WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW? WHAT DOCUMENTS, PERMITS and APPLICATIONS DO I NEED TO USE?

What are the community's land use goals in Washington?

Read Washington's Master Plan and Conservation Plan to understand the town's values and goals for land use. The Natural Resource Inventory, Conservation Plan and supporting Maps are available here for your use.

What am I allowed to do with my land?

The use of land is regulated by ordinances adopted by a vote of the town at Town Meeting. The primary land use document is the Land Use Ordinance (LUO), but there are several additional ordinances that regulate other distict issues.

The Land Use Ordinance (LUO) was updated in 2021 and sets out all regulations for the use of land and the location and use of buildings in Washington. No matter what you are doing with your land, you should always start with this document.

The Floodplain Management Ordinance was added as a separate ordinance in 2008 and regulates what can be done in the floodplain. It also makes Washington properties, found in the floodplain, eligible to purchase flood insurance.

The Stormwater Ordinance was added to the LUO in 2008 and helps protect the water quality in our lakes and streams by regulating the amount of stormwater coming off a property.

The Cluster & Open Space Ordinance was added to the LUO in 2008 and guides how all new subdivisions are designed.

The Site Plan Review Regulations are the regulations governing any site development. These should be reviewed whenever there is a plan for any development or change or expansion of use for your property.
Read this document if you want to propose a non-residential (or business) use of a property or want to build a multi-family dwelling unit;
if there is a change of use - from residential to commercial, from single family to multi-family, or one type of commercial or industrial to another;
or whenever any changes are proposed which differ from an existing site plan that was previously approved by the Planning Board;
for the rules stating whether your business qualifies as a Cottage Industry (home occupation) exempting it from the Site Plan Review process.

The Impact Fee Ordinance sets out fees that can be assessed on any new development to cover capital improvement costs related to a development or land use change.

The Telecommunications Facility Ordinance was updated in 2011, if you want to erect a Telecommunications Facility and tower in Washington read this document first along with the Land Use Ordinance (LUO), then look at the Business Permit Application, the Site Plan Regulations and the Application for Site Plan Review. You will also need a Driveway Permit Application for access to the property and a Sign Permit Application for a sign. Any building on the site will also require a building permit.

LAND

I want to subdivide my land

The Subdivision Regulations and Applications are all in one document which includes Annexations and Lot Line adjustments. You should first review the Land Use Ordinance (LUO) for the regulations governing subdivision, then read through the Subdivision Regulations and Applications to determine what kind of subdivision (Major or Minor) you intend and which application you will need to fill out. If you intend to develop your subdivided land you also need to look at the Site Plan Review Regulations. If required, see the Application for Site Plan Review.


I want to merge two or more of my properties

Fill out the Notice of Lot Merger. A merger can only be done if the parcels to be merged are owned by the same owner (the deeds must all be under the same name or entity), are abutting (land directly across a road is considered abutting and can be merged) and there is only one permenant dwelling on any of the lots to be merged.


I want to move a lot line or annex a piece of my property to an abutter

The regulations and applications for Annexations and Lot Line adjustments are in the Subdivision Regulations and Applications. A lot line can be adjusted or an annexation of land can be done only with or to an abutting parcel. An land survey done by a licensed land surveyor is required to do either of these.

BUILDING

I need a driveway to access my land

You will need to fill out a Driveway Permit Application, which states the regulations on driveways. Once your driveway permit is approved you will be assigned a 911 number by the Selectmen.


I want to build on my land

Read through the Land Use Ordinance (LUO) about setbacks and other building regulations. For new construction, you will need to fill out a Land Use Compliance for Construction Permit Application, which are handled by the Selectmen. Prior to getting your building permit you need to fill out the Driveway Permit Application to create an access.
If you are building near the water you must adhere to the Shoreland Protection Act and necessary permits must be acquired before your building permit is approved. A state approved septic plan must be on file, also. If your building plan doesn't meet the setbacks in the LUO, the Selectmen will require that you apply for a variance with the ZBA. This will be determined at the time they consider your application.
A non-residential building under 50 square feet does not require a building permit.


I want to take down my house and rebuild using the same footprint

Read through the Land Use Ordinance (LUO) about setbacks and other regulations. You will need to fill out a Land Use Compliance for Construction Permit Application. If your site is a non-conforming lot any deviation from the existing footprint will require a variance. If you are rebuilding near the water you must adhere to the Shoreland Protection Act and necessary permits must be acquired, whether you need an approved building permit or not. A state approved septic plan must be on file for your existing system.


I want to renovate my house

Read through the Land Use Ordinance (LUO) about setbacks and other building regulations. You will need to fill out a Land Use Compliance for Construction Permit Application only if you are changing the existing roof line or adding to the existing footprint (a bumpout or new overhang is considered an addition and requires a building permit and must meet setbacks). If your site is a non-conforming lot you may be required to apply for a variance, if the Selectmen determine the need for one.

BUSINESSES & SIGNS

I want to have a business on my property

If you want a home business (Cottage Industry) and will not have any employees beyond family members, you need to look at the Land Use Ordinance (LUO) and the Site Plan Review Regulations to see if you qualify for this type of business. If you do, you must fill out the Site Plan Request for Exemption for home or cottage based businesses. If you want a sign for your business, fill out the Sign Permit Application.


I want to have a business on my property that doesn't meet the Cottage Industry exemption

Read through the Land Use Ordinance (LUO), then the Site Plan Review Regulations. You will then need to fill out the Application for Site Plan Review. If you need a driveway for access, fill out the Driveway Permit Application and if you need a sign, fill out the Sign Permit Application.


I want a sign for my existing business

If you already have a Business Permit and want a sign, read through the Land Use Ordinance (LUO) section about signs and then fill out the Sign Permit Application.

ALTERATION

I want to do excavation on my land

Read through the Land Use Ordinance (LUO), then the Application for Excavation. You will need to use the Excavation Application Checklist and the document that explains the process is the Excavation Permit Process.


I want to have timber cut on my land

You will need to fill out an "Intent to Cut" form depending on the size of the cut and file it with the town office and Assessors. For information about timber cutting click here for a document that explains the state laws and contains the needed forms. For the "Intent to Cut" form see page 9. You may need to fill out a Driveway Permit Application if there is no existing access to your land. If you are just cutting some cordwood for your own use, nothing is required.

OTHER

If your question hasn't been answered here and you are not sure where to find your answer

Contact a member of the Planning Board, send us an email , call the town offices at 495-3661, or attend one of our monthly meetings - held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM in the Town Hall.