Frequently Asked Questions

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Please visit the Records Access Officer's Page to fill out the Request for Public Records Form.

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LICENSE REQUIRED

It shall be unlawful for any solicitor or canvasser as defined in this Bylaw to engage in such business within the Town without first obtaining a license therefor in compliance with the provisions of this Bylaw. This Bylaw shall not apply to any person exempted under MGL c. 101, or to any person exempted by another General Law, nor shall this Bylaw be construed to prevent route salesmen or other persons having established customers to whom they make periodic deliveries from calling upon such customers or from making calls upon prospective customers to solicit an order for future periodic route deliveries. For more information, including the list of current approved solicitors.

Application to Solicit

Request to be added to the "No Soliciting" List

You can register by mail, in person or online at www.registertovote.ma

Only a person who is:

• A U.S citizen
• A resident of Massachusetts
• 18 years old on or before election day
• Not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction

Yes. In order to vote you must be registered:

• 20 days before all primaries and elections, and/or
• 10 days before a special town meeting

The polling place for Medfield is:

Adult Community Center

1 Ice House Road

Medfield, MA 02052

Marriage Licenses are done by appointment only.  Both parties must be present.  There is a three day waiting period before license can be picked up.  The license is valid for 60 days.  The cost for the license is $50.00.

The property tax levy is the revenue a community can raise through real and personal property taxes. In Massachusetts, municipal revenues support local spending for schools, public safety and other public services, approved at Town Meeting. Revenue is raised through the property tax levy, state aid, local receipts and other sources. The property tax levy is the largest source of revenue for most cities and towns.

 The levy limit is increased from year to year as long as it remains below the levy ceiling. For more information, view Tax Levy page.

Assessors consider the market, cost and income approaches in the valuation of all vacant and improved parcels using the computer assisted mass appraisal system (CAMA) for Medfield. The assessors must develop a program to collect and analyze three categories of data: general, specific and comparative to be used in all approaches to value. 

General data consists of neighborhood characteristics, trends and factors which affect value. Specific data consists of site, external influences and improvement information. Comparative data consists of cost, sales, income and expense information. To understand the current market conditions, the assessors collect all sales data that has occurred in Medfield. 

The object of an assessment program is to establish "full and fair" cash value as of January 1. New construction / Building Permits are valued as of June 30.

No. Two components help determine the tax rate. The first is the budgetary requirements of the Town as voted by the Town Meeting to run the Town. The second is the overall taxable value (assessments) of property within the Town. For example, if the budget increased by 5%, then the tax increase throughout the Town (on average) would be approximately 5%, even if the total taxable value (on average) increased by 20%. This would inversely reflect in the tax rate, which is calculated by dividing the budget by the total taxable value (assessments), and the tax rate would decrease by approximately 15%. In another example, if the budget increased by 5% and the total taxable value (assessments) decreased by 20%, the average tax increase would still be 5%, while the tax rate would increase by approximately 25%. 

Market value changes occur in many forms. Buyers have different requirements and these requirements sometimes change from year to year. Also, sometimes renovations have been performed on a property that would cause a change in assessed value different from a similar property that did not undergo renovations. A recent inspection by the assessors’ office also may have contributed to a change in assessed value. For example, the property had not been inspected in several years and the property information has now been updated to more accurately reflect the current condition of the property.

The assessment is an estimate of market value. The definition of market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open, competitive market, without any undue influences. The assessment represents the estimate of market value as of January 1, for the upcoming Fiscal Year. This estimate of market value is determined by examining the sales of properties from the prior calendar year. Although a majority of properties are not for sale, Massachusetts General Laws require an assessment of every property. Sales of comparable properties are the best indicator of market value. Exception: Properties that have new construction/building permits are valued as of June 30. 

No. Proposition 2 ½ limits the amount of taxes a community can raise from property taxes in total. The assessment is an estimate of market value. Since the real estate market changes are based on the buyers' and sellers' needs, it does not limit the amount an assessment can increase or decrease. Assessment changes are always based on the real estate market. For example, if a property sells for $500,000 in calendar year 2019, it is unknown what price it would sell for in calendar year 2020 or beyond. It might sell for $600,000, $700,000, $1,000,000 or $400,000. The sale price would be based on the real estate market at the time. The assessments do not predict market value. The assessments reflect (or report) market value.

No. Proposition 2 ½ sets a limit on the entire tax levy for a jurisdiction. Proposition 2 ½ establishes a limit on the revenue a municipality can raise from property taxes. Proposition 2 ½ does not limit the amount by which an individual tax bill may change from year to year.

The assessed value represents the estimate of the market value of the property. The real estate market changes constantly. This estimate of market value is determined by examining the sales of properties from the prior calendar year. Although there may not have been any physical changes to the property, buyers may be paying more or less for properties than they were in previous years. The assessment changes reflect the changes in the purchase prices of comparable properties. The assessments do not predict market value. The assessments reflect (or report) market value. The real estate market can change dramatically from year to year. It is not limited to 1, 5, 10, or 25-year intervals. 

The actual tax bills which are mailed by the end of December reflect the actual (new) assessed values, current tax rate, and annual taxes. The assessment of your house can change annually due to normal factors that impact the real estate market. The assessed value reflects the changes in the real estate market from the time it was last valued.

You do not have to allow the assessors into your home. The inspection is requested to be as fair and accurate as possible. However, if an assessor is denied entrance, property owners relinquish their ability to challenge the assessed value. It is impossible to question an assessment if a property owner refuses to allow the assessors a view of the entire property. In instances where the assessors are denied entry into a property, estimates are made about the condition of the interior of the property, the kitchen and bath qualities, and whether there is finished attic space and/or finished basement space. Exception: The Building Commissioner requires the assessors to have access to inspect all final building permits that need an occupancy permit. 

