The Massachusetts State Building Code states that “it shall be unlawful to construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, remove, or demolish a structure; or to change the use or occupancy of a building or structure; or to install or alter any equipment for which provision is made or the installation of which is regulated be the code” without first obtaining a building permit. This includes, but is not limited to new structures, additions, dormers, chimneys, woodstoves, decks, roofing, siding, swimming pools, antennae, and sheds. The only exception is an ordinary repair. An ordinary repair does not require a building permit. For more information, please email building@actonma.gov or contact the Building Department at (978) 929-6633

Most projects will require construction plans, a certified plot plan, along with the permit fee. You can create an account on OpenGov to apply online.  For more information, please email building@actonma.gov or contact the Building Department at (978) 929-6633.

Please refer to the zoning bylaw and zoning map to determine your set-backs. You may also find out by contacting the Planning Department at (978) 929-6631.

Property lines can be located by a Land Surveyor that you hire. The Engineering Department provides land surveying services for public property. More information on how to find a surveyor can be found at the MA Association of Land Surveyors & Civil Engineers website

MLCs can be requested via email, regular mail, or in person. We cannot begin to process an MLC until we receive payment to the Town of Acton. Most residential MLCs cost $25.00, but commercial properties can cost up to $150.00. Please inquire by parcel ID and/or property address prior to sending your request.

MLC Request Form

The form for records requests can be found here. Contact the Records Clerk at the Police Department at (978)929-7514.

• Attempting to cause or causing physical harm
• Placing another in fear of imminent serious physical harm
• Causing another to engage involuntarily in sexual relations by force, threat, or duress

• Are or were married to one another
• Are or were residing together in the same household
• Are or were related by blood or marriage
• Having a child in common regardless of whether they have ever married or lived together
• Or are or have been in a substantive dating or engagement relationship, which shall be adjudged by district, probate or Boston municipal courts, by considering the following factors: the length of time of the relationship; the type of relationship; the frequency of interaction between the parties; and if the relationship has been terminated by either person, and the length of time elapsed since the termination of the relationship

You can access the conservation land trail maps at the following website, or you can purchase a trail guide book for $10 at:

• Conservation Office at Town Hall
• Butter Brooks Organic Farms
• Pedal Power Bike & Ski
• EMS

Home occupations are accessory uses which are allowed in all zoning districts on the same lot as the principal use (the residence). A home occupation, other than retail sales, which is conducted entirely within the dwelling or an accessory building by a resident, and employing no persons other than the residents, is allowed. Within the Village Residential District in West Acton, the portion of the dwelling unit or accessory building utilized for a home occupation is limited to 500 square feet of net floor area. The Board of Appeals may authorize by special permit a home occupation which conducts retail sales, or employs non-residents, provided that no more than two such non-resident employees shall be present on the premises at any one time. For more information or to learn in which zoning district a property is located, please contact the Planning Department at (978) 929-6631.

General rates are available for viewing on the website here. Fees are not quoted until a Facilities Use Form has been submitted and reviewed by the Recreation Director.

The Recreation Department has an automated voice messaging service which lists information options that address many questions. If you push 0, you will get to through to the office. If we are not available to answer your call, please leave a detailed message including any questions, so we may call you back. During our beach season, if you are calling with a specific beach, swim lesson, or camp question, you may call NARA Park directly at 978-263-5519. Please note that staff may step briefly in and out of the NARA Park office.

Leagues and field permit holders are aware of the Town of Acton’s Field Use Weather Policy which is in effect at all times and must be abided by all user groups as outlined regardless of closure or non-closure by the Recreation Department. Email notices are not always issued. Please note that in the absence of a closure notice, the Field Weather Policy covers all weather conditions. INCLEMENT WEATHER FIELD USE POLICY: Field closings are the responsibility of the Acton Recreation Department during weekdays, and group users on weekends. Regardless of whether the field is officially closed or not, a practice or a game should not commence or continue on a field if: 

• The field has standing water on it (i.e. puddles). 
• Softball and baseball fields are often playable even with standing water on the infield (base paths should have no water). 
• By playing on the field, the players are or would be damaging the field beyond normal wear and tear (i.e. tearing up the turf, creating muddy areas, etc.). 
• Lightning is present. There is no exception to this rule. 
• The field is saturated with water. Saturation is when you step on the field and water seeps up to footprint, like a sponge.

