17D-081 Garfield Ave lot 1A
Louis Hasbrouck <lasbrouck @northamptonma.gov> Tue, Jun 3, 2014 at 9:50 AM
Draft To: tom @tommichel.com
Cc: Carolyn Misch <cmisch @northamptonma.gov>, Wayne Feiden <wfeiden @northamptonma.gov>
Tom,
I reviewed your permit for the shed on Garfield Avenue again yesterday. When we spoke last (I think last Friday, I
told you that you'd need to file a building permit application for the house before we can issue the shed permit. I
have reconsidered and I'm willing to issue the shed permit if you file a zoning permit for the house, rather than the
full building permit. That wouldn't, technically, meet zoning requirements but I can make that case that the shed
would be accessory to the house that is "under construction". I would put conditions on the approval; the shed
can't remain if the house permit isn't in place within 6 months, etc.
You mentioned the sheds Habitat has on their property. That whole project was approved by the Zoning Board
under a comprehensive permit to build a number of single and 2 family affordable housing units on 5 lots.
One other condition on the shed would be that when the house is completed, it be moved to a location that
complies with zoning or be removed. The zoning setbacks are 15'front and 4'sides and rear. If the shed is less
than 5'from the house it would need to meet the house setbacks. From my perspective, any reduction in the
required setbacks would require a variance from the ZBA and the ZBA rarely grants variances.
I see you've been in touch with Wayne; he may have information about how to reduce setback requirements. If he
has any ideas, ask him to calf me.
I hope this makes it clearer. Let me know how you want to proceed.
Louis Hasbrouck
Building Commissioner
City of Northampton
Town of Williamsburg
(413) 587-1240 office
(413) 587-1272 fax
Re': Purchase and Sale imap://host2.52601.com:993/fetch>UID>.INBOX.Sent>72?heade...
City of Northampton
210 Main Street, Room 11
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 587-1265
www.NorthamptonMA.gov/PLAN
(City of Northampton E-mail is a public record except when it falls unde , ( ne
Wayne Feiden, FAICP, Hon. WMAIA
Director of Planning and Sustainability
City of Northampton
210 Main Street, Room 11
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 587-1265
www.NorthamptonMA.gov/PLAN
Wayne Feiden, FAICP, Hon. WMAIA
Director of Planning and Sustainability
City of Northampton
210 Main Street, Room 11
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 587-1265
www.NorthamptonMA.gov/PLAN
(City of Northampton E-mail is a public record except when it falls under one of th
3 of 3 5/23/2014 4:27 PM
Re:Purchase and Sale imap://host2.52601.com:993/fetch>UID>.INBOX.Sent>72?heade...
Let me check on the setbacks and get back to you. The zoning says that the sideyard
setback is 15', but I need to dig out the original comprehensive permit, which is still
valid, to see if there is any grandfathering that lets you go to 10'. 1 can do that Monday
morning, hopefully before you get here.
Wayne
On Tue, Jan 21, 2014 at 9:30 PM, Tom Michel <tom @tommichel.com> wrote:
Hi Wayne,
My attorney, Tim Reilly, looked at the P&S. Tim indicated that the title work
should be done in about 2 weeks, so I am looking to close around Valentine's
C
Day.
There is one issue that I need to have clarified. As we discussed, there is a pile
of dirt/rock, about 20' in diameter and 5 feet high, that spans the Garfield lot and
the conservation area. I would like official permission from the city to
remove/return that pile to surrounding grade and access to the first 20 feet of
the conservation land to do so. I will have a machine there to do site work, so I
will pay for the work.
I am wondering where I can find the setback restrictions. Some of the designs
used 10' and some used 15' (not to mention the ones which stayed out of the
100' wetland buffer). It makes a big difference in design options.
Thanks for everything,
Tom
x
On 1/17/2014 3:35 PM, Wayne Feiden wrote:
Tom,
I didn't have a chance to ask you when you were here. When can I expect to
get that signed Purchase and Sale Agreement from you. I need that to move the
project forward.
Thanks.
Wayne Feiden, FAICP, Hon. WMAIA
Director of Planning and Sustainability
2 of 3 5/23/2014 4:27 PM
Re:Purcha'se and Sale imap://host2.52601.com:993/fetch>UID>.INBOX.Sent>72?heade...
