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GETTING STARTED
Needham welcomes you and your business. Depending on the nature of your business, its proposed location, and the amount of work you plan to do to the property, you will need to contact one or more of Needham's departments and boards. The first person you should contact is the Building Inspector (781-455-7542). He will guide you through the following steps.
ZONING
Needham has several business zones, with different uses allowed in each. To learn whether your proposed use and location conforms to zoning laws, contact the Building Inspector (781-455-7542) and/or the Planning Director (781-455-7526). Copies of Needham's Zoning By-Laws ($15) and zoning Map ($15) may be purchased at the Town clerk's Office located in Town Hall.
BUILDING PERMITS
Every new business requires an Occupancy Permit ($25). If you are doing ANY construction you will need a Building Permit which costs $.35 per sq. ft. (minimum $50). To apply for a building permit, contact the Building Inspector and provide him with a written description of your proposal, a preliminary floor plan, plus a site plan, including parking. Building Permits must be issued within 30 days from time of application. Wiring Permits ($50 minimum) and/or Plumbing Permits ($30 minimum), if needed, are available from the Building Inspector's office. Any appeal of the Building Inspector's decision must be filed with the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) within 30
ZONING APPEALS/
PLANNING BOARD
Most retail uses do not require Special Permit or zoning approval. If your proposed use of the premises is not permitted by right according to the Building Inspector, he will assist you in determining whether you need a Special Permit from the Planning Board or a Special Permit or Variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). The permitting authority in the Downtown Business District is the Planning Board.
For applicants seeking approval from the Planning Board, applications are available at the Planning Board office. The Planning Board will conduct either a "Major Project Review" or a "Minor Project Review". The typeof review to be performed by the Board will be determined by the Building Inspector. The fee for a major project review is $600. The fee for a minor project review is $100. Storefront renovations without an increase in floor area carry no fee.
For applicants seeking approval from the ZBA, applications are available in the Town Clerk's office. Filing fees vary from $100 to $200, and the ZBA meets as necessary to hear petitions.
Any project which has been approved by the Board of Appeals or Planning Board is subject to a 20 day appeal period (after the decision has been filed and stamped by the Town Clerk.) After the appeal period has expired, the applicant must first have the decision signed by the Town Clerk then recorded at the Registry of Deeds in Dedham and return the signed receipt to the Building Department with all required documents.
FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
All food establishments need a permit to operate (yearly fee). Before you begin any work, obtain a plan review packet from the Board of Health. Submit floor plans with proposed equipment as explained in the plan review packet. Written plan approval must be received before any work or construction begins. There is also a separate plan review fee. The Board of Health also regulates and licenses public and semi-public (e.g. hotel, condo) swimming pools, Title V Inspection for septic systems, tobacco sales, massage, tanning, day care, nursery schools, and recreational camps. Call the Board of Health for more information. The Board of Selectmen will issue a Common Victuallers License ($50 yearly). Food establishments meeting certain conditions, including a minimum of 100 seats, may apply for a liquor license from the Board of Selectmen ($625 to $1900 yearly fee).
SIGNS AND EXTERIOR CHANGES
All signs and exterior changes must be reviewed the Design Review Board and the Building Inspector ($25). Applications for sign permits as well as information concerning necessary Sign Insurance Certificates, Sign Occupancy Permits and General Sign By-Laws of Needham are obtained at the Building Inspector's office. It is important to consult with the Building Inspector concerning Needham's Sign By-Law before beginning the application process. The General By-law of Needham, which includes the Sign By-Law, is on sale at the Town Clerk's office ($10). A book of Design Guidelines for the Business Districts, providing a framework for physical improvements and a reference of the design review process, is available at the Town Clerk's Office ($5)
The Design Review Board meets twice a month. The Board strongly encourages an informal meeting on proposals for signs and exterior changes before final plans are drawn. Generally, completed applications (including plans and photographs of site) are decided upon in one meeting. No advance notice necessary.
BUSINESS CERTIFICATE
All businesses which are single proprietorships, partnerships or corporations with a d/lo/a (doing business as another name) must file with the Town Clerk every four years ($20). All other corporations file yearly with the Massachusetts Secretary of State's Department of Corporation and Taxation.
PHONE NUMBERS
Town Hall (781)455-7500
Board of Health
(Food Service) 781-455-7523
Board of Selectmen
(Victualers & Liquor Licenses) 781-455-7512
Design Review Board 781-455-7526
Planning Board 781-455-7526
Town Clerk 781-455-7510
Zoning Board of Appeals 781-455-7510
Dept. of Public Works
470 Dedham Ave.
Building Inspector Dept. 781-455-7542
Public Works Dept.781-455-7534
Fire Dept., 88 Chestnut St. 781-455-7580
Police Dept., 99 School St. 781-455-7570
Needham Business Association (NBA)
Box 920255, Needham, MA 02492 781-444-7980
For further information, consult the Needham General By-Laws and Zoning By-Laws, and any of the offices listed above. This guide does not constitute legal advice.
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