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1. Who Is Notified of a Wetlands Project?

The Randolph Wetlands Protection Bylaw requires that all property owners within 300 feet of a proposal to conduct work in or near wetlands are notified by the applicant by mail. All wetland hearings are also legally advertised in a local newspaper at least 5 days prior to the hearing.

2. How Can I Find Out More About What is Proposed?

Residents are encouraged to call the Conservation Department at Town Hall or the Applicant to ask questions. The application and proposed plan are on file at the Conservation office. You are welcome to review this information and may pay for copies of any information that you would like to keep. Since staff is part-time and often conducting site visits, it is best to make an appointment.

3. What Should I Expect at the Public Hearing?

At the hearing, the applicant or property owner will present plans and explain what is proposed. The Commission members will ask questions and the Chairperson will provide an opportunity for anyone in the audience to ask questions or offer an opinion as it relates to wetland protection. Since the Commission reviews several projects in an evening, hearings last only for a specified period of time. At the end of this time, the hearing may be either closed (if there is no more information to be received) or continued to a specific date and time (if the Commission needs additional information). Additional notifications of continuations are not mailed. Commission agendas are posted on the Town's calendar no less than 48 hours before a meeting date.

4. What Issues Does the Commission Consider?

The scope of issues that the Conservation Commission can consider in reviewing proposed projects is defined by the Mass. Wetlands Protection Act and Regulations and the Randolph Wetlands Protection Ordinances. In presenting testimony (oral or written), please be aware that the Commission's jurisdiction only relates to wetland issues.

5. How Do I Present Testimony at a Public Hearing?

• You must be recognized to speak by the chairperson.
• State your name and address for the record before you speak.
• Use the proposed plan to point out concerns or questions.
• State all questions or concerns at once and then allow the next person to speak.
• Be polite and respectful of differing opinions.
• While you may have questions for the applicant, they must be addressed to the Commission chairperson.
• Issues relating to the project that are within the scope of the Commission may be presented. Issues such as traffic and noise are outside of the Commission's authority to review.
• It is fine to just say "I agree with Mr. Smith about that drainage issue," rather than restating the same concerns.

6. How Can I Make My Concerns Known if I Cannot Attend?

Comments can be submitted in writing prior to the close of the public hearing. As with all testimony (oral and written), it is most helpful to raise concerns early in the process. Send written comments to the Conservation office at Town Hall.

7. What Happens After the Hearing?

After the hearing is closed, the Commission deliberates the project and impacts on the wetlands. They issue a decision (Order of Conditions), within 21 days of closing the hearing outlining the approval of a project and any criteria the property owner must comply with to protect the associated wetland areas. The Commission may deny a project if it cannot be adequately conditioned to protect wetlands.

8. Will I Be Notified of the Decision?

You may request a copy from the Conservation office at Town Hall. The property owner is also required to record the decision at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds in Dedham. 

9. How Can I Appeal?

Appeals of decisions under the Wetlands Protection Act (called a Request for a Superseding Order of Conditions) must be made to the Department of Environmental Protection within 10 days using forms supplied by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Appeals may be made by the Applicant, an abutter, 10 residents of the community, or the Department of Environmental Protection. For more information, please visit Mass.gov.

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1. Do I need a permit to pave my driveway?

Re-paving of an existing driveway requires a permit from the Town of Randolph by a bonded contractor prior to commencement of work. Extension/expansion of an existing driveway or any new driveway also requires a permit. View permit applications.

Randolph strongly encourages minimizing the number of impervious surfaces to prevent pollutants from reaching our watershed. Driveways constructed of permeable pavers, grasscrete, and the like are ways of providing for a new driveway while still being environmentally friendly.

Below are some additional resources which provide alternatives to the concrete, impervious driveway:

• Low Impact Development Center 
• Stormwater Manager's Resource Center
• Low Impact Development Urban Design Tools 
• National Association of Home Builders

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1. What happened?

Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard for the sum of six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (known as PFAS6) and we are taking a number of corrective actions. The drinking water standard is applicable to a lifetime of consuming the impacted water; however, sensitive subgroups, including pregnant or nursing women, infants and people diagnosed by their health care provider to have a compromised immune system, should consider using bottled water that has been tested for PFAS6, for their drinking water, cooking of foods that absorb water (like pasta) and to make infant formula. We are providing an alternative source of water for residents concerned about consuming water with PFAS at the Bluedrop Water Filling Stations available at no cost anytime at the following locations:

• Randolph Residents: Located behind the Department of Public Works (DPW) Building, 6 Carlino Way, Randolph
• Holbrook Residents: Stanney's Restaurant, 300 Union Street, Holbrook.

2. What does this mean?

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. Although this is not an emergency, as our customer, you have the right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation.

On October 2, 2020, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) promulgated a new drinking water regulation and maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 20 nanograms per liter (ng/L or parts per trillion - ppt) for the sum of six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (called PFAS6). Our water system proactively and voluntarily sampled for PFAS6 prior to the new regulations. See our latest results in this table.

PFAS6 Results for Randolph/Holbrook Joint Water Plant:

Quarterly Compliance Period	Monitoring Period	Sample Collection Date	PFAS6 Result (ng/L)	Quarterly Average (ng/L)	PFAS6 MCL (ng/L)
Quarter 2, 2021	Month 1	April 19, 2021	18.8	19	20
Quarter 2, 2021	Month 2	May 10, 2021	18.5	19	20
Quarter 2, 2021	Month 3	June 7, 2021	20.1	19	20
Quarter 3, 2021	Month 1	July 7, 2021	23.4	25 (see note)	20
Quarter 3, 2021	Month 2	August 3, 2021	27.0	25 (see note)	20
Quarter 3, 2021	Month 3	September 8, 2021	25.5	25 (see note)	20

Note: A quarterly average exceeding 20 is a violation of the PFAS6 Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL).

Even though we have been notifying you of our results since we began collecting samples, we must provide you with this Public Notice to comply with the drinking water regulations.

Some people who drink water containing these PFAS in excess of the MCL may experience certain adverse effects. These could include effects on the liver, blood, immune system, thyroid, and fetal development. These PFAS may also elevate the risk of certain cancers.

3. What is PFAS6?

PFAS6 includes perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA). PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used in the manufacturing of certain fire-fighting foams, moisture and stain-resistant products, and other industrial processes. 

4. What do I need to do?

• Consumers in a sensitive subgroup (pregnant or nursing women, infants and people diagnosed by their health care provider to have a compromised immune system), are advised not to consume, drink, or cook with water when the level of PFAS6 is above 20 nanograms per liter (ng/L).
• Consumers in sensitive subgroups are advised to use bottled water for drinking and cooking of foods that absorb water (like pasta).
• For infant formula, use bottled water or use formula that does not require adding water.
• For older children and adults not in a sensitive subgroup, the 20 ng/L value is applicable to a lifetime of consuming the water. For these groups, shorter duration exposures present less risk. However, if you are concerned about your exposure while steps are being taken to assess and lower the PFAS concentration in the drinking water, use of bottled water will reduce your exposure.
• Bottled water should only be used if it has been tested. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires companies licensed to sell or distribute bottled water or carbonated non-alcoholic beverages to test for PFAS. See a list of bottlers.
• Home water treatment systems that are certified to remove PFAS by an independent testing group such as NSF, UL, or Water Quality Association may be used to treat the water. These may include point of entry systems, which treat all the water entering a home, or point of use devices, which treat water where it is used, such as at a faucet. For information on selecting home treatment devices that are effective in treating the water for PFAS6, review the MassDEP factsheet for consumers (PDF).
• In most situations the water can be safely used for washing foods, brushing teeth, bathing, and showering.
• Boiling the water will not destroy PFAS6 and will somewhat increase its level due to evaporation of some of the water.
• If you have specific health concerns regarding exposure, you should see the Centers for Disease Control's page and consult a health professional, such as your doctor.

5. What is being done?

The Randolph/Holbrook Water Board has taken the following pro-active measures:

• We will continue to sample our water sources for PFAS.
• When additional information becomes available, this Public Notice will be updated, per MassDEP regulations.
• A new Tri-Town Water Treatment Plant is being designed (currently 90%) and constructed and is expected to be completed in 2024,
• As mentioned above PFAS free water is being made available for residents concerned about consuming water with PFAS, particularly the sensitive subgroups (pregnant or nursing women, infants and people diagnosed by their health care provider to have a compromised immune system), at BlueDrop Filling Stations.