Subject: Re: Purchase and Sale
From: Tom Michel <tom @tommichel.com>
Date: 1/26/201410:08 AM
To: Wayne Feiden <wfeiden @northamptonma.gov>
Wayne,
Thanks for the research. I can spend some time with you tomorrow if you are able.
I will likely wait until I have a design before disturbing the site. I'll keep you informed.
Tom
On 1/25/2014 12:46 PM, Wayne Feiden wrote:
I did a little research on the side yard setback requirements.
You can do build a house with a 15' sideyard setback by right, since that is how it was
permitted in 2004.
The permitting board (either the Zoning Board or the Planning Board, depending on the
approach) can authorize a reduction down to as little as 0 feet when that works with the
design. I don't think that they would allow 0 on the Habitat side, but I would think with
good design you could easily make a compelling case for 10' on or both sides.
If you want, on Monday when we meet I can give you copies or citations of the relevant
zoning and the 2004 permit.
Wayne
On Fri,Jan 24, 2014 at 5:46 PM, Wayne Feiden <wfeiden @northamptonma.gov> wrote:
To m,
Please consider this our formal approval that once you take title to One Garfield you
may remove the pile of file that crossing roughly 20' onto the conservation land. Not
only do you have our permission, but our sincerest thanks that you are doing this.
Once the soil is removed, can you spread conservation mix grass seed to keep the site
stable? If you would prefer that we do that, that would be perfectly reasonable and I
would only ask that you let me know when you will be removing the pile so that we
can spread the seed immediately.
1 of 3 5/23/2014 4:27 PM
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100'Wetland Buffer
HOUSE • •
HABITAT
SHED
■
1 GARFIELD AVE - TEMPORARY SHED PERMIT - PLOT PLAN
May 26, 2014
From: Thomas Michel
To: Northampton Building Committee
Re: Lot 1A, Garfield Ave, Florence, Ma
My name is Tom Michel and I purchased Lot I on Garfield Avenue as part of Northampton's Small
Lots Big Ideas program.
I am asking for a variance on the location of a temporary tool/storage shed to be used during
construction of my home. Given the restrictions of a 5,200 square foot lot, I am asking to place the shed
within the setback area.
The reasons I would like to place the shed in a proposed location are:
1. The rear half of the property is worth in the 100 foot wetlands buffer zone. I will need to apply
for a Conservation Commission permit to work in that area which will be required to build my
home.
2. The topography of the lot and wetland restrictions make it difficult to abide by the 15 foot front
setback. I am asking to place location about 2 feet from the property line next to the Florence
conservation area(See PHOTO).
3. To keep the shed off or say out of the footprint of the final structure (PLOT PLAN). This will
allow me to do site work without moving the shed.
I am asking for similar consideration that has given been given to Habitat for Humanity. Habitat has
two sheds both of which are within the setback area.
The abutting property where the shed will be located is all conservation land owned by the City.
It is my intention to:
1. Remove the shed when the drywall is complete in the garage and I can move my tools into the
house.
2. Have a gravel "foundation" for the shed.
3. Install hay bales along the rear property line, although I do not intend to disturb any material
until I have secured the required permits, the bales that were in place have largely decomposed.
4. Deal with the roughly 20' debris pile that was left behind as part of Habitat's overall site work
and spans my property and the conservation area. I have attached an email from Wayne Feiden
describing our agreement about the pile. Again, no work will be done until I get CC approval.
Thank You,
Thomas A. Michel
(413)-588-7373
ATTACHED: PLOT PLAN, SHED DESIGN, PHOTO, EMAIL
City of Northampton
Massachusetts �c{S�5 -. SjGftc,
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTIONS
212 Main Street • Municipal Building :eb
Northampton, MA 01060 ss �ti�
INSPECTOR
Louis Hasbrouck Chuck Miller
Building Commissioner Assistant Commissioner
HOME OWNER EXEMPTION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The State of Massachusetts allows the homeowner the right under 780CMR 108.3.4 to act as his/her
construction supervisor. The state defines "Homeowner" as, " Person(s) who owns a parcel on which
he/she resides or intends to be, a one or two family dwelling, attached or detached structures
accessory to such use and/or farm structures. A person who constructs more than one home in a two-
year period shall not be considered a home owner."
The building department for the City of Northampton wants any person(s)who seek to use the home
owner exemption, to act as their own construction supervisor, to be aware that by doing so you
become responsible for compliance with state building codes and regulations. The inspection
process requires that the building department be called to inspect work at various stages, which include
foundation/footings (before backfill), sonotube holes (before pour), a rough building inspection
(before work is concealed) insulation inspection (if required) and a final building inspection.
