Results of the Planning Board survey conducted at the end of 2020 to help inform the Board's decisions regarding future changes to our zoning bylaws. Click here for link....
read more...The ZBA will continue its hearing originally held on 11/18/20. See ZBA page for original hearing announcement. This meeting will be held via Microsoft Teams. Here is the link for the meeting: https://tinyurl.com/y56eycak...
read more...January 2021: Dog licences are available by mail through the Town Clerk. Please send the following info along with a check made out to the Town of Cummington to: Town Clerk at PO Box 128, Cummington, MA 01026, or info and check can be dropped off in the drop box located ...
read more...Volunteers needed for the following Boards/Commission
Openings for one member each on: Planning Board (until next election)
Conservation Commission
Please contact the Planning Board and/or Conservation
Commission or Selectboard with your interest to participate...
When using the dropbox on the back side of the Community House, please pick up cover and put article in slot. Thank you....
read more...ROAD CLOSINGS DECEMBER 1, 2020 – MAY 1, 2021 or from first snow until mud season is over.
STAGE ROAD from House number 200-132
TROW ROAD from House number 43 – 88
TIRRELL HILL from House number 3 – 34
BUG HILL ...
read more...Member | Title | Phone | Term Start | Term End |
Jason Forgue | Inspector | 413-200-5013 | 2020 | 2021 |
Meeting times: Due to Covid 19, office hours are suspended until further notice; please call the phone number listed below |
Term: Appointed by the Selectboard for 1 year |
Compensation: $10,250 |
Email: buildinginspector@cummington-ma.gov |
Requests for inspections/meetings can be made by calling office phone: 413-200-5013, cell phone: 413-205-6504 or by emailing jforgue@cummington-ma.gov
Application Forms
Guide to the Permitting Process for Construction of 1 & 2 Family Dwelling (Form 1) - Rev. 8/20
Form 1 for new Construction of 1 & 2 Family Dwelling - Rev. 8/20
Form 2 - Residential renovations/Additions/Accessory Structures - Rev. 8/20
Form 3 - Solid Fuel Burning Appliances, fireplace and chimney - doc format - Rev. 8/20
Form 4 - Swimming Pools - Rev. 8/20
Form 5 - Commercial Application - Rev 8/20
Tent Application - Rev 8/20
When is a building permit necessary?
As a homeowner or contractor, there may be times when you are uncertain whether it is necessary to secure a building permit. The following guidelines should be used: Work Requiring a Permit: (The following list is not meant to be exclusive, if you are in doubt as to whether the work you are considering needs a permit, please call the Building Inspector.)
• New homes, additions, garages, or storage sheds.
• Interior renovations, involving the cutting away of any wall or structural member.
• Decks and ramps.
• Roofing (when re-roofing more than 25% of existing roof).
• Siding (when re-siding more than 25% of existing house).
• Window or exterior door replacement.
• The installation of swimming pools, hot tubs, or spas.
• Fences over 6ft high.
• Retaining walls over 4ft high.
• Wood stoves, fireplace inserts, fireplaces, or chimneys.
• Demolition of any existing structure.
• Signs-new or alteration of existing signs.
• Change of use (e.g., from storage to living space.)
A Permit Is Not Necessary For Ordinary Repairs: "Any maintenance which does not affect the structure, egress, fire protection systems, fire ratings, energy conservation provisions, plumbing, sanitary, gas, electrical or other utilities."
Why Should I get a permit? Because it is the law. Massachusetts Building Code(780CMR 110.0) states: "It shall be unlawful to construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, remove or demolish a building or structure...without first filing a written application with the building official and obtaining the required permit therefore."
In addition, a building permit is for your own protection. The building inspector will require the work performed to meet the standards of the Mass Building Code, which translates into your security. Insurance companies may require a Certificate of Occupancy or approval of the building official for certain work. If you are a licensed contractor, failure to secure a building permit could result in the loss of your license.
How To Obtain a Permit: Permit applications can be found, generally, at Town Offices. There are four separate permit applications(general, swimming pools, wood stove/ chimney, and roofing/windows/siding). Follow the directions on the application and mail or deliver the application to the Cummington building inspector’s office in the Cummington Community House, Cummington MA.
How Long Does it Take? In most cases, a completed application can be approved within 7-10 days. A notice will be sent, advising you of a date when the permit can be picked up at the town office, and the appropriate fee paid.
What happens if I don't get a permit? Fees will be doubled if work has been started prior to issuance of a permit. In addition, local zoning by-laws and the Mass Building Code have provisions for fines and/or prosecution for work done without a permit, in violation of by-laws.