6. Where can I get more information?

For more information, please email Randolph Department of Public Works (DPW) Superintendent Chris Pellitteri or call 781-961-0940 or email Holbrook DPW Superintendent Keith Nastasia or call 781-767-1800.

Other resources:

• Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Fact Sheet - Questions and Answers for Consumers (PDF)
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Information on PFAS for consumers and health professionals
• Massachusetts Department of Public Health information about PFAS in Drinking Water
• Randolph Department of Public Works
• Holbrook Department of Public Works
• Environmental Protection Agency on PFAS
• The Informational Community Meeting held on July 29, 2021

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

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2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

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3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

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4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

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5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

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6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

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1. What is an Alcoholic Beverage License and who needs one?

An alcoholic beverage license is required for establishments handling alcoholic beverages, including retail pouring or package sales. Any business that sells, stores, distributes, serves or delivers alcohol must have an alcoholic beverage license.

2. Who oversees alcoholic beverage licensing?

Most alcoholic beverage licenses must be approved by both the Randolph Licensing Board and the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC). The local licensing board ultimately issues licenses for restaurants and package stores (retail licenses), while ABCC has sole issuing authority for manufacturers, wholesalers, import/exporters, and caterers.

3. How do I get an alcoholic beverage license?

The application process varies for each type of license. A limited number of licenses are issued by the Town - check for availability before applying. You are strongly encouraged to consult the Licensing Board Clerk to determine which forms and processes to complete. State fees are payable to the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) with the application. Once the license is approved locally, a license fee must also be paid to the Town. For example, applicants for a new retail alcoholic beverage license follow this process:

1. Application and public hearing: Complete the appropriate online application on ABCC's website, print and sign it, and submit the fee. Then submit this application to the local Licensing Board, which will post it as an agenda item for a public hearing. You will need to be present at the hearing.
2. Local and state review: The Licensing Board will review your application and, if approved, forward it to the ABCC. Once approved by the ABCC, the Licensing Board will issue the alcoholic beverage license upon your submission of the licensing fee.

4. What is the time frame for a decision for an alcoholic beverage license?

Please contact the Licensing Board for the scheduling of Liquor Licensing meetings. Once approved locally, the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) can take four to six weeks to approve an application.

5. What are the final steps for obtaining an alcoholic beverage license?

Your permit must be renewed annually in December. Any changes to the license, including transferring it, appointing a new manager, or altering the premises, require a new application and review. If you stop operating the business, you must give up your license. If you plan to temporarily suspend your business operations, you must provide at least 10 days' notice to the Licensing Board.

6. How do I get the abutters list certified?

An abutters list is needed whenever public hearings require individual notice to interested parties. The notice must be sent by mail to abutters and owners of land nearby. Each Town board, commission or agency has requirements that differ depending upon the specific petition. Please contact the administrator for the specific board/commission to confirm requirements.

The Town of Randolph requires that all abutters lists be certified by the Office of the Assessor located at Town Hall, 41 South Main Street first floor. 

7. If a seller or a third party wishes to obtain a security interest in the alcoholic beverages license, what is required?

The pledge must be approved by the local licensing authority and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.

8. Can I purchase alcoholic beverages from a package store for a Section 14 License (One-Day Alcoholic Beverages or Wine and/or Malt Beverages)?

Applicants requesting a Section 14 License cannot purchase alcoholic beverages from a package store. The alcoholic beverages must be purchased from a licensed wholesaler/importer, manufacturer, farmer-winery, farmer-brewery or special permit holder.

9. Do I need a separate bond if I have multiple locations?

A Separate bond shall be required for each different name under which the dealer conducts his business and for each city or town in which the dealer has a place of business.

10. What will happen if I don't post a bond for a Class 2 Dealer License?

The town must have a copy of the dealer's bond or an alternative that will be accepted, such as a certificate of deposit or irrevocable letter of credit equal to the bond amount, upon submission of the application for a new license or license renewal. Failure to provide these will result in the town denying the issuance of a current-year license.