REFUNDS & WITHDRAWALS: You may withdraw from a program up to 7 (seven) business days prior to the start date—a non-refundable administrative fee of $10 will be applied to all registrations. After that time, no refunds will be issued. All requests must be submitted in writing to the Recreation Department requesting withdrawal and refund request. Refund/Withdrawal requests are not submitted through instructor. It will take two-three weeks for a refund to be processed. Refunds will not be made for classes missed due to inclement weather or a participant’s inability to attend a makeup session or inability to participate due to medical condition after a program has started. Exception to policy: a written letter from a licensed physician excusing participant prior to start of a program. Some programs including NARA Beach, NARA Youth Summer Programs, show tickets and bus trips have different refund policies and will be duly noted in description and /or on form. Please inquire prior to any registration if you have any refund questions. 

CLASS CANCELLATION POLICY: Classes are cancelled if Acton-Boxborough Schools have closed due to weather. Notification via email for Recreation Dept. run programs will be made if a class is cancelled due to poor weather or field conditions. Programs run by instructors outside of the Recreation Department are responsible to notify participants of class cancellations. Efforts will be made to makeup weather cancelled classes, but are not guaranteed. Any class cancellations due to an illness of an instructor will be made-up or refunded. Refunds will not be offered due to a participant’s inability to partake in makeup sessions. 

BUS TRIPS: Bus trips will run if minimum amount of registrations are received. Many of our trips are merged with other local town departments to fill a bus to help meet the minimum required. If trip is cancelled due to the lack of minimum participants, a full refund will be issued. Please note that pickup/drop-off locations are subject to change if adequate number of registrations are not received for a pickup location in Acton. Refunds will not be issued for a non-Acton pickup/drop-off location. In the event of illness, a trip can be transferred but not refunded once commitment has been made. If you have any refund questions, please inquire prior to signing up. All changes and special requests must be completed in writing up to 30 days prior to the trip and are subject to a cancellation fee per person, noted on each bus trip description. No refunds will be issued with less than 30 days notice.

Please check the Recreation Department main page of the website for announcements on cancellations or postponements. When an event is held on a weekend, announcements on our phone line are not always possible, so please check our website. New dates for postponed activities will be listed on the website as soon as they are arranged/confirmed.

The office is generally staffed from 8AM-5PM Monday-Thursday, and 8AM-12PM on Fridays. Due to running recreational programs and off-site meetings, the office may be closed during these times. There is a mail slot in our door for any paperwork you wish to drop off (secure to Recreation) for us to receive. Forms for programs are located within the bins outside the office. When Town Hall is closed, you may leave registration forms or other paperwork for Recreation (please note “Recreation” on envelope) in the mail drop located within the doorway of the ground floor entrance.

The phone number for Town Hall is (978) 929-6600. You may also visit us at 472 Main St.

Acton Town Hall Hours are:

Monday        8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday        8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday  8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday      8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday           8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• Both parties must apply together, either in person or online, with the Acton Town Clerk to file your marriage intentions. This applies to both residents and non-residents of Massachusetts.
• You may file your intentions to marry with the Acton Town Clerk, regardless of where in Massachusetts the ceremony will take place.
• The Town of Acton offers the option to begin the marriage intention process online. However, both parties must still appear in person at the Town Clerk’s Office to sign the paperwork and complete the application.
• Once filed, the marriage license is valid for 60 days and may be used in any Massachusetts city or town.
• The license is not valid outside of Massachusetts.

Yes, there is a 3 day waiting period. The license can be picked up on the 3rd day during regular office hours.  (Weekends and holidays do count towards the waiting period.)

Please visit our Forms & Fees page for more details. 