In order to qualify for an abatement you must  provide ALL THREE of the following:

1. Motor Vehicle Excise Abatement Application completed

2.  Either a plate return receipt from the RMV OR a copy of the new registration showing the plate transferred to a different vehicle. 

3. Proof of sale (bill of sale or trade in agreement with the dealer) OR A receipt from junkyard (junked or totaled) OR receipt from a Charity (donation) OR if your car was totaled you need to provide a letter from the Insurance company proving the car was totaled and taken into their possession.

If all of the above three items are not provided an abatement cannot be granted. The latest date is used to calculate the abatement. If you sold your car on May 10 and didn't return the plate until July 10, the July 10 date is used to calculate the abatement. Abatements are prorated by the month, not the day. If you sold a car on May 10 or May 31 you are charged for the entire month of May.

Please refer to the Motor Vehicle Excise abatement application for further information. The above documentation can be emailed to Kathy Mills.

No. The leasing company is considered the owner of the vehicle and they must apply for the abatement. You must discuss any reimbursement with your leasing company, not the Assessors office.

Other Posr Employment Benefits.

Medfield now offers online permitting. Paper applications may also be submitted during regular Building Department hours. All applications must include both paper and electronic copies of the plans.

No work may be started prior to the issuance of a building permit, unless the work is an emergency repair in accordance with 780 CMR 105.2.1.

Building permits expire after 6 months of inactivity.  Permit extensions may be requested in accordance with 780 CMR 105.5.

Inspection requests must be made by phone (508-906-3005) or at the Building Department counter during regular office hours.  Email or text requests are not accepted at this time.

Building inspections are conducted between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM Monday through Friday or 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM Monday through Thursday. All inspection times are within the given ranges, specific inspection times are not available.

The Department of Public Licensure provides an online database of all registered Construction Supervisors.

The Department of Consumer Affairs provides an online database of all registered Home Improvement Contractors.

It's complicated! Sheds less that 200 square feet are exempt from needing a building permit but are still required to meet all setback and lot coverage requirements for your zoning district.  Sheds over 200 square feet require a building permit and also must comply with the Zoning Bylaw.

Building, wiring and plumbing/gas inspectors cannot perform site visits unless a permit has been issued.

To find our office, enter the Medfield High School complex off of South Street and take your first left by the basketball court. As the road curves to the right, you will see a blue and white sign in the grassy area by picnic tables that reads Youth Outreach.  Park your car to the left and walk up the loading dock driveway. Our door is to the left of the loading dock and is marked by a large white and blue sign. Please ring the doorbell to the left of the door to be let into the office.

General hours are 9:30am to 5:30pm Monday through Friday.  Please call before coming as sometimes we are at a meeting or event outside of the office.  Appointments may also be arranged outside of normal business hours.

The mailing address for Medfield Youth Outreach is Medfield Town Hall, 459 Main Street, Medfield, MA 02052.

/191/Transfer-Stations-Hours

Please fill out this application: https://www.town.medfield.net/FormCenter/Board-of-Selectmen-6/Block-Party-Permit-62

For further assistance, please contact the Board of Selectmen / Town Administrator's office at 508-906-3012. 

Yes, please fill out and return the application to solicit with $10 application fee to the Town Administrator's office.  A public hearing will be required.

In order to post signs on Town property, you must request permission from the Board of Selectmen. Please fill out this form.  If you have any questions please email Brittney Franklin at bfranklin@medfield.net.

Applicants must be local Town of Medfield non profit organizations. There is only one car wash per Saturday, choice of 9AM to 1PM or 10AM to 2PM. Please use this link to sign up for Spring/Early Summer 2026 dates. If you need assistance signing up, please contact Kamryn Smith at ksmith@medfield.net

Applicant is responsible for picking up water key the Friday before the Fundraiser, water key must be returned after the event.  An Adult must be present at all car wash fundraisers. All car wash fundraisers will be postponed if the Select Board has declared a partial or total Water Ban.

Use the Assessor's GIS map > On the left-hand side click on the black FIND PROPERTIES tab > enter the information > select your property from the list > click on the blue LAYERS tab along the side on the map >

Click on the "Zoning Districts" layer

Click the "Aquifer Protection District" layer to determine if your property also falls in the Aquifer District requirements under Section 16 of the Zoning Bylaw

Call the Building Commissioner or Town Planner for help in determining the various laws and regulations that govern your project and your site.

New construction and additions sometimes requires one or more permits, depending on the size, location, and proposed use of the structure. Your first step should be to consult the Building Commissioner. The Building Commissioner will discuss with you the property improvements you propose, and what the typical permit requirements are. The Building Commissioner will inform you of other regulations, like environmental regulations, wetlands, etc. that might apply to your site. He will also guide you to the Zoning Bylaw, which specifies minimum lot area, setbacks for front, rear, and side yards, lot coverages, and permitted uses in specific districts.

All property in Medfield is classified into a zoning district. These districts are located on the official Zoning Map, which can be found in the Zoning Bylaw or on the free online interactive maps on the Town website. These districts define the uses that are allowed in that district by right or by special permit (see Attachment 1 of the Zoning Bylaw). Each district also has specific regulations for lot sizes and setbacks (see Attachment 2). Specific regulations for parking (see Section 8), various commercial uses allowable by special permit (see Section 14). There are also several “overlay” districts that stipulate additional development controls in some areas of the Town such as floodplains, watershed, and aquifer protection.

Zoning regulations are established by the Town and adopted at Town Meetings. Zoning determines the types of structures and uses that are allowed in each zoning district. No matter where your property is located in town, it is subject to some type of zoning. The Building Code is established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and applies to all structures and buildings, no matter the use or location. The Building Code sets the minimum safety standards to protect the health and safety of the building occupants and neighbors.