11. What is required for a change of Manager?

• Vote of Corporate Board
• CORI Request Form
• ABCC Form A, Copy of Government issued photographic form of ID
• Copy of completed Alcohol Server Training Certificate

12. What is the process for certifying abutters?

Applicant/department will request a list of abutters within required number of feet of subject property from the Assessor's office. The list will contain the following minimum information:

• Date parcel information gathered
• Parcel ID
• Parcel address
• Parcel owner name, address, city, state, zip code

13. What is required for a Change of Manager?

• Vote of Corporate Board
• CORI Request Form
• ABCC Form 997
• ABCC Form A, Copy of Government issued photographic form of ID
• Copy of completed Alcohol Server Training Certificate

14. How do I obtain a Business License?

A Business License (Business Certificate) is obtained in the Town Clerk’s Office.

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1. How do we apply for a marriage license?

You must both apply in person for a marriage license. The Randolph Town Clerk/Registrar's Office is open Monday thru Friday 8:30am- 4:30pm, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. This requirement is applicable to both residents and non-residents of the Commonwealth. According to Massachusetts law, you must jointly file intentions to marry, and you may do so with the city or town clerk in any community in the state. If a person is in the military, intentions may be filed by either party, providing one is a Massachusetts resident. If a person is incarcerated in a county house of correction or a state correctional facility, intentions may be filed by either party. A marriage license, once obtained, is valid for 60 days from the date intentions are filed and may be used in any Massachusetts city or town. It is not valid outside the state.

2. Is there a waiting period from the date of application to the date the license is issued?

Yes, there is a mandatory three-day waiting period. While Sundays and holidays are included in the three days, the day the application is made is not. For example, if you apply on Friday, your license will be issued on or after Monday.
 

3. May we marry before the three days for good reason?

Yes, if you can obtain a court waiver after filing intentions. According to MGL Ch. 207:30, if both parties are residents, or non-residents, or one of each, and they need to dispense with the three days, they may do so by applying to the judge of a probate or district court to have the license issued without delay, after filing intentions with the clerk.
 

4. How do we obtain a waiver?

You should file your intentions first with the town clerk. Then an application for a waiver must be filed by both of you at a probate or district court. After a hearing, the court may issue a certificate allowing the marriage license to be issued, and the marriage performed without delay.
 

5. What is the cost of a marriage license?

The fee to file a marriage license in Randolph is $40. Certified copies of the marriage license are $10 each.
 

6. At what age may a person marry?

A Massachusetts resident may marry if he or she is 18 years of age or older. A birth certificate or photo identification may be required to show proof of age.
 

7. What if one or both of us is under 18?

As of July 1, 2022, marriages are not permitted to anyone under the age of 18 years of age. For more information, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/mass-general-laws-c207-ss-24
 

8. Is a medical certificate required before a license can be issued?

No, Massachusetts Law no longer requires medical certificates.
 

9. What if one or both of us had been divorced?

You are not required to present a divorce certificate when filing intentions to marry. However, it is extremely important that an individual who has been divorced be certain that his/her divorce is absolute. If you are uncertain as to the absolute date of your divorce, you should contact the court where the divorce was granted. In Massachusetts, a divorce does not become absolute until 90 days after the divorce nisi has been granted, regardless of the grounds for divorce.
 

10. Is there any special requirement for a widow or widower who is remarrying?

No.

11. Do we need any witnesses present at the ceremony?

Massachusetts statute does not require that witnesses be present at your ceremony. However, if a member of the clergy performs the ceremony, you should ensure that you are in conformity with the appropriate religious tenets.
 

12. What are the responsibilities of the member of the clergy or the justice of the peace?

The member of the clergy or justice of the peace must complete and sign the original license and return it to the clerk of the city or town where the license was issued. The Randolph Town Clerk is a Justice of the Peace in Massachusetts. Those desiring a civil ceremony should contact the Town Clerk in advance of the date of the ceremony at (781) 961-0900.
 

13. What should be done if an out-of-state member of the clergy or a person not already recognized by the State is to perform the marriage?

If an out-of-state member of the clergy or a person not recognized by the State, is to perform the marriage, that person must obtain a Certificate of Authorization from the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth prior to the ceremony. This certificate, which is issued by the Public Records Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, is to be attached to the original license and returned to the clerk of the city or town where the license was issued. For further information, please visit the Secretary of State's website.