If an out-of-state member of the clergy is to perform the marriage, the clergy 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, contact: Division of Public Records Secretary of the Commonwealth

Forms are available in the Town Clerk’s Office or by calling 978-929-6620. Each person named on the certificate must either sign the form in person at the Town Clerk’s Office, or have their signatures on the form notarized by a Notary Public. Proper identification will be required.

Yes. The business certificates are on file with the Town Clerk’s Office until five years after expiration, and may be viewed by anyone making a request.

There is no fee to enter the park.

Yes, however dogs are not allowed on the beach and all dogs must be leashed at all times. 

The following are the Town of Acton Bylaws Relating to Animal Control:

E22. No  person  shall  own  or  keep  a  dog,  six  months  or  older,  within  the  Town unless  a license  for  such  dog  is  obtained  from  the  Town  Clerk. The  license period is the time frame between January 1st and the following December 31st, inclusive.  The  fee  for  such  a  license  will  be  determined  by  the  Board  of Selectmen in a public meeting. 

E23. Any person who is the owner or keeper of a dog in the Town of Acton and who  fails  to  license  said  dog  within  the  time  required  by  Chapter  140,  Section 137  and  137A  of  the General  Laws  shall  be  subject  to  a  penalty  of  twenty - five dollars ($25.00) to be collected as provided by law.

E24. No person owning or keeping any animal in the Town of Acton shall permit the  animal  to  go  at  large  to  the  injury  or  nuisance  of  others.  In  addition,  a  dog should  not  go outside  the  boundaries  of  the  property  of  its  owner  or keeper unless  under  the  complete  and  effective  control  of  said  owner  or  keeper  by means of a leash or otherwise. 

E25. Owners or keepers of animals in violation of the foregoing section shall be subject to fines which shall be determined by the Board of Selectmen.

NARA Park Picnic Pavilion, Bathhouse Pavilion, and Tented areas are generally rented out during the peak season. Enforcement of permits is handled by the Recreation Department.  We encourage you to have a permit to secure the picnic/field location for your outing.  A group of people is considered more than 6 people. Users who do not have a permit can be asked to leave and must vacate picnic areas if the area has been permitted. Fees vary by type of rental use and are quoted once an application has been submitted for review.  For a Field and Facility Permit (picnic area included) Application and Fee Schedule, please click here.

The Recreation Department oversees the following fields and playgrounds:

Concord Road Field
Elm Street
Gardner Field
Goward Playground
Great Hill/Little Great Hill
Jones Field
Joseph Lalli Miracle Field
MacPherson/Hart
NARA Park
Robbins Mill Recreation Area
School Street Fields
TJ O’Grady Memorial Skate Park
Veteran’s Field

Field permits are required for organized use.  Applications can be found here.

State regulations require that public swimming areas be tested periodically for acceptable levels of E.coli bacteria, to protect the health of the bathing public. NARA pond is a freshwater ecosystem that supports fish, turtles, frogs and other forms of life. Testing is performed by the Acton Board of Health on a weekly basis and a water sample is sent to a lab with results made available in 24 hours. Bacteria testing requires this incubation period.  A result that exceeds 235 ppm will trigger the closing of the beach to swimmers, until follow up testing, which will be performed daily, shows a reduction to acceptable bacteria levels.  It should be noted that beach closings at NARA are not a frequent event. Please contact the Board of Health if you would like additional information at 978-929-6632.

The pathway around the entire Park is approximately 1 mile. The pathway around just the pond is approximately 1/2 mile.

During the winter, the path may or may not be maintained due to other Town snow removal priorities. 

Sledding: Sledding is at your own risk.  It is recommended that any sledding be done on the hill towards the fields.  We ask that you please refrain from sledding towards the amphitheater or the pond and to not build sled ramps. 

Skating: Skating is at your own risk. The pond at NARA Park is a natural pond and therefore we do not recommend skating on it or any open outdoor pond or lake.  We advise skaters to use indoor or outdoor man-made rinks.

