Permits

A permit from the Engineering Division may be required for activities that include:

  • Work in the Public Right of Way
  • Sidewalks, Curbs, or Driveways
  • Drainage Improvements or Discharge
  • Sanitary Sewer or Water Connections
  • Trenching

Street Occupancy and Trench Permits

Street Occupancy and Trench Permits can be applied for online at https://wellesleyma.portal.opengov.com and cover a wide variety of activities including:

  • Any type of excavation in the public right-of-way such as installing, repairing or replacing water services, sewer laterals or any type of underground utilities, etc. (Water and sewer utilities shall be placed in separate trenches (ten feet apart) in accordance with Mass DEP Guidelines.) 
  • Any subsurface excavation on private property greater than 3’ in depth, and is 15’ or less between soil walls as measured from the bottom. 
  • Repairing or replacing any sidewalk in the public right-of-way. 
  • Resurfacing, widening or closing in an existing driveway. 
  • Installing a new driveway or walkways. 
  • Installing, replacing or removing street curbing. 
  • Storing materials, dumpsters or equipment in the public right-of-way. 
  • Parking any heavy equipment such as cranes in a public street. 
  • Moving any oversized vehicles or overweight equipment or loads on public streets. 
  • Moving a building on public streets. 
  • Installing a new street, which will become officially dedicated to the town upon completion. 
  • Installing or placing planters or other decorative ornaments in the public right-of-way. 

Permits for excavation work within Town public ways (streets and sidewalks) are issued each calendar year from April through November. Specific dates are announced each year. All excavations must be completed, backfilled and restored to its preconstruction condition on or before the deadline date. All projects requiring excavation within the public way should take this schedule into consideration. 

Street  Occupancy/Trench Permits are required if residents are planning to upgrade their underground utility services or make connections to a municipal or privately owned utility system.  This includes water, drainage, sewer, gas, electric, telephone, or cable TV.  Permits are also required for paving or reconstructing driveway aprons and for locating dumpsters within town public ways or sidewalks.  All contractors must contact the Engineering Division (781-235-7600 Ext. 3314) a minimum of 72 hours before work begins (excluding weekends and holidays). An approved permit must be on site when work begins.  

Contractors should note:

  •  All trenches must comply with OSHA requirements.
  • Unless approved by the Department of Public Works, water and sewer utilities shall be placed in separate trenches in accordance with Mass DEP Guidelines.
  • Contractors are required to be bonded with the town before pulling permits for utility work, and driveway and paving work on public and private property. Please fill out the Registration for Street Occupancy and Trench Permits Linked Here.

Permit submission have moved to an online portal. For further information and instructions, please visit https://wellesleyma.portal.opengov.com/categories/1079. All currently bonded contractors will need to annually renew their registration online, and will be issued a renewal notice in March.

Paper applications are no longer accepted. 

Permitting questions should be directed to Rafi Razzaque, 781-235-7600, Ext. 3314 or emailed at rrazzaque@wellesleyma.gov Appointments may be scheduled during DPW office hours of 8:00-12:00 p.m. and 1:30-3:00 p.m.  Monday-Friday at the Department of Public Works at 20 Municipal Way.

For additional information, please refer to:

Curb Cut Request

All requests for new curb cuts and driveway aprons, or alternations to an existing curb cut and driveway apron must be approved by the Town Engineer. Additional information is available in the Town of Wellesley Policy Governing Driveway Aprons and Curb Cuts Applications for a curb cut request are available at https://wellesleyma.portal.opengov.com 

Sewer Service Connections

Connections to the Town sewer system must follow the Sewer Service Connection Procedures and Specifications. Please call 781-235-7600, ext. 3315 to apply for a sewer service connection.

Temporary Dewatering Permit

Temporary discharge of groundwater to the town’s drainage system during construction may be permitted at the discretion of the Engineering Department. Typically, dewatered effluent is required to be free of excessive turbidity. Unauthorized discharges will be required to be removed and may also face additional measures. To discuss a temporary dewatering permit, please call 781-235-7600, ext. 3315.

Permanent Drainage Connection to Town System

Under certain conditions, private landowners may be permitted to discharge permanent drainage connections to the town’s infrastructure. For additional information, refer to Municipal Stormwater Drainage Rules and Regulations. To apply for a permanent drainage connection, please call 781-235-7600, ext. 3315.

Petitions to Make Minor Temporary Repairs to Private Ways

The responsibility for maintenance of private ways is the responsibility of private abutters; however, under certain conditions, the Town may make temporary minor repairs. For additional information and to submit an application, refer to Petition for Repairs to Private Ways.

Swimming Pool Discharges

Per the Town’s stormwater rules and regulations, permanent connections to the town’s drainage system for the purpose of periodic emptying of swimming pools are prohibited. Temporary discharge of dechlorinated swimming pool water may be permitted at the discretion of the Engineering Department. Additional information may be found in the Guidelines for Proper Swimming Pool or Spa Drainage. Contact the Engineering Division at least 48 hours prior to the discharge of the dechlorinated water.