Show All Answers

1. How do I find out if my property is in a Flood Plain?

The flood plain is included as a layer in the Dracut GIS map.

For a more detailed answer email the Building Department or go directly to the FEMA Flood Map website.

2. My neighbor has a rooster which wakes me up at 5am. Is this allowed, and if not, who do I complain to?

Backyard chickens are allowed, within limits which you can read online.  If you have further questions, please feel free to contact Animal Control or the Building Dept.

3. Backyard Chickens & Rooster Limitations are?

Backyard chickens & roosters keeping has increased in popularity and while as a Right-to-Farm town we encourage that, it has given rise to some conflict especially in densely developed neighborhoods.

 However it can be done successfully if some simple guidelines are followed: 

1. Talk to your neighbors. Unexpected changes are generally not welcomed, so stop by your neighbors and explain what you plan to do. The promise of the occasional fresh-laid egg always helps.
2. No more than one chicken per 4,000sq.ft. of area in which they are kept. (Zoning By-law 2.11.50) 
3. ROOSTERS. This is by far the main source of complaints. When chicks come from the supplier they are generally not sexed, so you can and likely will end up with one or more roosters. Often people are unsure as to what to do with them, but in the meantime they will awaken the entire neighborhood at the crack of dawn. You, the owner, may not object to this but your neighbors likely have different schedules, work 2^nd shift, etc. The hens are also much happier without the presence of a testosterone fueled rooster. It is strongly recommended that roosters not be kept.
4. Their coop is considered to be a shed, and should meet the shed rules (max of 120sq.ft, at least 10’ away from all lot lines, permit required.) 
5. Keep food in sealed containers. Rats are often unwelcome visitors to chicken coops but good hygiene can keep this to a minimum.
6. Have a plan for the waste and old bedding. Well-tended compost heaps can help solve this and be a boon to the garden.
7. Have a plan for the winter. Chickens don’t like cold and wet weather any more than we do, so make sure they have somewhere warm and safe.
8. “Good fences make good neighbors.” Make sure they don’t stray beyond your own property.

Good luck with your Backyard Chickens!

4. Where can I find a plot plan of my property?

The Building Department has “as-built” plot plans of most new construction and additions going back to approximately the 1980’s, which we would be happy to provide copies of.  Please email the request to the Building Department. If no work has been done on your property in that time period, we may not have one and you will likely need to employ a MA Registered Land Surveyor.   

5. Do I need a Building Permit to put up a fence?

No, as long as the fence is less than six feet high and you are confident (with help from a plot plan or a Registered Land Surveyor) that it is located entirely on your property. However, fences within 35 feet of a street intersection may not be higher than 42 inches above grade, so as not to obstruct the line of sight of drivers at the intersection. This rule is enforced by the Police Department. 

6. Do I need a permit to enlarge or re-pave my driveway?

Yes.  To apply for a permit to alter your driveway, please visit us on our online permitting system (Viewpoint). For more details, please contact Tina Rivard, Assistant Public Works Director/Stormwater Manager.

7. How do I file a complaint with the Building Department? 

Complaints are best done online using our online permitting system (Viewpoint). Your one stop shop for all Building Department needs (i.e. permits, inspections, etc.).

8. What type of work requires a Building Permit? 

In general, a permit is required to:

• construct
• reconstruct
• alter
• repair
• remove
• demolish a structure
• or to change the use of occupancy of a building/structure. 

9. What type of work does not require a building permit?

Ordinary, non-structural repairs (generally six sq. ft. or less), fences less than six feet in height, walls less than four feet high, one story detached shed, playhouses, etc. which are less than 120sq.ft. in area.  (Zoning requires that they meet front setbacks of 30’, side and rear setbacks of at least 10’.)