The building department requires these inspections before the work is concealed, failure to secure
these inspections can result in failure to obtain a certificate of occupancy until the work can be
inspected.
If the homeowner hires other trades to perform work (electrical, plumbing & gas) the homeowner will be
responsible to make sure that the trades hired secure their proper permits in conjunction to the building
permit issued, and that they get their required inspections. Failure of the individual trades to secure
the permits and inspections as required can DELAY the project until such time as the proper permits
and inspections are made
A . M.
I, �►t o��t y S ( C t4F t understand the above.
(Home owner/resident's signature requesting exemption)
I will call to schedule all required building inspections necessary for the building permit issued to me.
Date -5 2-7 �� )
Address of work location
68 FILLD AUE=
PLV of P cc
k The Commonwealth ofMassachusetts
Department of Industrial Accidents
Office of Investigations
600 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02111
www.mass.gov/dia
Workers' Compensation Insurance Affidavit: Builders/Contractors/Electricians/Plumbers
Applicant Information f Please Print Legibly
Name (Business/Organization/Individual):� �S ( C 1'1 t°
Address:
City/State/Zip: Phone M ( �S ^ v 3 -7
Are you an employer? Check the appropriate box: Type of project(required):
1.❑ I am a employer with 4. ❑ I am a general contractor and I 6. ❑ New construction
employees (full and/or part-time).* have hired the sub-contractors
2.❑ I am a sole proprietor or partner- listed on the attached sheet. 7. ❑ Remodeling
ship and have no employees These sub-contractors have 8. ❑ Demolition
working for me in any capacity. employees and have workers' 9. ❑ Building addition
[No workers' comp. insurance comp. insurance.$
required.]
5. ❑ We are a corporation and its 10.❑ Electrical repairs or additions
3.❑ I am a homeowner doing all work officers have exercised their 11.❑ Plumbing repairs or additions
myself. [No workers' comp. right of exemption per MGL 12.❑ Roof repairs
insurance required.] t c. 152, §1(4), and we have no
employees. [No workers' 13.El Other
comp. insurance required.]
*Any applicant that checks box#1 must also fill out the section below showing their workers'compensation policy information.
tHo meowners who submit this affidavit indicating they are doing all work and then hire outside contractors must submit a new affidavit indicating such.
$Contractors that check this box must attached an additional sheet showing the name of the sub-contractors and state whether or not those entities have
employees. If the sub-contractors have employees,they must provide their workers'comp.policy number.
I am an employer that is providing workers'compensation insurance for my employees. Below is the policy and job site
information.
Insurance Company Name:
Policy#or Self-ins. Lic.#: Expiration Date:
Job Site Address: City/State/Zip:
Attach a copy of the workers' compensation policy declaration page(showing the policy number and expiration date).
Failure to secure coverage as required under Section 25A of MGL c. 152 can lead to the imposition of criminal penalties of a
fine up to$1,500.00 and/or one-year imprisonment, as well as civil penalties in the form of a STOP WORK ORDER and a fine
of up to $250.00 a day against the violator. Be advised that a copy of this statement may be forwarded to the Office of
Investigations of the DIA for insurance coverage verification.
I do hereby certify under the pains and penalties of perjury that the information provided above is true and correct.
Signatures Date: 5 / 27 r 12 °
Phone# Li
Official use only. Do not write in this area, to be completed by city or town official
City or Town: Permit/License#
Issuing Authority(circle one):
1. Board of Health 2.Building Department 3. City/Town Clerk 4.Electrical Inspector 5. Plumbing Inspector
6. Other
Contact Person: Phone#:
SECTION 8-CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
8.1 Licensed Construction Supervisor: Not Applicable £
Name of License Holder:
License Number
Address Expiration Date
Signature Telephone
6.:k egistered:Home'ImprovemenfContractor __ ,, Not Applicable £
Company Name Registration Number
Address Expiration Date
Telephone
SECTION 10-WORKERS'COMPENSATION INSURANCE AFFIDAVIT(M.G.L.c.,162,§25C(6))
Workers Compensation Insurance affidavit must be completed and submitted with this application. Failure to provide this affidavit will result
in the denial of the issuance of the building permit.
