Show All Answers

1. What information do you have?

Historical and current maps, plans, and record drawings are available for viewing. Some sets of documents have been scanned to digital image formats and others are stored as original hardcopy. These documents are useful for a variety of purposes including license and variance applications, utility connection verification, historical analysis, environmental research, defining of property edges, and verifying of ownership information. Maps and plans kept on file at the Engineering Division include:
• Utility Layouts (sanitary sewer, water, and stormwater drainage)
• Street Layouts, Acceptance Plans, and Field Books
• Street and Property Histories (some records)
• Assessor’s Maps (current and historical)
• Aerial Photos
• Construction Contract Drawings (Roadway, Sanitary Sewer, Water and Stormwater
• FEMA Flood Zone Maps
• Historical Maps of Framingham

2. Do I need to have permission to widen, move or add another driveway on my property?

Yes. Each request for construction or modification of a driveway apron or curb cut shall be made through an application for a Public Way Access Permit (PWAP). PWAP application forms and requirements are available at the Department of Public Works Engineering Division, Administration Division, and the Town's website. Such application should state the reasons for the driveway and shall be accompanied by a sketch showing the lot sidelines, approximate location of the house, any garage, location of sidewalk, the proposed driveway, and the existing driveway. The width of the proposed and existing driveway and curb cut must be provided. Please note that any proposed work within the public way will also require a Street Opening Permit. PWAP Application

3. Can I plant flowers or put up a fence near the roadway?

Any work within the public Right-of-Way is regulated by the Department of Public Works and must be permitted through the Engineering Division. Unauthorized, non-permitted encroachments within the public Right-of-way are not allowed. Non-permitted encroachments can present safety hazards to the public and increase the costs of public infrastructure maintenance.

4. Where do I acquire a GIS map?

Town of Framingham Geographic Information System Data can be purchased at the Department of Public Works Engineering Division.

5. Will the City survey my property?

No. The Town only surveys properties that involve Town projects. However, if the property is on an accepted public way, the Engineering Division can stake the location of the street right-of-way line that abuts the property. The property corners will not be located since that is a private matter. It is recommended that any resident who is investing in property line landscaping or fences, have his/her property staked out by a registered land surveyor.

6. Does the City have copies of the flood insurance maps developed for Framingham?

Yes. The City's Engineering Division has copies of FEMA flood insurance maps. However, the flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs) can also be viewed and printed, for a small fee, from FEMA’s website. The Conservation Commission and the Building Department also have copies of the flood insurance maps.

FEMA Website

7. Will the City locate my utility services for me?

Yes. The Department of Public Works Water, Sewer and Highway Divisions will locate the following utilities; water, sewer and storm drainage. Others are responsible for locating the electric, gas, telephone and cable TV utilities.

8. Can I get a lower speed limit on my street?

In order for a speed limit to be changed, a speed study must be performed. Speed studies take into account geometry of the roadway, physical characteristics of the area, and the speed of which the majority of the vehicles currently travel. In many cases, a study concludes that the speed limit should be raised.

9. Can I get stop signs erected to slow traffic?

Certain conditions must be met in order for a Stop sign to be erected. These conditions, or warrants, are set forth in the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The MUTCD is a national code for traffic signage/regulation. Slowing or discouraging traffic is not a warrant for posting stop signs.

10. Does the City allow residents/businesses to connect a private stormwater drain to the City’s stormwater drainage system?

Private connections to the public stormwater drainage system are discouraged. However, if sufficient justification of hardship or safety are presented, an engineer-stamped drawing is provided meeting drainage connection requirements, and after the Engineering Division has checked the area to be certain that the City system has the capacity to handle the drainage discharge, residents may be permitted to connect a private drain to the City stormwater drainage system.

11. What do I do if I have a drainage problem from the roadway onto my property?

Call either the Engineering Division or the Highway Department (508-532-6030). Someone from the Highway Department will come to look at the property, and if it is determined to be a problem caused by the roadway, the Highway Department will fix the problem or work with the Engineering Division to find an engineering solution.

12. Who is responsible for cleaning out the drainage ditches (channels) on my property?

The property owner is responsible for keeping all open water channels on their property clear of debris. It is good neighborliness to clean out drainage channels on your property so that your upstream neighbors are not flooded. Please do not dump any vegetative waste or pet waste into the drainage channels. Instead, bag your yard waste and take it to the City’s Leaf Dump. The City is responsible for cleaning culverts under roadways.