Tax
Increment Financing Program, manages the operations of the New Bedford
Business Park, and administers a lending program targeted to small business
expansion.
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Guide to Commissions, Boards and Departments. The following provides a snapshot into the kinds of
permits and approvals available along with the correlating adjudicating contact information and meeting
schedules as may be applicable.
PERMIT/APPROVAL
AGENCY/DEPARTMENT
Permits relative to the
construction, reconstruction,
alteration, repair, demolition, use,
occupancy, and maintenance of
all buildings and structures
Department of Inspectional Services
Danny Romanowicz, Commissioner
133 William Street, Room 308 - 508.979.1540
[email protected]
http://www.newbedford-ma.gov/inspectional-services/
Site Plan Review, Special Permit,
Subdivision Review, & Approval
Not Required (Form A)
Planning Board
City Planner, Jennifer Clarke, AICP
133 William Street, Room 303 - 508.979.1488
[email protected]
http://www.newbedford-
ma.gov/Planning/planning.html
Approving authority for most
special permits, variances, signs,
comprehensive permits, and
administrative appeals
Zoning Board of Appeals
City Planner, Jennifer Clarke, AICP
133 William Street, Room 303 - 508.979.1488
[email protected]
http://www.newbedford-
ma.gov/Planning/planning.html
Line & grade applications, Water,
Wastewater and Storm Drain
Permits, NPDES, Stormwater
permits, Driveway Permits,
Residential Curb Cuts
Department of Public Infrastructure
Euzebio Arruda, Commissioner
Manuel Silva, Deputy Commissioner
1105 Shawmut Avenue 508.961.3054
[email protected]
http://www.newbedford-
ma.gov/dpi/overview_admin.html
Determines the appropriateness
of any changes to buildings and
structures located within the
boundaries of the Historic
Districts that are visible from
public ways. Demolition Review
New Bedford Historical Commission
Anne Louro, Preservation Planner
133 William Street, Room 303 508.979.1488
[email protected]
http://www.newbedford-
ma.gov/NRHistoric/NBHC/AboutUs.html
Issues licenses for the following:
Car Dealer, Auto Body Repairs,
Motel/Hotel, Common Victualler
– Food Service Establishment
Entertainment, Licenses to Sell
Alcoholic Beverages
Licensing Board
Nicholas Nanopoulos, Director
133 William Street, Room 206 508.979.1457
[email protected]
http://www.newbedford-
ma.gov/licensing/licensing.html
Commercial curb cuts
Traffic Commission
Scott Downing, Executive Secretary
51 Elm Street (Elm Street Garage) 508.979.1766
[email protected]
http://www.newbedford-ma.gov/traffic/traffic.html
Request for Determination of
Applicability (RDA), Notice of
Intent (NOI) Certificate of
Compliance, & Enforcement
Orders. Any proposed activity
within 100 feet of wetlands.
Conservation Commission
Sarah Porter, Conservation Agent
133 William Street, Room 301 508.979.6188
[email protected]
http://www.newbedford-ma.gov/Environmental/
EnvironmentalStewardshipMain.html
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Departmental Specifics. The following section is intended to highlight several of the key processes
involved in moving a development project through permitting.
Department of Planning, Housing and Community Development
Planning Division: Planning and Zoning Approval Process
Planning staff are responsible for managing a wide range of land use approvals which are then presented to
the Planning Board and/or Zoning Board of Appeals. These approvals require input from several other City
departments and divisions including: Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Public Infrastructure
(Engineering, Water, Wastewater and Storm Water), Fire, Police, School Department, and Health Department.
The planning and zoning staff review projects for conformance with the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Rules
& Regulations, Site Plan Review, and other land use rules. This staff also coordinates the review process
among the different departments, consolidate comments from departments and, upon project approval,
prepare the board or commission’s decision, which may include conditions recommended by one or more
reviewing departments.
When planning or zoning approval is not required but a project is within wetlands or within an historic
jurisdiction, prospective applicants should contact the appropriate division staff for guidance.
Planning Board Reviews and Permits :
ANR (Approval Not Required)
Preliminary Subdivision Plan
Definitive Subdivision Plan
Subdivision Amendments
Site Plan Review
Special Permits for Parking Reductions
Modification of Site Plan Approval
Zoning Amendments
Submittal Requirements
The submittal requirements for a specific application will vary depending on the nature of the
project, scope, and individual department review triggers. At a minimum, most applications will
require:
A detailed site plan, prepared and stamped, by an engineer, architect, or surveyor
Narrative describing Project
Existing Conditions
Proposed Conditions
Landscape Plan
Lighting Plan
Architectural drawings of any buildings to be constructed
Details regarding stormwater, sewer, water, or road connections
Erosion and sedimentation control plans
Stormwater management plan
Stormwater design calculations
Utility connection information
Zoning Board of Appeals’ Permits :
Special Permits (general)
Variances
Comprehensive Permits
Appeal of Building Inspector’s Decision
Findings
Variances or Special Permits from Parking
Requirements and Design Standards
Signage for dimensional variance
Special Permits (for common driveway,
parking if zero parking exists)
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Conservation Commission
Reviews, Permits and Submittal Requirements
The Conservation Commission is composed of a group of dedicated volunteers that have been appointed by
the Mayor and the City Council. The Commissioner’s share a common goal for the city: to provide assurance
and protection for natural resources in New Bedford. Their tasks include upholding the State and Local
regulations to ensure all Wetland Resource Areas in the Greater New Bedford area are protected. They hold
regularly scheduled meetings/hearings twice a month (1
st
and 3
rd
Tuesdays at 6.30PM in Room 314 of City
Hall) and issue permits to anyone from a homeowner, a City Department or a developer.