Some uses are not allowed, and others are allowed only with a Special Permit. A Special Permit means that the use is not normally permitted, but the Town will consider allowing it if it meets certain criteria and is judged to be an overall benefit to the Town. Section 14 of the Zoning Bylaw outlines the process and the uses subject to Special Permits. In other cases, when a proposed structure cannot fit properly on a lot, a Variance pursuant to MGL Chapter 40A Section 10 may be required. Use variances are not allowable in Medfield. Please contact the Building Commissioner or Town Planner for more information.

Zoning nonconformities are defined as parcels, land uses, buildings, structures, or situations that do not conform with current zoning regulations. Examples include: older lots or subdivisions with lots that met the size requirement at the time (an increase in lot size or a reduction in density is called “down-zoning”), a building built to lesser setbacks than are currently required, a two-family or multi-family dwelling in a single-family zoning district, or a residential dwelling in a business zone.

Yes. The zoning bylaw allows nonconformities to continue. If certain nonconformities are abandoned, damaged, or destroyed, the regulations restrict their replacement. For further information talk to the Building Commissioner or Town Planner.

Generally, no. However, a nonconforming parcel (substandard lot) and nonconforming residential use (lot size, perfect square, setbacks, etc.) may be enlarged under certain circumstances and with some restrictions. The Building Commissioner is authorized to make certain Section 6 findings during the building permit review process. If the project proposes to make existing nonconformities worse or create new nonconformities, please speak with the Town Planner for an application to the ZBA. All teardowns on nonconforming lots require a special permit from the ZBA.

Zoning nonconformities can be replaced as they currently exist when they require maintenance, become damaged, or in the case of most residential uses, are destroyed by an act of nature or other unintentional event.

When zoning nonconformities are intentionally destroyed, demolished or removed from the site, they may only be replaced in conformance with the current zoning requirements. Also, when nonresidential nonconformities are abandoned or demolished (intentionally or unintentionally), they may only be replaced in conformance with the current zoning requirements.

You received a hearing notice via first class mail because you are a "party in interest", aka an abutter, to proposed construction or use that will be reviewed by the Medfield Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals. The notice is required by statute to let you know that a public hearing is being held on the project at a particular place, date and time (the time may shift from the actual time on the notice due to other hearing scheduled the same night). It is also published in the legal notice section of the Medfield Press for two Fridays preceding the opening of the hearing (note: the notice does not appear in the paper the Friday immediately prior to the public hearing due to precise wording in the statute). 

"Parties in interest’’ as defined by statute, "shall mean the petitioner, abutters, owners of land directly opposite on any public or private street or way, and abutters to the abutters within three hundred feet of the property line of the petitioner as they appear on the most recent applicable tax list.

The application, plans, and supporting materials are on file at the Planning Department. You are welcome to review this information during regular Town Hall hours (M, W, Th 8:30 - 4:30, T 8:30 - 7:30, F 8:30 - 1:00). Most applications and supporting materials are available electronically and can be emailed. 

At the first public hearing, the applicant will present plans and explain what is proposed for the Board. The Board will ask questions, generally where clarification is needed. There will be an opportunity for those in the audience to ask questions or offer comments in support or opposition. Comments may also be submitted in writing for inclusion in packets if submitted to the Town Planner the week before the hearing. The Board shall not consider any additional materials once the evidentiary portion of the public hearing has been closed, as this material would not be subject to public review and comment.

For simple projects, hearings can be completed in one night and are closed; meaning that no further testimony is taken. More often, hearings will be continued with direction given by the Board to the application on revisions to the plans or information that is needed. Continued hearings may be several weeks or months in the future depending on how long it takes the applicant to gather the required information and the Board's workload.

1. The Chair shall open the hearing at the advertised time in the specified meeting place, and proceed in the following order:
2. The Vice Chair will read the notice of hearing as published
3. The applicant or representative shall present their case to the board
4. Questions and comments from the Board
5. Questions and comments from representatives of other Town boards, and Town officials
6. Questions and comments from abutters to the property
7. Questions and comments from other interested parties
8. Responses from the applicant, as needed throughout
9. The Chair shall close the public hearing or keep the hearing open for Board deliberations

The Chair shall preside over the meeting and the following rules shall apply:

• All persons must be recognized by the Chair before speaking;
• Speakers must begin by identifying themselves by name, address, and any pertinent affiliations;
• All questions/comments/remarks should be directed to the Chair, and not to the applicant, other speakers, staff, or others;
• Presenters and speakers are expected to be brief and to the point—the Chair shall determine time limits for individual presentations if necessary, to ensure that all citizens and Board members have the opportunity to speak; and,
• Speakers should focus on asking new questions or providing new information, and avoid repeating previous remarks.
• No “jeers or cheers”: The purpose of the Board meeting is to permit the Board members to conduct official business of the Board. There is a great deal of work that is completed prior to
  presenting the application to the Board, but important facts are often presented during the hearing process. The public is invited to participate and to avoid actions that distract from the important decision-making process that must occur.

Section 300-6.2 K Medfield Zoning Bylaws:

Generally, if the shed is no bigger than 10'x15' and is not higher than 12', it shall be 

• not less than 60' from the road in the back yard
• 20' from the rear lot line
• 12' from the side lot line.

From the Medfield Zoning Bylaw: 

300-6.2 K  In any R District, permitted accessory buildings shall conform to the following provisions: They shall be not less than 60 feet from any street lot line, except for a garage on a corner lot, which shall be set back at least the same distance as the front yard setback for the adjacent lot; and they shall be set back from side and rear lot lines at least the distance specified in the Table of Area Regulations, provided that one accessory structure that will not exceed 15 feet by 10 feet, and not exceeding 12 feet in height, shall be allowed to be located in the rear yard with a setback to the rear lot line of no less than 20 feet and side lot line of no less than 12 feet.

