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1. When is a Permit Required?

Highway

A Highway permit is required when there are; excavations in the Public Street or on Private Property greater than 3-feet deep, or when paving a driveway up to the street.

Water/Sewer

A Water and/or Sewer permit is required when there are; new connections to the Water or Sewer System, repairs/replacements on existing Water/Sewer lines, disconnections, reconnections,and  FireLine Connections

2. What if I start work without a permit?

Highway

A penalty permit shall be issued to any individual commencing work prior to obtaining a Trench/Street Permit. The fee for this permit shall increase to $1000.00.  The applicant will also be in violations of OSHA regulations and subject to additional fines.

Water/Sewer

As per Commonwealth law, all work done on any connection to the public water or sewer system requires a permit prior to commencing work.  Please be advised that conducting work without a permit is grounds for the revocation of the Drain Layers License. Please call the Water & Sewer Division at 508-841-8502, prompt 3 and complete a permit application to request a Water/Sewer Connection Permit.  Please visit the following link for instructions on submitting a permit online.  How to Apply for a Water/Sewer Permit with ViewPermit

3. Will my existing login for permits work?

Yes, your existing login for the permitting system will work.

4. Will my prior request be viewable in the new system?

Permit applications made before July 2020 will not be viewable in the new system.  All applications and requests moving forward will be stored within the new system.

5. How do I access the new system?

Please follow the link, ONLINE PERMITTING SYSTEM, to access the Water and Sewer Permit Applications:

6. Will I need a different password for the DPW page than the permits page?

No, you may use an existing login to access DPW services.  Likewise, anyone who has used a ViewPermit service in another community, your same login and password will work in Shrewsbury.  We encourage all residents, contractors, and business people to register and create a login, if you have not already done so.

7. What if I have forgotten my password?

Your password may be reset through ViewPoint

8. What if I have difficulty using a computer?

Please contact the Water & Sewer Division at 508-841-8502, prompt 3, for assistance.

9. Will I need to submit or attach supporting documentation?

Permits will not be issued until the applicant has filed a layout plan showing the location of the service connection (water/sewer), house location, and route of the service connection, and said layout has been approved by the Water & Sewer Superintendent.  Additionally, depending on the Permit application request additional documents may be required for submittal.  These documents can be uploaded through ViewPoint.  

10. Where do I find a Licensed drain layer?

Licensed Drain Layer - Drain layers, registered plumbers, and competent contractors licensed by the Town of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, and bonded to lay drains in the Town of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.  The Water and Sewer Division posts a list of licensed drain layer contractors in the "Additional Resources" section of the Drain Layer page found here. 

11. How do I become a drain layer?

In order to be on the Drain layer’s list, licensed by the Town of Shrewsbury, registered plumbers and competent contractors must submit the following to the Water & Sewer Division:

1. Either a completed New Drain Layer Application or a Renewal Application found here
2. Bond stating Water, Sewer or Drainage Work in the amount of $5,000.00
3. Certificate of Insurance, Nio less thank $1,000,000 Public Liability and Property Damage Each
4. Licenses Fee: $50.00 for the calendar year
5. Three Letter’s of recommendation (required for New Drain Layer applications)

Note:  The Certificate of Insurance must run for the entire calendar year.  If the applicant’s policy does not run from January to January the Water and Sewer Division will require a letter from the applicant’s insurance company indicating that coverage will renew when the policy expires or notify the Town in advance that they are not renewing it.