HomeMy Public PortalAboutCE BROCUREWHAT TOOLS ARE AVAILABLE FOR
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
ZONING ENFORCEMENT TO USE?
Zoning Enforcement utilizes a variety of
tools in an effort to achieve compliance.
Education is our primary tool as many indi-
viduals may be unaware of the rules and
regulations, permit processes, and whether
they have a violation.
If a violation is discovered, we will work with
the responsible person and provide a
timeframe to resolve the issue without pen-
alty. If education does not resolve the con-
dition, Zoning Enforcement may utilize the
following tools:
Administrative Citation — This remedy is
designed to address minor violations. The
Citation fines range from $100- $300 daily.
Abatement— This generally refers the re-
moval of a condition or use which is caus-
ing a public nuisance, by the Town. Penalty
fees and costs of the abatement can result
in a property lien.
Judicial Remedies — The two most com-
mon options are criminal prosecution or civil
injunction.
How Can I Obtain Assistance or Learn
More?
Please call 617.972.6427, or visit us on-line
at: www.watertown-ma.gov.
Although anonymous requests are not
encouraged, all information regarding who
submitted the complaint is kept confidential.
Thank you. We look forward to serving you.
FIRE/ POLICE EMERGENCY
POLICE /NON EMERGENCY
FIRE INSPECTION
FIRE NON EMERGENCY
BUILDING PERMITS
ZONING ENFORCEMENT
PLANNING
CONSERVATION
SENIOR CENTER
TRAFFIC DIVISION/POLICE
PUBLIC WORKS DEPT.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
FOOD PANTRY
HOUSING AUTHORITY
911
617.972.6500
617.972.6510
617.972.6567
617.972.6480
617.972.6427
617.972.6417
617.972.6426
617.972.6490
617.972.6547
617.972.6420
617.972.6446
617.972.6429
617.923.3950
DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING
ZONING CODE
ENFORCEMENT
Zoning Enforcement Office
149 Main Street, 2nd Floor
Watertown, MA
Telephone: 617-972-6427
Facsimile: 617-926-7778
www.ci.watertown.ma.us
mmena@watertown-ma.gov
WHAT IS ZONING CODE
ENFORCEMENT?
Zoning Enforcement is the commitment to pro-
vide a safe, healthy, and attractive living envi-
ronment for all the residents, businesses, and
visitors of the Town of Watertown through the
enforcement of Town Codes.
WHAT IS A ZONING CODE
ENFORCEMENT OFFICER?
A Zoning Enforcement Officer is an official who
enforces the zoning ordinance(s) of the Town of
Watertown. It is the mission of the Zoning En-
forcement Officer to enforce the Town's Zoning
Ordinance to ensure compliance in order to
promote and maintain a safe and desirable liv-
ing and work environment.
The Zoning Enforcement Office is committed to
administering a fair and unbiased resolution to
assist property owners and business come into
compliance with the Town's ordinance(s) and
land use requirements.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF
ZONING ENFORCEMENT &
OBTAINING PERMITS?
Here are some good reasons why everyone
must follow the Zoning Code:
1. Property/Home Insurance. Insurance will
not typically cover damage to a home
which was caused by unpermitted work (i.e.,
additions, electrical wiring, etc.).
2. Property Value(s). Your home or business
is an investment. If your property does not
comply with the Town's codes, the value of
your investment may be reduced.
3. Money. Often banks will not fund/ refinance
a home until the property is brought into com-
pliance with local ordinance. Likewise, banks
often will decline to finance a purchase with-
out proof of a final inspection.
4. Peace of Mind. Obtaining permits is a way
to ensure structures are safe for you and the
people you love. Inspectors make sure build-
ings comply with important building codes,
including checking the foundation, framing,
insulation, roofing, plumbing, door locks,
sheetrock and grading.
5. Consistent/Fair. Permits not only ensure a
safe living and work environment but they
also ensure a level playing field for every-
body in town, with businesses and residents
treated equally.
WHERE CAN I FIND OUT WHAT
THE ZONING CODES ARE?
One way to view the town's codes and
ordinances is by going to the town web -
site at www.watertown-ma.gov or stop-
ping by the Town Hall during regular
business hours. In addition, the website
has several handouts to help answer
some of the most common questions.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR
VIOLATING ZONING CODES?
Generally the first priority of the Zoning
Enforcement Officer is to work with the
property owner or business owner to bring
the property into compliance with the
Town's Zoning Ordinances without mov-
ing forward with Administrative Remedies
or Litigation. However, fines can be as-
sessed at no less than $100 and up to
$300 per violation.
Each day the property is out of compli-
ance can constitute a new violation and,
therefore, the fines can escalate quickly.