Zoning Freezes

Section 6 ofMGL Chapter 40A, Massachusetts Zoning Act, creates two kinds of so-called zoning “freezes” (i.e., temporary exemptions from certain types of zoning bylaw amendments; they are referred to as freezes because they effective “freeze” in place certain provisions of the zoning bylaw): (1) non-plan freezes and (2) plan freezes.

Non-Plan Freezes. Section 6 provides that an amendment to a zoning bylaw does not apply to any use lawfully begun, or any building permit or special permit issued “before the first publication of notice of the public hearing on such ...bylaw [amendment] required by section five [of the Zoning Act].” This provision means that a zoning bylaw amendment adopted by Town Meeting in accordance with the procedures and time periods set forth in Section 5 of chapter 40A is deemed to be effective — and hence binding on any use not lawfully begun and on any project for which a building permit or any required special permit has not been issued, as of the date of that first published notice.

Plan Freezes. Section 6 creates two categories of plan freezes: (1) a definitive subdivision plan freeze and (2) an ANR plan freeze. These so-called plan freezes are a very powerful tool for a developer, since as the court said in Long v. Board of Appeals of Falmouth, 32 Mass.App.Ct. 232, 238 n.7 (1992), “[a]s we interpret the statute, it has the potential for permitting a developer, or at least a sophisticated one, to frustrate municipal legislative intent by submitting a plan not for any purpose related to subdivision control and not as a preliminary to a conveyance or recording but solely for the purpose of obtaining a freeze.”

Definitive subdivision plan freeze. The fifth paragraph of Section 6 provides that a parcel of land is entitled to have all zoning provisions (i.e., use, density, bulk, dimensional, parking etc.) in effect on the date that there is submitted to the Planning Board a definitive plan (or a preliminary plan followed by submission of a definitive plan within seven months), written notice of such submission is given to the Town Clerk, and such definitive plan is eventually endorsed by the Planning Board, frozen for a period of eight years following such submission date (that 8-year period is extended by the length of any town imposed moratorium on construction or the issuance of permits). This provision means that a zoning bylaw amendment adopted by Town Meeting will not be effective, and hence will not be binding on, any parcel of land for which a definitive subdivision plan is submitted to the Planning Board and notice given to the Town Clerk as provided above prior to the actual date and time on which Town Meeting votes to approve the zoning bylaw amendment, until 8 years have passed.

ANR Plan Freeze. The sixth paragraph of Section 6 provides that a parcel of land is entitled to have all zoning use provisions in effect on the date that that there is submitted to the Planning Board a so-called “Approval Not Required Plan, written notice of such submission is given to the Town Clerk, and such ANR plan is eventually endorsed by the Planning Board, frozen for a period of three years following such submission date (that 3-year period is extended by the length of any town-imposed moratorium on construction or the issuance of permits). This provision means that a zoning bylaw amendment regulating the use of property adopted by Town Meeting will not be effective, and hence will not be binding on, any parcel of land for which an ANR plan is submitted to the Planning Board and notice given to the Town Clerk as provided above prior to the actual date and time on which Town Meeting votes to approve the zoning bylaw use amendment, until 3 years have passed. Although an ANR plan freeze only freezes use regulations, case law has ruled that an ANR plan use freeze may also extend to bulk and dimensional regulations that may, when applied to the use protected by the freeze, have the practical effect of prohibiting the protected use.

The Board will first hear evidence from the applicant who will give a presentation on the project and requested relief. Then there will be a period of time when the Board may ask questions. Following that, there will be a question and answer period from the audience. If you want to speak or ask a question, please direct your question through the Chair and identify yourself by stating your name and address for the record. After that, there will be a period where people may speak in favor or in opposition to the application. The Board will then close the public hearing. The Board may or may not take a site visit, depending on the nature of the relief and the Board’s familiarity with the neighborhood of the property. If the Board does take a site visit, they will only observe the property and not take additional evidence from attendees. Once the hearing is closed the only evidence that the Board will take in is their observations at the site visit. Following that, the Board will render a decision. There are statutory time periods in which the Board must file their decisions with the Town Clerk. If you feel aggrieved by the Board’s decisions, there are certain statutory time periods in which to appeal the decision. If you do want to appeal the Board urges you to promptly consult an attorney because the time periods are short and strictly enforced. 

The rights of parties to appeal zoning board decisions are governed by a statute, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A, Section 17. Under Section 17, only a “person aggrieved” by a decision of a local zoning board has standing to bring a court appeal of that decision. Appeals may be filed in either Superior Court or Land Court within 20 days of the decision being filed with the Town Clerk. You will need a certified copy of the decision from the Town Clerk in order to file the court appeal. A copy of the court appeal must also be submitted to the Town Clerk with copies sent to all board members. 

If you wish to appeal a decision, you are urged to promptly consult an attorney because the time periods are short and strictly enforced.

A Special Permit is required generally if your lot or structure is non-conforming and you wish to make an alteration or extension to it. The Board of Appeals approval or special exceptions shall not be granted unless the applicant demonstrates "that such change, extension or alteration shall not be substantially more detrimental than the existing nonconforming use to the neighborhood" plus additional criteria. 

Refer to MGL Chapter 40A Section 6 (Existing structures, uses, or permits) & Section 9 (Special Permits), and Medfield Zoning Bylaw Article 300-9 (Nonconforming Uses, Structures and Lots) & Article 300-14.10 (Special Permits by the ZBA). 

