Permits, Code & Regulations

Planning & Sustainability Permit Applications

Planning Permit Graphic (1)

Click Here to Apply Online

A red siren icon with an exclamation markSCAM WARNING: Some applicants have received official-looking scam invoices with the Northampton watermark via email requesting fee payment through wire transfer with this request: "Please reply to this email for wire transfer instructions." THIS IS A SCAM. DO NOT reply to these emails and do NOT pay the invoices. All City permits, through the Office of Planning & Sustainability, are paid through the OpenGov permitting portal OR by checks made out to the City of Northampton. WE DO NOT TAKE WIRE TRANSFERS.


All Planning permit applications and payments must be submitted through OpenGov. This will require setting up an applicant account. Please follow the directions at the link above. The following section describes the overall process and your responsibilities after your application submission.

Search Permits by entering street addresses (Pending and completed)

WHEN APPLYING:

  • Please talk to the Office of Planning and Sustainability (OPS) staff before applying to ensure your project complies with the regulations.
  • After receiving initial Building Department review (zoning review), please file here for applications to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Central Business Architecture Committee, Historical Commission, and Conservation Commission (wetlands).
  • Please submit the applications at least 30 days in advance from your desired hearing date.
  • By submitting the application, you are acknowledging that you are allowing permit granting authorities and City staff to make site visits.
  • Fee Schedule
  • Engineering Review - A project that qualifies as a Major Project for Site Plan Review in front of the Planning Board in most cases will require engineering review by a third party on behalf of the City. Unless indicated otherwise, project applicants for a Major Project shall provide a separate deposit of $5000 for review. Applicants are responsible for all costs associated with the review. Once permitting has been completed, any unspent funds will be returned. 
  • The Permit Process FAQ has answers to common questions. For general permit application and zoning questions, please contact the Land Use Planner listed on the staff directory.

AFTER APPLYING ONLINE:

  • Hard copies of full application packets and all supporting materials must be provided to the Office of Planning & Sustainability 210 Main St. 2nd Floor, Northampton, MA 01060 by mail or in person.
  • Plans larger than letter size (8.5 in. x 11 in.) must be folded - DO NOT ROLL EXCEPT FOR MYLARS.
  • No plastic bindings.

Please provide the following number of hard copies (plans may be reduced scale as long as they are legible:

  • Approval Not Required survey: Mylar (rolled is fine) and Four copies of both application and folded plans.
  • Central Business Architecture: Digital submission plus Two copies entire package following the Submittal Criteria under City Ordinance 156-4D.
  • Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness: Two copies entire package.
  • Historic District Certificate of Non-Applicability: One copy and supporting information.
  • Planning Board Site Plan, Special Permits, West St. Architecture: Two copies entire package.
  • Zoning Board Special Permits, Finding, Appeals: Two copies entire package.
  • Zoning Board Comprehensive Permits: Three copies entire package (2 copies of plans may be reduced scale).
  • Conservation Commission wetlands filings: Two copies entire package, including the state wetlands application. If you are filing a Notice of Intent, amendment request, or ANRAD, include one abutters list and an affidavit (DOC) that you notified abutters (DOC). Request abutters list from our GIS coordinator. If your project includes a wetlands delineation, please provide the CAD file electronically. 
  • Demolition Delay: See the Building Department. Demolition delays are a part of the building permit process.

PUBLIC HEARING SIGN AND ADVERTISING:

  • Pick up a yellow sign from Planning & Sustainability, Second Floor, Room 11, 210 Main St.  (Not required for ANRs and Historic District non-applicability)
  • Post it on the subject property. 
  • Planning staff will email you a public hearing notice, which you must print and insert in the public hearing sign.
  • Return the yellow sign to Planning & Sustainability after the hearing. 
  • Staff will place any required newspaper advertising.