• BEACH MEMBERSHIP
  Beach forms can be found online on the Rec. webpage: www.acton-ma.gov/beach.  Forms must be mailed-in or brought to the Recreation Dept. office.  Forms are also accepted at the beach during normal operations.  If paying via a credit card, it must be completed at the Recreation Department office.  There is an added fee of 3% for credit card transactions.
• SUMMER CAMP
  Registration for Camp can be completed online at www.actonrec.com. 
• CLASS PROGRAM
  Registration is available online at www.actonrec.com.  
• BUS TRIPS
  Registration is available online at www.actonrec.com.  
• CAMP ACTON PERMIT
  Permits are required for use at Camp Acton located on Pope Road. Applications can be found on Field and Facility Recreation page or click here.

Town of Acton Recreation Department events are listed online at www.acton-ma.gov/events.  Flyers for each of these events can also be found on the website.  A listing of the events and/or  program booklet is available at the Recreation Department office.

046-001-062

The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services has provided a useful guide for Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Requirements.

Actonma.gov/selectboard

• Applications for DBA are on the Town website by going to www.actonma.gov, clicking on the Town Clerk web page, go under “Forms & Fees”, and then “License Applications”.  
• After they are printed and filled in, they can be mailed in to the Town Clerk, or put in the drop box outside the Town Hall back doors.  
• The applications must be approved by four other departments before they can be processed.  Due to COVID-19, the approval and processing will take a few weeks.  
• If you have questions or need an application mailed to you, please contact the Clerk’s office at: 978-929-6620 or clerk@actonma.gov. 

Contact the Parking Clerk, Yashira Gonzalez:  978-929-6622 or collector@actonma.gov

Acton’s 2022 tax rate is $16.67 per $1000, for both residential and commercial.  It changes annually on January 1st.  The Finance Department has the tax rate on the Assessor’s page on the Town website:  https://www.acton-ma.gov/134/Assessor.

Acton residents seeking property tax relief or asking about tax exemption programs should speak directly with the Assessor’s Office:  978-929-6621 (assessor@actonma.gov). The Assessor’s Office reviews tax relief programs with citizens and identifies if there is a program that might be able to help them. To see what programs are available visit the tax relief page: https://www.actonma.gov/765/Tax-Relief. 

The Clean Energy Grid Act becomes effective on February 19, 2025.

For more information, please visit https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2024/Chapter239

It applies to all condominium associations, HOAs, HDCs. NCDs, and any other cooperative, trust or nongovernmental entity with covenants, by-laws and administrative provisions with which a home or until or unit owner must comply - and to the homeowners and unit owners subject to such rules. 

The Act amends the existing condominium laws to explicitly provide for the installation of EV charging equipment. It states that condominium associations, homeowners’ associations (“HOAs”), historic district commissions (“HDCs”), and the commissions or boards of neighborhood conservation districts (“NCDs”) may not “prohibit or unreasonably restrict” an owner from installing EV supply equipment on or in an area subject to an owner’s separate interest, or in an area to which an owner has exclusive use.

A “separate interest” means a lot, unit, or interest to which the owner(s) has exclusive rights of ownership.

A “dedicated parking space” means either a parking space located within an owner’s separate interest, or a parking space located within a common area but subject to the owner’s exclusive use rights, such as a deeded parking space, a garage space, a carport, or a parking space specifically designated for use by a particular owner.

“EV supply equipment” means an electric component assembly, or cluster of component assemblies, designed specifically to charge batteries within EVs by permitting the transfer of electric energy to a battery or other storage device in an EV. 

Condo associations, HOAs, HDCs, and NCDs may set “reasonable restrictions” on the installation of EV charging equipment by unit owners, but may not prohibit the installation.

In developing such restrictions, the commission, board, manager or organization must give substantial weight to the threats posed by climate change and the Commonwealth’s obligation to meet the statewide greenhouse gas emission limits and sublimits established under chapter 21N of the General Laws. These include a 50% reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions levels and a 34% reduction in transportation sector emissions by 2030 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“Reasonable restrictions” are those that do not: (1) significantly increase the cost of EV supply equipment or the installation thereof; (2) significantly decrease its efficiency or specified performance; or (3) effectively prohibit its installation.