A Variance is required if you want to do something with your property which is generally prohibited by the Zoning Bylaw. The applicant must show a hardship imposed by the Bylaw which is caused by a unique condition of the lot, or structure, and the hardship is owing to circumstances relating to the soil conditions, shape or topography of the land or structure and especially affecting the land or structures, but not affecting generally the zoning district in which it is located. Relief may be granted without substantial detriment to the public good, and without nullifying or substantially derogating from the intent or purpose of such ordinance or bylaw. The criteria for a Variance is very strict, you might want to look at all of your options before applying. It is also recommended that one seeks legal counsel when considering applying for a variance as the requirements are a matter of law.

Refer to MGL Chapter 40A Section 10 (Variances) and Medfield Zoning Bylaw Article 300-14.11 (Variances).

Use the Assessors online database to retrieve basic property information then click the "map" tab to view the property with zoning layers. 

• Zoning Bylaw: https://www.ecode360.com/27374011 
  • Table of Use Regulations: https://www.ecode360.com/attachment/ME3164/ME3164-300a%20Table%20of%20Use%20Regs.pdf 
  • Area & Dimensional Requirements: https://www.ecode360.com/attachment/ME3164/ME3164-300b%20Table%20of%20Area%20Regs.pdf 
  • Height & Bulk Requirements: https://www.ecode360.com/attachment/ME3164/ME3164-300c%20Table%20of%20Height%20and%20Bulk%20Regs.pdf 

A very generic wetlands layer is available online but contact Leslee Willits, Conservation Agent, for more specific information (note: Leslee works part-time and is often out of the office at site visits)

Please send an email to Sarah Raposa, Town Planner, with any specific questions.

• Zoning Bylaw
• Table of Uses
• Table of Area Regulations (setbacks)
• Table of Height and Bulk (lot coverage)
• Online GIS Mapping (turn on the Zoning and Aquifer Protection District layers)

ZBA Application & Rules and Regulations: Available on the ZBA Webpage

Water/Sewer bills are sent out twice a year to all customers. You will typically receive a bill in April and October. 

Anyone conducting business in Medfield under a name other than their own complete real name or any corporation doing business in a name other than the corporate name must file a Business Certificate with the Town Clerk. This is commonly known as a "doing business as" or "DBA" certificate. Failure to do so may result in a fine. In the case of a corporation, the form must be filed by a corporate officer. Note that Inc., Corp., and Ltd. may only be used by a corporation.

You will need to register your business name by filing a business certificate with the Town Clerk.

Other considerations:

• Building Permit: To construct, enlarge, alter, remove, or demolish a structure or amend electrical or plumbing you may need a building permit. Doing interior or exterior work without a building permit may result in fines. Consult the Building Department. 
• Certificate of Occupancy: If a building permit was required, you will need a certificate of occupancy once the work has been completed.
• Special Permit: Check to see if the use being planned requires a special permit in the zoning district in which the property is located. Consult Planning Department
• Site Plan Approval: Construction or exterior alteration of a commercial or industrial structure may require Site Plan Approval by the Planning Board. Alterations or upgrades to stormwater systems may be required for expansion of parking lots. Consult the Planning Department to see if a Change of Use Determination by the Planning Board for nonresidential uses is required. 

Will there be enough parking?

Each use has required parking based on factors such as retail square footage or the number of restaurant seats. Check the Parking Requirements in the Zoning By-Laws. The Zoning Board of Appeals may reduce the requirement by special permit in the Downtown Parking District.

Signs are subject to requirements in the Zoning By-Laws (Section 13).

Please contact the Building Department for a sign permit. 

• You will need a business license issued through the Town Clerk's Office. 
• If you are remodeling a space or building a new one, you will need a Building Permit.
• If you are building an addition or changing the use of an existing space, you will need a Special Permit from the ZBA and/or Site Plan Approval from the Planning Board. 
• If you are adding parking spaces or seeking a deviation from parking requirements you will need a Special Permit from the ZBA and/or Site Plan Approval from the Planning Board. 
• Additional lot coverage may require a stormwater permit from the Board of Health. 
• You will need a Common Victualler License from the Board of Selectmen and a Food Establishment License from the Board of Health.
• Serving alcohol? You will need a Liquor License from the Board of Selectmen

Contact information for all departments can be found in the Land Use Permitting Guidebook. 

• You will need a business license issued through the Town Clerk's Office. 
• If you are remodeling a space or building a new one, you will need a Building Permit.
• If you are building an addition or changing the use of an existing space, you may need a Special Permit from the ZBA and/or Site Plan Approval from the Planning Board. 
• If you are adding parking spaces or seeking a deviation from parking requirements you will need a Special Permit from the ZBA and/or Site Plan Approval from the Planning Board. 
• Additional lot coverage may require a stormwater permit from the Board of Health. 
• You will need a Common Victualler License from the Board of Selectmen.
• Selling alcohol? You will need a Liquor License from the Board of Selectmen

Contact information for all departments can be found in the Land Use Permitting Guidebook. 

• You will need a business license issued through the Town Clerk's Office. 
• If you are remodeling a space or building a new one, you will need a Building Permit.
• If you are building an addition or changing the use of an existing space, you may need a Special Permit from the ZBA and/or Site Plan Approval from the Planning Board. 
• If you are adding parking spaces or seeking a deviation from parking requirements you will need a Special Permit from the ZBA and/or Site Plan Approval from the Planning Board. 
• Additional lot coverage may require a stormwater permit from the Board of Health. 

Contact information for all departments can be found in the Land Use Permitting Guidebook. 

At this time the Board of Health does NOT charge a fee for Title 5 Inspections.

Title 5 inspections are good for 2 years from the date of inspection.

The design and construction of buildings in Massachusetts is governed by state law. Energy conservation codes establish requirements for energy efficiency. Their intent is to reduce emissions throughout the lifetime of a building.

Massachusetts currently offers communities three choices of stringency in its building energy codes: the Base Code, the Stretch Code, and the Specialized Code.