14. When performing a wedding within Randolph at one of our outdoor venues, please contact the Recreation Department

Call 781-961-0930 or see Recreation Park Information. Please make sure to use one of the following addresses when filling out the place of marriage on the marriage certificate: Powers Farm- 592 North Main Street The Williams Gazebo- 200 North Street

15. Are there any special requirements if one applicant is an immigrant?

If either of the parties has arrived as an immigrant from a foreign country within five days, the application may be filed at any time before the marriage, and the certificate shall be issued at any time after the filing.
 

16. Where can we go for additional assistance?

You may contact the Randolph Town Clerk/Registrar's Office at (781) 961-0900, or:

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1. Why was the section 3A law enacted?

To combat the increasingly high costs of housing. According to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC): 

• Massachusetts has among the highest, and fastest growing, home prices and rents of any state in the nation. 
• Rising costs have dramatically increased financial pressures on low- and middle-income families, forcing them to sacrifice other priorities in order to pay housing costs. High housing costs are a primary driver of homelessness.  
• These high costs are a disadvantage as we compete economically against peer states. 
• The risk of future job growth moving outside Massachusetts is rising due to the high costs of living.

2. What does "as of right" or "by right" mean?

It means that means development is allowed by zoning without the need for a special permit or other discretionary zoning approval. 

3. What does "multi-family housing" mean?

For the purposes of this legislation, “multi-family housing” means a building with 3 or more residential dwelling units.

4. Randolph already has multifamily zoning districts. Why are more needed?

Multifamily housing is currently allowed in certain districts by special permit through the Planning Board or Town Council. There are currently no zoning districts that allow multi-family housing as-of-right. 

5. Do the existing multifamily housing complexes count toward this law?

Section 3A requires zoning that allows for multi-family housing at a minimum density for future development, not a count of what currently exists within a district.

6. If Randolph already meets the affordability threshold of 10%, why do we have to comply with this law?

Compliance with section 3A is in addition to any state thresholds for the number of affordable units a community should have.

7. There are already houses or structures on the land in the district, what happens to them?

The chapter 3A law is to enact zoning that imagines a future when parcels are redeveloped. Any existing uses and structures may remain in place and do not impact the possibility of future zoning.

8. Once a district is adopted, how long before houses/units must be built?

There is no construction requirement OR timeline. The law requires zoning to PERMIT the development of residential units over time. Actual production may or may not happen.

9. Can we require mixed-use or commercial units on a ground floor with residential above?

We can allow it but may not REQUIRE it.  Residential units must be permitted on all floors.

10. Does this law require affordable units?

Section 3A does not discuss affordable housing. The most recent guidelines allow for communities to include a 10% affordable housing requirement in Section 3A zoning districts. Any affordable requirement above 10% must undergo an independent economic feasibility study.

11. Who approves the districts and zoning?

In Randolph's form of government and under state law, the Planning Board must provide recommendations to the Town Council who then adopts (with or without amendments) the map and zoning language.  Each of their meetings to deliberate on the topic are public hearings.

12. What if the Town doesn't approve the maps and zoning?

The Town has until the end of 2024 to approve the maps and zoning.  If the Town fails to adopt it, we will not be eligible for certain types of funding such as MassWorks and Housing Choice grants. Additionally, some funding to the Randolph Housing Authority will be impacted and the Town may face civil enforcement action. 

In March 2023, the State Attorney General, Andrea Joy Campbell, issued an advisory that Section 3A “was enacted to address the Commonwealth’s acute need for housing by facilitating the development of transit-oriented, multifamily housing. By any measure, Massachusetts is in a housing crisis that is inflicting unacceptable economic, social, and environmental harms across our state – particularly on working families and people of color. The Law directly responds to this crisis by implementing zoning reforms that require MBTA Communities to permit reasonable levels of multifamily housing development near transit stations.” The advisory goes on to state that all MBTA Communities must comply with Section 3A as there is no ability to opt out. Communities that fail to comply may be subject to civil enforcement action and also risk liability under federal and state fair housing laws.

