The
Engineering Division of the Department of Public Works provides
technical assistance and expertise, as well as engineering design
and inspectional services on town sponsored utility projects as
well as sites and subdivisions being developed by private entities.
In addition, this department provides assistance to all Boards,
Committees, and Commissions for the Town.
The
Engineering Department continues to prepare construction cost
estimates for subdivisions under the control of the Planning Board,
the method that the Town uses to ensure adequate monies be available
should a developer default on obligations. This
department provides ongoing inspectional services for subdivision
construction as well as Town utility installations and repairs
from first excavation to final paving and street acceptance. In
an effort to ensure that streets and utilities will last for many
years to come, we are attempting to upgrade our inspectional services
through more intensive use of manhole vacuum tests, and compaction
testing of subdivision streets. |
Season
for Routine Street Opening permits
Begins April 1st
(weather permitting)
A
"Street Opening Permit" is required if you must excavate/dig
into the street right of way or any work within the public street right of way. This right of way is not typically
limited to the "traveled way" of each street, but also
shoulders, curbs, sidewalks etc.
Permits
are typically needed for: utility installations, utility renewals,
removal/installation of curbs for driveways, and many other instances.
Permits are also needed for driveway repaving/or new driveway installation
if any work, i.e. removal of asphalt and installation of new surface
takes place off the private property and onto the street right of
way.
The
entity applying for the permit must be the contractor performing
the work, since there are applicable bonding and insurance requirements.
The
street right of way also includes that portion of a driveway termed
the "apron", which is the portion of the driveway between
a private property line and the edge of the traveled way.
Application fee is $100.
Further
information regarding required insurance and bonds, applications, and copies of the rules and regulations
may be obtained from the Town Engineer's office, 508-660-7211.
Regulations are available online by clicking on the Section 401 link in the
Board of Selectmen's Policies and Procedures.
Click here to download an application
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Revisions to Flood Plain Map Updates
During Fall 2009, FEMA has been updating Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM’S) for the town, which hasn’t been done since 1988.
During July 2010, Walpole has received notice from FEMA that revised BFE’s (Base Food elevations) have been determined for portions of Walpole, which will be shown on two panels of the revised maps, #159 and #178. This area is located in northern Walpole.
As with the previous maps from 2009, the new maps have digital photos superimposed on them, so in many cases building footprints can be seen.
The 90 day public comment period will begin on August 12 , 2010 , the date of a public notice publication in the Walpole, Times.
Anyone who wishes to view the revised map panels should contact the Engineering Department.
Anyone who wishes to file an appeal should present such appeal to the Engineering Department. Engineering will assemble and forward any appeals received to FEMA.
It should be noted that FEMA has indicated that the sole basis for an appeal is having knowledge or scientific information indicating that the proposed BFE determinations are scientifically or technically incorrect.
If anyone wishes to appeal such non-technical items such as street names, etc., these would be entertained as ”comments” by FEMA . If anyone has any appeals or comments it is requested that they be submitted to the Engineering Department no later than October 29 , 2010 at noon, in order that they may be compiled and sent in by the deadline of November 12, 2010.
If there are any questions, please contact the Engineering department at 508-660-7211.
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