• The Base Energy Code defines minimum design and construction requirements for energy efficiency.

• The Stretch Energy Code provides a more energy efficient alternative to the base energy code.

• The Specialized Code builds on the Stretch Code through additional clean energy measures.

As part of the Green Communities Act of 2008, Massachusetts is required to update its building code every three years to be consistent with the most recent version of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). This ensures that new buildings are designed and constructed with energy efficiency in mind. The current Base Code in Massachusetts, effective January 1, 2023, consists of IECC 2021 with additional Massachusetts-specific amendments. Fewer than 8% of Massachusetts residents live in Base code communities.

In 2009, Massachusetts adopted an above-code appendix to the Base Code — the Stretch Code — which emphasizes energy performance and is designed to result in cost-effective and energy-efficient construction. This performance-based approach brings in third-party verification, which protects homeowners by ensuring that buildings perform as designed. The Stretch code also has ventilation requirements that include energy recovery systems. The newest phase of updates, incorporating 2021 IECC standards and new guidance, became effective on February 14th, 2025, for both low-rise residential and commercial buildings, building on the 2023 changes. 

As of today, roughly 300 of Massachusetts’ 351 municipalities have adopted the Stretch Code. 

Medfield adopted the Stretch Code at its Annual Town Meeting on April 25th, 2016. 

The Massachusetts Climate Act of 2021 required the development of a new Municipal Opt-in Specialized Energy Code. The Specialized Code consists of IECC 2021 with Massachusetts-specific amendments plus additional Stretch Code and Specialized Code amendments. Its purpose is to ensure that new construction is consistent with a net-zero Massachusetts economy in 2050. The code adds new energy efficiency requirements for mixed-fuel residential and commercial buildings (i.e., buildings that include fossil fuels). There are relatively few changes from the Stretch code and these center around consumer protection — saving people money and unnecessary work to comply with future building code requirements.

• The Specialized Code applies only to new construction, not to existing buildings. There are no additional requirements for additions, alterations, or renovations.

• The Specialized Code adds consumer protection requirements for new buildings that use fossil fuel. For example, mixed-fuel buildings must pre-wire any fossil fuel systems or appliances for later conversion to electricity. During construction, when walls are open, wiring for later transition to all-electric is not difficult and avoids costly retrofits later.

• New homes with fossil fuel will have to install a minimum amount of solar (with some exceptions for shading) to reduce utility costs.

• Homes over 4,000 square feet must install enough solar or other renewables to fully offset the home’s energy use.

• New multi-family housing construction that is over 12,000 square feet will need to meet low-energy-use “Passive House” standards.

• There are no additional requirements for all-electric new construction.

Detailed explanations and more frequently asked questions can be found at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s Building Energy Code website.

• If Medfield opts to adopt the Specialized code, it could qualify to join the "Climate Leader Communities" program which gives access to additional funding. To date, Medfield has received over $660,000 in grants for building and equipment upgrades and replacements under the Green Communities program.  These grants are extremely competitive as we saw in the last cycle where Medfield did not receive grant funding, and the types of projects and amounts are limited. Enhanced funding under the Climate Leaders program includes $150,000 in technical grants and up to $1M per 3-year cycle for an extended range of projects including solar installations or an energy manager position. For example, Medfield is working to officially close the landfill, and a large municipal solar array is one of the potential future uses being discussed. A CL grant could also help fund energy efficiency measures at the new school such as heat pumps or a solar array. To date, 28 communities - that is HALF of the Specialized Code Communities, have entered into this Climate Leader program. In 2025, four Climate Leader communities have been awarded a total of $3.7M. https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-certifies-nine-new-climate-leader-communities   

In this cycle, MA has set aside $60M in funding for the Climate Leaders program https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-designates-three-new-green-communities-announces-60-million-climate-leader-grant-funding 

• In 2021, Medfielders voted to adopt a Net Zero 2050 Goal for the town.  Adopting the Specialized code would ensure that new buildings in Medfield are highly energy efficient and help the town reach that goal.

No, the Specialized Code applies to new construction only.

No, the Specialized Code applies to new construction only.

No, the Specialized Code provides the flexibility to build homes and commercial buildings with mixed fuels (e.g., electric and natural gas).  However, homes with fossil fuels would need to meet additional requirements such as pre-wiring for electrification and installation of solar (with some exceptions).  

Yes, but a mixed-fuel building must meet the mixed-fuel requirements, including installation of electrical service and wiring for eventual conversion of those gas appliances to electric. 

Generators powered with fossil fuels are allowed in all-electric homes under the Specialized Code. Whole-home backup batteries are an option as well. In addition, homes built to meet the higher insulation and air sealing standards of the Stretch and Specialized Codes will maintain comfortable conditions indoors for longer periods of time than conventionally built homes.

• If the home is all-electric and less than 4,000 square feet, there are no requirements beyond the Stretch Code. 

• If the mixed fuel pathway is chosen, the builder would incur additional costs to pre-wire for future electrification. This would be an added cost to the builder but would save the homeowner from the burden of a costly future retrofit. In addition, solar panels would need to be installed, again at a cost to the builder but a benefit to the homeowner. Solar panels are not required if the home is too shady.

• All-electric homes are generally cheaper to build than homes with fossil fuel, as the heat pump replaces both central air conditioning and (typically) a gas furnace. Also, the expense of running a gas line to the home would be avoided.  In addition, MassSave provides rebates of $15,000 to builders for hitting a Home Energy Rating System score of 45, and $25,000 for meeting HERS 35 or Passive House.

• A home greater than 4,000 square feet and heated with fossil fuels, on the other hand, would be more costly to construct due to the enhanced efficiency measures required and the need to add a separate air conditioning system.

• More details on cost and benefits can be found in the DOER presentation to the Selectboard starting at 1:29:40hrs. 