Signed Affidavit Attached Yes....... £ No...... £
11 Home Owner Tgempti0h:
The current exemption for"homeowners"was extended to include Owner-occupied Dwellings of one(1) or two(2)families
and to allow such homeowner to engage an individual for hire who does not possess a license,provided that the owner acts
as supervisor.CMR 780, Sixth Edition Section 108.3.5.1.
Definition of Homeowner:Person(s)who own a parcel of land on which he/she resides or intends to reside,on which there
is,or is intended to be,a one or two family dwelling,attached or detached structures accessory to such use and/or farm
structures.A person who constructs more than one home in a two-year period shall not be considered a homeowner.
Such"homeowner"shall submit to the Building Official,on a form acceptable to the Building Official,that he/she shall be
responsible for all such work performed under the building permit.
As acting Construction Supervisor your presence on the job site will be required from time to time,during and upon
completion of the work for which this permit is issued.
Also be advised that with reference to Chapter 152(Workers'Compensation) and Chapter 153 (Liability of Employers to
Employees for injuries not resulting in Death)of the Massachusetts General Laws Annotated,you may be liable for person(s)
you hire to perform work for you under this permit.
The undersigned"homeowner"certifies and assumes responsibility for compliance with the State Building Code,City of
Northampton Ordinances,State and Local Zoning Laws a�State of Ma a General Laws Annotated.
Signature. (�
Homeowner
SECTION 5-DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED WORK(check all applicable)
New House ❑ Addition ❑ Replacement Windows Alteration(s) Roofing
Or Doors ❑
Accessory Bldg. Demolition ❑ New Signs [0] Decks [❑ Siding[0] Other[0]
Brief Description of Proposed
Work: rt�MPO�RI�y l6 � S F Tool- -f- 5-roeeac4 S'NcD
Alteration of existing bedroom Yes '--�No Adding new bedroom Yes '---No
Attached Narrative Renovating unfinished basement Yes No
Plans Attached Roll -Sheet
sa if..>New house and:Or'addWon to exlstma"h"ousing,complete the follow ng:
a. Use of building:One Family - Two Family Other
b. Number of rooms in each family unit: Number of Bathrooms
c. Is there a garage attached?
d. Proposed Square footage of new construction. Dimensions
e. Number of stories?
f. Method of heating? Fireplaces or Woodstoves Number of each
g. Energy Conservation Compliance. Masscheck Energy Compliance form attached?
h. Type of construction
i. Is construction within 100 ft.of wetlands? Yes No. Is construction within 100 yr. floodplain Yes No
j. Depth of basement or cellar floor below finished grade
k. Will building conform to the Building and Zoning regulations? Yes No.
I. Septic Tank City Sewer Private well City water Supply
SECTION 7a-OWNER AUTHORIZATION-TO BE COMPLETED WHEN
OWNERS AGENT OR CONTRACTOR APPLIES FOR.BUILDING PERMIT
I, as Owner of the subject
property
hereby authorize
to act on my behalf, in all matters relative to work authorized by this building permit application.
Signature of Owner Date
ALC a as Owner/Authorized
Agent hereby declare that the statements and information on the foregoing application are true and accurate,to the best of my knowledge
and belief.
Signed unde,the pains and penalties of perjury —.�
Print Name 1 lz V 20 1
Signature of Owner/Agent Date
Section 4. ZONING All Information Must Be Completed. Permit Can Be Denied Due To Incomplete Information
Existing Proposed Required by Zoning
This column to be filled in by
Building Department
Lot SizeQ
Frontage
Setbacks Front �� I
Side L:- t RA L:L,_G.L_: R:I
Rear Building Height
Height
Bldg.Square Footage
Open Space Footage
(Lot area minus bldg&pavedQ �_ �
parking)
#of Parking Spaces
Fill: ,......_.. ,.._..�
(volume&Location)
A. Has a Special Permit/Variance/Finding ever been issued for/on the site?
NO Q _ DONT`KNOW Q YES Q
IF YES date issued:`
Tr4
IF YES: Was the permit recorded at the Registry of Deeds? «u M A, N I iT
NO 0 DONT KNOW 0 YES
IF YES: enter Book I � Page L --j and/or Document#� i
B. Does the site contain a brook, body of water or wetlands? NO Q DONT KNOW 0 YES 0
IF YES, has a permit been or need to be obtained from the Conservation Commission?
