Tapping Permits
The following information is required for a Permit for Water Service (Tapping Permit):
- Property owner’s name, address, and telephone number
- Installer’s name, address, and telephone number
- Address of the property (including building number) which will be supplied with water
- Assessor’s plate (map) and parcel number (this can be found on your tax bill)
- Size of the line you plan to install
Tapping Fees
Tapping fees must be received with the Tapping Permit at the Water Division Office located at 270 Treble Cove Road. Fees must be paid by check made out to the Town of Billerica.
| Tap Size | Fee |
|---|---|
| 3/4 inch – 1 inch | $175 |
| 2 inch | $300 |
| 4 inch | $400 |
| 6 inch | $600 |
| 8 inch | $800 |
| 10 inch | $1,000 |
| 12 inch | $1,200 |
| 16 inch | $1,600 |
Regulations
Only 3/4 inch or 1 inch service lines are permitted for use with residential units. Water meters on these lines are typically one size smaller than the size of the service line.
- The use of plastic lines is prohibited.
- Soldering before the meter is prohibited.
- If a structure is demolished but the existing service line is to be reused, a tapping permit must be completed.
Please note the following allowable material and size for water service pipes:
Ductile Iron: 4 inch, 6 inch, 8 inch, 10 inch, 12 inch, 16 inch
Copper: 3/4 inch, 1 inch, 1.5 inch, 2 inch
Drain Layer Application & Fees
Effective 1/1/2024 all Drain Layer & Sewer Connection Permit Applications must be submitted online. All communication regarding sewer connections should be directed to Steve Robertson in the Engineering Division at 978-671-1300.
All work in the Town of Billerica must be performed by a licensed and approved drain layer. Qualified contractors may become approved drain layers by filling out our online application. During this process contractors will be asked to supply a digital copy of their bond, hoisting license and insurance. XCU COVERAGE MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIABILITY INSURANCE. Once your documentation has been approved, you will be notified that your application is ready for payment. Upon payment and final approval by the Department of Public Works Director, contactors will be placed on our Approved Contractor List. Only contactors on this list will be allowed to conduct work in the Town of Billerica. See below for our drain layer’s fee structure.
- Annual fees:
- Drain-layer license (for pipe work, street opening, and curb cuts) – $300.00
- Contractor License (street openings and curb cuts, but no pipe work) – $100.00
- One-time fee:
- Project Drain-layer License (single project only) – $100.00
Sewer Permit Procedure
The Town of Billerica will issue sewer permits electronically via email Permits will no longer be issued from the Wastewater Treatment Facility.
- Applications must be submitted online and payments made to the Engineering Office located in Town Hall, 365 Boston Rd, Room G7.
- Inspections will be conducted by Steve Robertson from the Engineering Division. Please call 978-671-1300 at least 48 hours in advance to schedule an inspection.
- Once work has been inspected and approved by the Town, the sewer permit will be put on file with the Water/Sewer Billing Department At that time, an account will be created/updated in our billing system and fees will begin accruing based on the amount of water used.
New Construction
For office buildings, flow based on square footage.
Residential new construction (includes tear downs) – $150.00 Permit Fee
Commercial new construction / renovation – $600.00 Permit Fee
DPW Fees (Paid in the Engineering Division at Town Hall)
The DPW fee (for new residential) is calculated at $1.97 per square foot (Includes Wastewater PE/II and Water Conservation Fee).
For Commercial (new and renovations), We use State Rule 314 CMR Regulations for determining the gallons per day to calculate fee.
Wastewater Plant Expansion: $9.00 per gpd.
Wastewater Inflow Infiltration: $3.99 per gpd.
Water Conservation: $5.78 per gpd.
For restaurants, flow based on number of seats.
Occupancy Permits shall be left at the Department of Public Works Administration Office at Town Hall for sign off of Sewer, Water, Highway, and Engineering sections of the Occupancy Permit. Verification will be made with each division to ensure that all aspects of the project are in order, all requirements have been met, and billing is up to date.
Additional Information
Please allow at least 48 hours for processing of Occupancy Permits by Public Works. Additional time may be required if any division has concerns with the permit. Please contact Operations Supervisor Stephen Robertson at 978-436-9178 for questions pertaining to Occupancy Permits.
The Public Works Administration Office administers the Street Open Permit process, including issuing permits and inspection of construction relating to Street Opening Permits, requiring inspection of all work done on town roads by developers, contractors, and homeowners, ensuring proper materials and methods are used in all work.
Please contact the Operations Supervisor at 978-436-9178 for questions or concerns relating to Street Opening Permits, or to request a construction inspection.
Rules & Regulations
Please see the Department of Public Works Rules and Regulations for detailed information of the requirements considered when reviewing Street (Right of Way) Opening Permit applications.
Permit Policy – Information Sheets
- Street Opening Permit Policy – Please view for general information and inspection requirements.
- Street Opening Permit Policy for Boston Road – Please view this document for additional requirements for work on state owned sections of Boston Road.
- Off Season – Street Opening Permit Requirements – Please see this document for additional requirements for work performed after November 15, or in cold weather. Such permits shall only be issued in cases of emergency.
Street Opening Permit Application
Please see the Street Opening Permit Application for a printable copy of the application. Contractors on the drain layers list may print out this form, fill it out, then bring it to the Public Works Office for processing.
Curb Cuts
Curb cuts require a Street Opening Permit and should be at least 7.5 feet away from the property line and a minimum of 75 feet from intersecting roads. Approval by the Operation Supervisor and Traffic Safety Officer is required.
Effective July 1st, 2022
| GRAVES (2) WITH HEADSTONE PRIVILEGE | $2,000 |
| FLUSH MARKER | $575 |
| DOUBLE DEEP CRYPTS | $2,700 |
| GRAVE OPENING WEEKDAY | $875 |
| GRAVE OPENING (SATURDAY/HOLIDAY) | $1,250 |
| CREMATION LOT (FULL) | $2,000 |
| CREMATION LOT (HALF) | $1,000 |
| CREMATION WEEKDAY | $450 |
| CREMATION (SATURDAY/HOLIDAY) | $850 |
| FLAT MARKER INSTALLATION | $200 |
| VETERANS MARKER INSTALLATION | NO CHARGE |
| DUPLICATE DEEDS | $110 |
| FOUNDATION INSTALLATION | $410 |
| NICHE WALL – COST TO PURCHASE | $1,400 |
| OPENING FOR NICHE WALL (MONDAY-FRIDAY) | $380 |
| OPENING FOR NICHE WALL (SATURDAY/HOLIDAY) | $725 |
GRAVES WITH HEADSTONES PRIVILEGES REQUIRED TO PURCHASE 2 AT A TIME ($1000 EACH)
NO BURIALS ON SUNDAYS