Conservation Commission Reviews and Permits :
Notice of Intent (NOI)
Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation
(ANRAD)
Request for an Amended Order of Conditions
Certificate of Compliance for an Order of Conditions
Extension Permits for an Order of Conditions
Request for Determination of Applicability
Submittal Requirements
The submittal requirements for a specific application will vary depending on the nature of the project,
scope, and individual department review triggers. At a minimum, most applications will require:
One original signed application form and one copy
Two sets of full size plans and two sets any supporting documentation.
PDF files of the application form, the plans, supporting documentation (such as
drainage calculations) are to be emailed directly to Sarah.Porter@newbedford-ma.gov.
or if large documents please provide on a CD.
Proof of ownership (copy of deed).
Radius map and abutters list, prepared by the City of New Bedford Dept. Planning,
Housing & Community Development.
Legal ad (placed in the Standard Times by Con Com)
The required Recording of the Order of Conditions at the Registry of Deeds
Additional detail on permitting requirements can be found at the following link on the Environmental
Stewardship web page: http://www.newbedford-ma.gov/environmental-stewardship/conservation-
commission/conservation-forms/
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Department of Public Infrastructure
Reviews, Permits and Submittal Requirements
The submittal requirements for a specific permit will vary, depending on the type of project, scope and
individual department review triggers. At a minimum, most permit applications will require one or more of
the following:
Department of Inspectional Services
Submittal Requirements
Sewer/Storm Drain, Water and Driveway Permits:
Three (3) sets of site plans depicting existing conditions and proposed work, and supporting
documentation (i.e. calculations, specifications, etc.).
Copy of a “stamped” foundation as-built plan and a copy of foundation permit issued by
Department of Inspectional Services (for new structures or additions).
Proof of ownership (copy of recorded deed) if the applicant has owned subject property less than
three (3) months.
Letter from owner authorizing their respective agent/representative to act on their behalf to
secure the permit(s).
Submittal Requirements
Disturbance, Obstruction and Trenching Permits:
Copy of the permit issued to the owner by the Department of Public Infrastructure to perform
the proposed work.
Plan depicting location (or verbal dimensions) of area involved and anticipated duration of the
obstruction and/or disturbance (i.e. digging, placement of roll-off
containers/dumpsters/scaffolding, etc.) within city of New Bedford sidewalks/roadways or
trenching to depths three (3) feet or greater on private property.
Dig Safe start date and number.
Current status as Bonded Contractor with the Department of Public Infrastructure when working
on city of New Bedford sidewalks/roadways.
Copy of a “stamped” foundation as-built plan and a copy of foundation permit issued by Dept of
Inspectional Services (for new structures or additions).
Proof of ownership (copy of recorded deed) if the applicant has owned subject property less than
three (3) months.
Letter from owner authorizing their respective agent/representative to act on their behalf to
secure the permit(s).
Submittal Requirements
Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP)/Fats, Oils and Grease Program (FOG) Permits:
Industrial businesses require the submittal of a completed Industrial Discharge Permit
Application (available on the city of New Bedford website) to the Department of Public
Infrastructure.
Restaurants and other food service establishments require the installation of a grease trap in
accordance with the Massachusetts Plumbing code and the respective sign-off by the
Department of Inspectional Services inspector, along with the submittal of a completed FOG
Application (also available on the City of New Bedford website) to the Department of Public
Infrastructure.
Auto repair shops require the installation of an MDC trap and the submittal of the “proof of
contract” to have the trap inspected/cleaned every six (6) months.
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Reviews, Permits and Submittal Requirements
Note: the following provides a highlight of permitting requirements. Please contact the Department of
Inspectional Services, directly, to determine exact inspectional requirements for your project.
You need a building permit when…
The improvement you contemplate will change your home’s use or “occupancy” from, say, a single
family to a multi-family dwelling.
You build a carport or garage, or convert the garage you have to another use.
You plan to wall in, roof, or attach a patio to your existing house.
The pool you’re building is deeper than 24 inches.
You build a retaining wall more than 4 feet high.
Submittal Requirements
New Construction Permit Process:
Foundation permit—2 week waiting period Residential (one & two family) New Construction, Additions
Submittals Needed Alterations
Building permit application porches 1 Porch, 2 Porches, 3 Porches
Proposed site plan 4 or more Porches
Building plans (3 sets) Multi-Family (Three or more Units) New Const. & Additions
Sewer entry Alterations
Water entry permits Steps and/or Platforms
Building Permit—no waiting Windows or Doors
Submittals Needed: Commercial and Industrial New Construction and Additions
Building permit application Alterations
As-built site plan Steps, Platforms, Loading Docks
Online Permit Center
Contractors are now able to apply for building permits online through the Online Permit Center or at one
of two conveniently placed kiosks located at 133 William Street Room #308. This includes building,
electrical, gas and plumbing permits.
