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Planning your Schedule and Understanding Requirements

  • Step 1: Understand your project requirements including permits.
  • Step 2: Obtain and complete necessary applications.
  • Step 3: Understand and fulfill all Board meeting schedules, Department office hours and Inspection requirements
  • Step 4: Manage requirements defined below and obtain required approvals and signatures defined on the Project Control Sheet (available in Downloadable Forms).

Understand your project's required reviews and approvals that are summarized below.

Assessors:

The Board of Assessors must certify that the Lot is a verifiable building lot.  

Hours: Office hours for the Assessors are posted on their web page.

Conservation Commission Approval:

The Conservation Commission must certify that there is no Wetlands or other environmental impact from the proposed construction.

Meetings: The Conservation Commission meets monthly and the meeting schedule appears on the Meeting Calendar on the town website.

Tips:

  • Anticipate Inspection or Review Requirements: The Conservation Commission does not perform inspections between mid-November and April since they must be able to evaluate nearby water areas and cannot do that when water is frozen.
  • Complete required documents. The Conservation Commission will inform applicant of required forms and inspections.

Highway Superintendant - Dept. of Public Works:

The Highway Superintendent assures that Driveway and Draining Specifications meet the Tolland Zoning Bylaw requirements. Driveway Permits are required before a Building Permit can be issued for new construction. You must have a Driveway and Drainage Permit signed by the Highway Superintendent before submitting your Site Plan Application to the Planning Board.

Contact: Contact the Highway Superintendent using the information on the Department webpage.

Planning Board:

The Planning Board must certify that the proposed land use, new construction, renovation, additions or Accessory Buildings and Structures comply with the Tolland Zoning Bylaw requirements.

Meetings: The Planning Board meets monthly on the third Monday of the month (except when the third Monday is a holiday).

Tips:

  • Have a Pre-Application Meeting: An initial meeting to discuss your proposed project with the Planning Board is encouraged to assure you understand requirements, approvals and process.
  • Bring a complete set of documents: Complete all required application forms and be certain Site Plans meet Zoning Bylaw requirements. Do not expect Site Plan approval if you attend the meeting  with an inadequate sketch of proposed plans or incomplete documentation. It will cause at least a month's delay in your project since the Planning Board does not review modified applications between their meetings.

Health Department:

Well and Septic System Requirements and Approvals: The Tolland Health Agent issues permits for septic systems and wells. Septic installation, upgrade or repair plans specifications must be developed by licensed engineers and installed by Tolland-approved installers.

Hours: The Health Agent holds regular office hours at Town Hall as indicated on the Health Department web page. Contact the Health Agent by phone if an appointment outside office hours is required.

You must understand the requirements and obtain necessary permits prior to a Building Permit being issued. Click here for Septic System (Disposal Works) Permit Approval Process.

Tips:

  • Understand Massachusetts Title V Requirements for septic system evaluation and installation. Click here for information resources.
  • Use a Massachusetts Certified Engineer and a Tolland-Licensed Septic Installer. A partial list of professionals is on the Health Department web page.
  • When Special Permits defined by the Land Use table in the Zoning bylaw, obtaining a Building Permit takes longer: There are special application and Public Hearing requirements. Review the Table of Land Use and Special Permit requirements in the Tolland Zoning Bylaw to be fully aware of requirements.

Building Department:

The Tolland Building Department and Inspector must certify that all building code, zoning, conservation and health regulations and other requirements are met. Applicants are responsible for completing and submitting all required applications for permits and approvals by approving officials before building permits can be issued. In addition, the Building Inspector assures that proper inspections are conducted by Building Department officials at the appropriate stages of the building process. Requirements are defined on the Building Department web page.