The Specialized Code only applies to new construction, so it won’t impact individuals purchasing an existing home. 

The financial impact to persons purchasing a newly constructed all-electric home is anticipated to be minimal.  

• The Specialized code doesn’t impose any new requirements for all-electric homes relative to the existing Stretch Code.  

• All-electric homes are generally cheaper to build.  

• In addition, MassSave provides generous rebates to builders for meeting the code requirements.  

A home greater than 4,000 square feet with fossil fuels would be somewhat more costly to construct but would have added energy efficiency likely to lower operating expenses.

A heat pump uses technology similar to that found in a refrigerator or an air conditioner, only it works both to heat and cool the home. In heating mode, it extracts heat from a source, such as the surrounding air or geothermal energy stored in the ground transfers the heat to where it is needed. When cooling, it transfers the heat from your home to the outside.. Because most of the heat is transferred rather than generated, heat pumps are far more efficient than conventional heating technologies such as boilers or electric heaters and can be cheaper to run. The output of energy in the form of heat is normally several times greater than that required to power the heat pump, normally in the form of electricity. For example, the coefficient of performance (COP) for a typical household heat pump is around four, i.e. the energy output is four times greater than the electrical energy used to run it. This makes current models 3‐5 times more energy efficient than gas boilers. (from https://www.iea.org/reports/the-future-of-heat-pumps/how-a-heat-pump-works). 

In the near term, homeowners in newly constructed, all-electric homes will likely pay more to heat their homes with electric heat pumps than with natural gas.  However, within the next decade, the cost of heating with natural gas is anticipated to increase relative to electricity as more people electrify their homes and fewer people remain to support the costs of the gas infrastructure.  

Eversource is now offering a winter heating Heat pump rate that lowers electricity bill by about 23%.  Heating with fuel oil, propane, and electric resistance heat is generally more expensive than heating with electric heat pumps.  

Medfield also has a municipal aggregation program, Medfield Community Electricity (MCE), with new electricity supply options that provide more renewable energy and stable prices for all Medfield residents and businesses. The program is a town-vetted alternative to Eversource’s default supply and other third-party electricity suppliers. MCE can provide lower-cost electricity for those who sign up.  

Yes. Eversource, the electricity provider for Medfield, has filed plans to increase grid capacity by 180% to support “full electrification” and a “greener grid” by 2050.

Today, the electric grid is operating at 20% below the all-time system electric peak in 2006, due to energy efficiency measures. While switching from fossil fuels to electric vehicles, electric heat pumps, and electric appliances will increase demand on the regional grid and the local electric distribution system, electrification will result in nearly 50% greater energy efficiency overall. For example, electric heat pumps are 2.5 to 4 times more efficient than the most efficient gas boiler. Stricter insulation and air sealing requirements under the Stretch and Specialized codes will reduce the electric demand of new buildings.  By 2035, building electrification is predicted to cause the grid to switch from summer peaking to winter peaking; this change will not require significant infrastructure upgrades.

Under the Specialized code, in new construction buildings that opt to use fossil fuels, solar panels must be installed (with allowances for shading). This will increase renewable energy supply to the grid during peak summer demand and increase the resilience of the electricity grid.

No, because financial incentives through MassSave and competitive incentives from the Department of Housing and Community Development make development of affordable housing attractive including incentives to meet the Specialized Code. All-electric buildings result in little, if any, additional construction costs. And third-party power purchase agreements can provide solar energy with no upfront cost. 

Recent analysis of housing development in Massachusetts indicates that stronger energy codes correlate with more home building overall. Specialized code communities have added new housing 17% faster than Stretch code communities. Stretch code communities in turn have added new housing 14% faster than Base code communities.  https://phmass.org/2025/12/30/codes-and-housing-supply/ 

Yes, these developments must comply with all applicable building codes, including the Specialized Code.

High-efficiency net-zero municipal buildings are becoming standard practice in comparable communities across the Commonwealth. With a combination of incentives from MassSave and other funding sources, net-zero municipal buildings are often more cost effective to build and maintain over the lifecycle of the building in comparison to conventional and/or mixed fuel buildings. 

As an example, let’s compare some of our existing municipal buildings with new, fully electric ones built to the Specialized code. The energy use of a building is often expressed as the Energy Use Intensity (EUI), which is its energy use per floor area, like Btu/sqft. The higher the EUI, the less efficient the building is and the more energy it uses. The Dale Street school has an EUI of 106, the Public Safety Building’s is 105, Blake as an EUI of 90.  In contrast, the new Lexington High School is designed for an EUI of 25, close to Passive House standards, so it will use about a quarter of the energy per sf as our conventional buildings. Lexington expects to save hundreds of thousands in energy bills over its lifetime, and if you include the battery storage and solar that are planned to be added, they predict millions in savings. Westwood’s new K-5 elementary school, Pine Hill, was also designed for an EUI of 25, but with careful procedures is now operating at an EUI of 18-19.  This is expected to be reduced to an EUI of 7-8 once the school’s solar array is turned on. 

While it is too early to predict what design the Medfield School Building Committee will decide on for the new Dale Street school, the standard for new school buildings in Massachusetts now is typically all-electric or net-zero energy, with some new schools even achieving triple net-zero (energy, water, waste). The MSBA offers a 3-point adder to funding new school building if they are all-electric, and MassSave incentives also lower construction costs for all-electric buildings. A highly efficient ground-source heat pump system would qualify for a 30% federal rebate, further reducing up front cost and long-term operating cost.

• Residential: Single family, two-family, townhouses, and buildings three stories or less in height above grade.

• Commercial: Assembly, business, educational, institutional, mercantile, factory and industrial, storage, high hazard, utility, and miscellaneous; buildings four stories or more in height above grade.