Online Permit Center User Documents include applications for building, electrical and gas/plumbing
permitting.
This is a new way of doing business and customer service is our top priority. Training and assistance will
be available during normal business hours, weekdays 8:00AM to 4:00PM at 508.979.1540.
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Permits
Timeline and Additional Approvals
Demolition (75 years or older)
10-60 days. Demolition Delay Ordinance—Review by the City’s
Historical Commission and Approval by New Bedford City
Council
Driveway
5 days. Additional Approvals—Site Plan review is necessary if
driveway requires more than one curb cut (circular drive).
Foundation
10 days. Approval of other departments required prior to
issue of permit.
Single/Two-family permits
10 days. Additional Approvals required—foundation permit,
sewer, water
New buildings over 2,000 sq. ft.
10 days. Additional Approvals—Site Plan and/or Special
Permit approval from Planning Board/ZBA
Wireless communications
10 days. Additional Approvals—Special Permit from the ZBA
Title V
10 days
Plan review for food establishment
10 days
Process Overview
The graphic on page 13 of this guide provides an overview of a typical development’s permitting
process. For projects that also require approval from other boards or commissions, applicants are
encouraged to work with the Permitting Task Force to determine how to coordinate different
approvals. The timing varies depending on the project, as decisions from one commission may lead
to changes in the project that may have an impact on another application.
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Potential applicant discusses project with the City’s Department of Inspectional Services (DIS);
complex and/or larger projects may be encouraged to attend a Permitting Task Force Meeting for
assistance and guidance.
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Applicant applies for a building permit and receives rejection from the DIS. This rejection identifies
specific relief needed to move the project forward.
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Applicant submits rejection packet to the Planning Division.
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Planning staff directs applicant to the relevant application.
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Applicant completes the application and Planning staff reviews for completeness.
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Project is scheduled for public hearing at the Planning Board and/or Zoning Board of Appeals.
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Applications are distributed to relevant city departments for review/comment and notice is
provided to abutters. Legal advertising is published.
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Departments provide comments to Planning staff.
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Planning staff develops and distributes a staff report that provides a technical review of the
proposed project. This report is provided to the applicant and is made available online.
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Public hearing/s is/are conducted.
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Case is decided.
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Planning staff drafts Notice of Decision; decision is signed by the Planning Board Chair and/or ZBA
Clerk as applicable.
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Decision is filed with the City Clerk and mailed to applicant and abutters.
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A 20 day appeal period begins on the date of filing with City Clerk.
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If there is no appeal filed within that period, the applicant can return to the DIS for a building
permit.
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Applicant has twelve (12) months from the final approval in which to secure a building permit
before lapse.
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Planning staff
reviews
application for
completeness.
Application is placed on the next
Planning or Zoning Board agenda.
Application is reviewed by
Planning Staff and is shared with
other city departments to solicit
their input.
STAFF REPORT
Planning Staff develops a report for the board’s
consideration regarding the project. Staff Reports
are available by case/month online through the
city’s website.
DEPARTMENT of INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
Potential applicant applies for a building permit for intended work and receives
rejection from the DIS. This rejection identifies specific relief and/or action
needed from Planning Board and/or Zoning Board of Appeals.
PROJECT PERMIT INITIATION—PLANNING BOARD
and/or ZONING BOARD OF APEALS
Potential applicant makes initial contact with the City Planner
directly or the Inspector of Buildings to schedule a Permitting Task
Force Meeting. Project concept discussed and the potential
applicant is invited to meet with Planning Staff to ensure
completeness of application package.
YES
Application
packet is
complete.
NO
Application
packet is
incomplete.
Applicant receives
approval from
Planner to
officially submit
the application to
the City Clerk.
Planning advises
applicant of any
deficiencies in
packet. After
Packet is
amended,
submittal
documents are
reviewed again.
MODIFICATIONS
REVISINS OR
MODIFICATIONS OF
SITE PLAN APPROVALS
Any changes to a Plan must
be reviewed by the City
Planner to determine if a
new site plan modification
application is needed.
REVISIONS OR
MODIFICATIONS OF
VARIANCE, SPECIAL
PERMIT APPROVALS BY
THE ZBA
Changes differing from what
was approved require a review
by the Zoning Enforcement
Officer to determine next steps.
PUBLIC MEETING
Legally advertised
public
meeting/hearing is
conducted by the
respective board/s.
Case is approved,
denied or continued.
DECISIONS
Notice of Decision is
signed by a
representative of the
board and filed with
the City Clerk.
Statutory appeal
period begins.
DEVELOPMENT
If no appeal is filed,
project may proceed to
secure necessary
permits, abiding by any
conditions placed by
the board/s and begin
development.