13. Can we make sure new units are condos or townhouses and not apartments?

 We can regulate height, parking, setbacks and other factors but the Town may not dictate the type of ownership of any residential unit. 

14. How many acres is in all of Randolph?

Approximately 6464 acres of land and 256 acres of water. 

15. Can we put the housing on Town owned land?

Town owned land is exempt from these regulations.  

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1. I want to install signs for my business. Do I need a permit?

All signs (new, repaired or refaced) require a permit subject to the criteria specified in the zoning bylaws.

Application may be made online and must include color renderings for review and approval prior to installation.

2. Who plows, fixes potholes or makes repairs on a road?

If a road is a town-owned (public) road, the Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains and repairs the road as necessary.

If a road is a private road, the developer, residents or homeowner's association is responsible for maintenance and repairs.

3. What is the difference between a public road and a private road?

A public road (or town road) is a road that has been accepted by the Town (Town Meeting or Town Council) after going through the acceptance process established by state statute.  The Town maintains public roads. A private road, not accepted by Town Meeting or Town Council, is owned either by the original developer, the residents on the road or a homeowner's association.

4. Is my property in a flood zone?

Floodplains include all special Flood Hazard Areas designated by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These hazard areas are identified on FEMA-approved Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). To determine if a property lies within one of these areas, residents and business owners can:

1. Go to Parcel/Property Maps
2. Select the magnifying glass and enter the property address or parcel ID
3. Select the map themes tab and select FEMA Flood Zones

or

1. Go to the online FEMA Map Service Center
2. Type in the property address and select "Search"

If you are still unsure whether or not the property lies within a floodplain, please email the Town's Engineer or email the Building Commissioner.

To request a change to your flood zone designation, a Letter of Map Change (LOMC) should be submitted to FEMA by one of the following methods:

• Online LOMC Tool
• Mail to:
  LOMC Clearinghouse
  3601 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 500
  Alexandria, VA 22304-6426

For questions, contact FEMA Map Information eXchange (FMIX) at 877-366-2627.

5. How do I get on the Planning Board agenda?

Filing deadlines for projects and applications are outlined on the Meeting Schedule on the Planning Board webpage.  There may be circumstances that permit certain filings after the posted deadline. Please email the Town Planner to determine filing requirements and be placed on the agenda.

6. Can I build on my lot?

Whether or not you can build on a lot depends on the zoning district in which the lot is located, what you intend to build, and the size of the construction. You can use the online property viewer to determine the zoning district for a particular parcel and then check for allowable uses of buildings and land in that district in the Randolph Zoning Ordinances.

Residents and business owners are encouraged to consult with the Randolph Building Commissioner to receive a formal determination on whether or not a lot is buildable: email the Building Commissioner. The Building Commissioner is responsible for the interpretation and enforcement of Randolph's Zoning Ordinances.

7. What is the difference between a Special Permit and Site Plan/Design Review?

Special Permits regulate the use of a particular site and apply criteria in the zoning ordinance to determine if the proposed use, which is generally considered acceptable for that zoning district, is appropriate for the particular site. Special permits require a super-majority vote and are subject to procedures for applications, notice, public hearings, and decision-making set forth in the Zoning Act of MGL C.40A.

Site Plan and Design Review regulates the physical structures that will be constructed on the property and can be imposed for uses that are allowed by right or by special permit. The Town's bylaws specify the level of review required for based on project thresholds.

8. Can I divide my property to create another lot?

Any action that proposes changes to a property line requires the property owner to present a professional plan to the Planning Board for signing.

There are generally two methods by which a lot can be divided:

1. The mutual adjustment of property lines between abutting lots either by sale or exchange, or the creation of new building lots on an existing street, assuming the lots will have sufficient access, area, and frontage.
2. The formal division or splitting of an existing lot into two or more separate lots, or the construction of new streets combined with new building lots. These kinds of subdivisions are regulated by the state's Subdivision Control Law.

9. How do I obtain a plot plan?

Your project may require a plan of land completed by a registered land surveyor as part of the review and permitting processes. The Town does not make recommendations for registered land surveyors or other professionals; however, a list of licensed land surveyors and engineers is available through the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensures. Additionally, the Massachusetts Association of Land Surveyors and Civil Engineers (MALSCE) provides information regarding civil engineers and land surveying.