• 56 communities representing over 32% of the State’s population have adopted the Specialized Code. 

• Metrowest communities — many of them Medfield’s neighbors — that have already adopted the Specialized Code include among others Ashland, Dedham, Framingham, Hopkinton, Milton, Natick, Needham, Norwood, Sharon, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley, and Weston. https://www.mass.gov/doc/building-energy-code-adoption-by-municipality/download 

• Several more communities have plans to adopt the Specialized Code in spring and fall 2026. 

The Sponsors of Mass Save provide valuable compliance training, technical support, and documentation tools for building industry stakeholders. Building energy code compliance training sessions are available for all Massachusetts code officials and building professionals. Medfield building officials have already benefitted from such training in 2025.

The Sponsors of Mass Save, in partnership with Passive House Massachusetts, have launched a Passive House and All-Electric Homes Training offer to support workforce development and market transformation in the energy efficiency and building construction industries.

Another organization offering education is the Passive House Network. Founded in 2011, the Network is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides education and community to building industry professionals specifically focused on the rapid implementation of Passive House building standards.

No. The rooftop solar requirement for new homes in the Specialized Code provides exemptions where solar access is less than 70% or the roof is too steep.

• New homes do not necessarily need a 400-amp panel. This is because all-electric homes built to the new code have dramatically lower peak heating loads than conventionally built homes. 

• Large new homes are likely already incorporating 400-amp panels due to their size, so no additional upgrades above existing standard practice are required.

• The main increase in electrical demand is the EV-ready requirement at 50 amps for a single-family home, which is not a new requirement or the Specialized code, but already part of the current Stretch code.

The building inspector will continue to be responsible for building code enforcement. Passive House certification (e.g. for large multifamily buildings) is independently obtained and does not require additional knowledge or training of the building inspector.

A HERS rating test can be performed on ADUs whether they are attached or not. The Stretch code and the Specialized code have the same HERS limits. 

No, it would be subject to the existing Stretch Code; the Specialized code has no provisions for additions or renovations. If a home is destroyed for example by fire, and if the restored home is built on the same footprint, it would not normally be considered new construction.  But if the new home is built on an entirely new footprint, it may be considered new construction. The ultimate decisions on what is considered new construction is taken by the local Building Inspector.

The up-front cost of the solar panels is expected to be less than 1% of the cost of a new home.  The average payback period is roughly 5-7 years, and for the rest of the typical 25-year life of the panels they would be reducing the homeowner’s electric bill.

The Specialized Code is not prescriptive in this regard, and the location of the wiring would be up to the building inspector.  For an appliance, the wiring would typically terminate in a plug located near the existing fossil fuel appliance.  For a heat pump replacing a boiler or furnace, the wiring would likely terminate in the basement.  

Construction time depends on a large number of factors. The Specialized code is not expected to affect construction time.

Any new large multi-family housing construction (>12,000 sf) will need to meet highly energy efficient (i.e. low energy use) Passive House standards. Passive House buildings are already being done more and more for affordable housing throughout Massachusetts, even in communities where it is not mandated. According to developers (see this recording and this slide deck) these are some reasons why:

• straightforward and easily implemented standards, with independent verification (no additional knowledge or training needed by Building Inspectors)

• results in significantly lower total life cycle costs and minimal additional construction costs - also see the “Safe at Home” report 

• ensures healthier, more comfortable, more resilient, and more equitable multi-family housing, including the health benefits of excellent ventilation and indoor air quality free of the harmful and carcinogenic gases produced by gas appliances

• small to no cost differential, particularly with experience teams - developers say that there are much bigger cost drivers for their projects including:

  • Parking minimums

  • Lack of multi-family zoning

  • Onerous design requirements

  • Delays in permitting time 

• aligns with community values and climate goals

• avoided health costs of burning fossil fuels

• eligible for significant upfront incentives from MassSave.

• The Department of Housing and Community Development also has a Low Income Housing Tax Credit program that gives extra points for both Passive House and for electrification.

Recent analysis of overall housing development indicates that Specialized code communities are adding new housing faster than Stretch code communities, and that Stretch code communities in turn are adding more new housing faster than Base code communities.  https://phmass.org/2025/12/30/codes-and-housing-supply/

• Another FAQ can be found at the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) website at https://www.mass.gov/doc/stretch-energy-and-municipal-opt-in-specialized-building-code-faq/download

• A recording of the DOER presentation of the Building Energy codes to the Medfield Select board is available at the Medfield TV YouTube channel at 1:12hrs at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYfjDHiphKA&list=PLypOllJHc4M1mT8vN-WUuIe29PmvAG619&index=13&t=6003s

• For current information and updates, please visit the Energy Committee site https://www.town.medfield.net/2308/Specialized-Code and follow us at on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=medfield%20energy%20committee 

Proposition 2½ is a Massachusetts law that limits how much a municipality can raise in property taxes each year. The total amount the Town can collect is the tax levy, and the maximum allowable levy is the levy limit.

Each year, the levy limit increases by:

•  2.5% of the prior year’s levy limit, and

•  New Growth, which reflects new construction and renovations.

A community may exceed its levy limit only with voter approval through an override.

An operating override is a voter‑approved, permanent increase in the Town’s levy limit. It provides recurring revenue to fund ongoing municipal and school operating costs.

When voters approve an override, the levy limit increases by the override amount. That amount becomes part of the base on which future 2.5% increases are calculated.

•  Operating override: Permanent increase for recurring operating costs.

•  Debt exclusion: Temporary increase to pay debt service for a specific capital project. When the debt is paid off, the tax increase ends.

Medfield has approved several operating overrides over the past 20 years. The most recent was in FY2019.

Over the past decade, the average single‑family tax bill has increased by approximately 2.84% per year, including the FY2019 override.