Needs to be obtained Obtained , Date Issued:
0 0 l �.
C. Do any signs exist on the property? YES Q NO Q
IF YES, describe size, type and location:
D. Are there any proposed changes to or additions of signs intended for the property? YES Q NO
IF YES, describe size, type and location:
E. Will the construction activity disturb(clearing,grading,excavation,or filling)over 1 acre or is it part of a common plan
that will disturb over 1 acre? YES Q NO Q
IF YES,then a Northampton Storm Water Management Permit from the DPW is required.
J, � �f k` Departmeht use only � '
C City of Northampton Status ofPermtta ��
I -``.
Building Department Curb Cut/Drl�te�tvay Ferrriit'j t� F'
212 Main Street Sewer/SepticAvalfablllty '
MAY 282014
Room 100 UVater/V..... vallablllty
MA 01060 Twa Sets of Stffid fal Ptanlectric,Piumhm pf1on ;3or5thampton,
- 87-1240 Fax 413-587-1272 PIo iSlte Plana '
r
No tFlu _ y 1 L
Cther 9peclfy
APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCT,ALTER,REPAIR,RENOVATE OR DEMOLISH A ONE OR TWO FAMILY DWELLING
SECTION 1 -SITE.INFORMATION
1.1 Property Address: Thls secilon to be completed by,offlce `
GAlk t t t--b ..LTV� Map � Lot unit
L(!?1_C--N CC- :Zone Overlay Disfnct
Elm St_District': CB District
SECTION 2.-PROPERTY OWNERSHIP/AUTHORIZED AGENT
2.1 Owner of Record:
�(n� w14 5 Val l C 4 C- L- t' D , 13 C'x �c
Name(Print) Current Mailing Address:
75 3?3 ^-7 3 7 Z
Telephone
Signature
2.2 Authorized Agent:
Name(Print) Current Mailing Address:
Signature Telephone
SECTION 3-ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION COSTS.
Item Estimated Cost(Dollars)to be Official Use Only
completed by ermit applicant
1. Building (a) Building Permit Fee
2. Electrical (b)Estimated Total Cost of
Construction from 6
3. Plumbing Building Permit Fee
4. Mechanical(HVAC)
5. Fire Protection
6. Total=(1 +2+3+4+5) Z Check Number
This Section For Official Use Only
Date
Building Permit Number: Issued:
Signature:
Building Commissioner/Inspector of Buildings. Date
File#BP-2014-1260 Q
APPLICANT/CONTACT PERSON MICHEL THOMAS9"`
ADDRESS/PHONE P O BOX 60657 FLORENCE (413)588-7373 Q
PROPERTY LOCATION 1 GARFIELD AVE
MAP 17D PARCEL 081 001 ZONE URB(100)
THIS SECTION FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY:
PERMIT APPLICATION CHECKLIST
ENCLOSED REQUIRED DATE
ZONING FORM FILLED OUT
Fee Paid
Building,Permit Filled out
Fee Paid
Typeof Construction: CONSTRUCT TEMPORARY 160 SQ FT SHED
New Construction
Non Structural interior renovations
Addition to Existing-
Accessory Structure
Building Plans Included:
Owner/Statement or License
3 sets of Plans/Plot Plan
THE FOLLOWING ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN ON THIS APPLICATION BASED ON
INFORMATION PRESENTED:
Approved Additional permits required(see below)
PLANNING BOARD PERMIT REQUIRED UNDER:§
Intermediate Project: Site Plan AND/OR Special Permit With Site Plan
Major Project: Site Plan AND/OR Special Permit With Site Plan
ZONING BOARD PERMIT REQUIRED UNDER: §
Finding Special Permit Variance*
Received&Recorded at Registry of Deeds Proof Enclosed
Other Permits Required:
Curb Cut from DPW Water Availability Sewer Availability
Septic Approval Board of Health Well Water Potability Board of Health
Permit from Conservation Commission Permit from CB Architecture Committee
Permit from Elm Street Commission Permit DPW Storm Water Management
Demolition Delay
Signature of Building Official Date
Note: Issuance of a Zoning permit does not relieve a applicant's burden to comply with all zoning
requirements and obtain all required permits from Board of Health,Conservation Commission,Department
of public works and other applicable permit granting authorities.
* Variances are granted only to those applicants who meet the strict standards of MGL 40A. Contact Office of
Planning&Development for more information.