If you would like to inquire about persons who have previously done work in the town, the records of our boards, committees, and commissions are public information, and you may review any plans and applications previously filed.

10. How do I find out what type(s) of business are allowed in a district?

1) Determine the zoning district of the parcel using the mapping system

2) Review permitted property uses in the Table of Allowable Activity: view online or as a document (PDF).

3) Confirm with the Building Department and/or Planning Department

11. What are the zoning districts in the Town of Randolph?

The zoning district for a specific parcel can be identified on parcel/property maps.

• Crawford Square Business District (CSBD)
• West Corners Business District (WCBD)
• North Randolph Business District (NRBD)
• Blue Hill River Highway District (BRHD)
• Great Bear Swamp Highway District (GBHD)
• Industrial District (ID)
• Orchard Street Business District (OSBD)
• Great Pond Commerce Center Overlay District (GPCCOD)
• Business District (BD)
• Business Professional District (BP)
• Sanitary Facility District (SFD)
• Residential Single Family High Density (RSHDD)
• Residential Single Family Medium Density (RSMDD)
• Residential Two-Family District (R2FD)
• Residential Multi-Family District (RMFD)
• Residential Multi-Family 55-Plus (RMF55+)
• Business Housing Authority District (BHAD)

12. How can I get my property zoning changed?

A request to modify zoning is subject to a public hearing held by both the Planning Board and the Town Council. Requirements and applications are available in Forms and Applications. Contact the Planning Department for more information.

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1. Can I pay my bills online? Which ones?

Yes. You can pay your bills online right from our web page on the Town's website. Just follow the links and you can use your credit or debit card to pay Real Estate taxes, Personal Property taxes, Water/Sewer/Trash bills and Motor Vehicle Excise taxes.

The Town has recently switched to City Hall Systems for online bill payment. This new payment portal offers improved user functionality and ease of use. Visit the Online Bill Payment and Donations page to get started.

2. What bills can be paid at the Treasurer / Collector's office?

We take payments for Real Estate, Personal Property, Tax Title, Water/Sewer/Trash, Motor Vehicle Excise and for municipal lien certificates.

3. What methods of payment are accepted?

We accept personal checks or cash at the Treasurer/Collector’s office in Town Hall. Taxpayers can pay online through the town’s website using a credit or debit card (fee based on amount paid). Delinquent excise tax payments cannot be made at Town Hall.

4. Where can I mail my payments?

Taxpayers can mail their payments to the lockbox address on the remit-to portion of their bill, or to Town Hall, Attention: Tax Collector, 41 South Main Street, Randolph, MA 02368.  Please do not mail cash. If you use your bank’s online bill-pay, please mail payments directly to the Town Hall and be sure all information on your bill-pay system is correct for that bill.

5. Can I leave my payment at the Town outside of regular business hours?

Yes. Payments can also be left in the dropbox that is located on the driveway in front of Town Hall.  Make sure that your account number is included so that your payment can be properly applied. Please do not leave cash in the dropbox.

6. What is a water lien?

Unpaid Utility bills for the prior fiscal year are moved to the current year tax bill in mid-December. The lien and a $50 lien fee are split equally between the tax bills that are due February 1st and May 1st.

7. How often are Randolph residents billed for Water / Sewer and Trash?

Utility bills are issued quarterly.

8. How often are Randolph taxpayers billed for Real Estate and Personal Property taxes?

These tax bills are quarterly. The Town mails the preliminary bills that are dated July 1st and October 1st at the end of each June. The actual bills that are dated January 1st and April 1st are mailed by the Town at the end of each December.

9. Where can I pay past-due Motor Vehicle Excise tax?

Past-due Excise tax bills can be paid online via the Town’s website. For immediate clearance of marked bills, payments in cash can be made at the Deputy Collector’s Office in Brockton City Hall Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Show All Answers

1. How can I obtain verification of zoning?

For information about obtaining an official verification of the zoning for a parcel, see the Zoning Verification Request Page.

2. Where does the Zoning Board Meet?

The Zoning Board tries to use the meeting rooms on the main level at Town Hall either the Washington or Lincoln Room. If unavailable we will post notices as to where we will be located.