An owner may install EV charging equipment on or in an area subject to their separate interest or exclusive use (e.g., the owner’s dedicated parking space), provided that such equipment is installed at the owner’s expense by a licensed contractor or electrician and conforms to all applicable health and safety standards and requirements of national, state, and local authorities (including zoning and other local ordinances and land use permits). 

Yes, a condo association, HOA, HDC, or NCD may require an owner to submit an application before installing EV supply equipment. The condo association, HOA, HDC, or NCD must process the application to install EV supply equipment in the same manner in which it processes an application for an architectural modification to the property, if such application exists, and may under no circumstances willfully avoid or delay review of the application to install EV supply equipment. Such applications must be processed (approved or denied) within sixty (60) days of receiving the application, or it is deemed approved.

No, as long as the owner complies with all requirements under Section 86 of the Act and applicable architectural standards, if any, of the condo association, HOA, HDC, or NCD. 

Not yet. The Act does empower the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to promulgate regulations as necessary to implement the section on EV charging equipment.

The owner, and each successive owner is responsible for disclosing certain information to the prospective buyers and fixing any damage caused by removal of the equipment. The owner is also responsible for covering the cost of the electricity the EV charging equipment uses. 

Yes, but it is under no obligation to do so. If they do, it must develop appropriate terms of use for such supply equipment. 

No, a condominium association, HOA, HDC, or NCD may not assess or charge an owner any fees for the placement of EV charging equipment.  If an application is required, an application fee can be charged only if it is reasonable and such application fees exist for ALL applications for architectural modifications. 

Sign up for Acton’s Business Boost: Economic Development Newsletter! 

View the Most Recent Business Boost Edition: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Town-of-Acton-Business-Boost---.html?soid=1108984581880&aid=kIAyZC1jsjQ

The Town of Acton is committed to fostering a vibrant business community, and as part of this initiative, we have established a Ribbon-Cutting and Milestone Celebrations Policy. This policy aims to provide formal recognition for businesses celebrating significant milestones such as grand openings, anniversaries, or major achievements. Businesses interested in hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony can request support from the Town, which may include coordination with local officials, promotional assistance through municipal channels, and suggestions for best practices to maximize community engagement. 

We encourage businesses to leverage these celebrations not only as an opportunity for visibility but also to strengthen ties within the community. 

As part of the policy framework, designated dates have been allocated for these celebrations on Fridays to ensure structured and organized observance across all relevant departments and stakeholders. These specific dates not only facilitate coordinated participation but also allow for adequate planning and resource allocation, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the celebrations.  

The scheduled dates:

September 12, 2025 October 17, 2025 November 14, 2025 December 12, 2025 January 9, 2026 (Snow Date Jan. 16) February 20, 2026 March 13, 2026 April 10, 2026 May 8, 2026 June 12, 2026

Use this application to Request a Ribbon Cutting or Celebration 

https://actonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10808/Ribbon-Cutting-and-Milestone-Ceremonies-Policy-and-Application

Events will take place in the morning lasting approximately one hour. We kindly ask that you inform us of your intended ribbon-cutting date with a minimum 30-day notice to ensure comprehensive preparation and collaboration. As part of the event planning and organization process, it is essential to confirm your commitment to providing the necessary refreshments for attendees, ensuring that their experience remains comfortable and enjoyable. We kindly request that you outline the types of refreshments you plan to offer, including both food and beverage options, to accommodate various dietary preferences. 

Additionally, we would appreciate your collaboration in promoting the event by leveraging your networks and social media platforms. Thank you for your attention to these important aspects of our collaborative endeavor; we look forward to working together seamlessly for a successful gathering. Patricia Costa Economic Development Director Maura Haberman Event & Program Coordinator Office of Economic Development Economicdevelopment@actonma.gov (978) 929-6611

A Visual Guide to Acton's Sign 

By-Laws – READ this before you spend money on signs for your business!

Yes use this links below or contact sustainability@actonma.gov for more info!

Sustainability Tips

https://www.abode.energy/acton/

http://ngrid.com/smallbusiness

http://public.dep.state.ma.us/Doer/mesa/#/home

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program

Watch this video or contact the Economic Development Office economicdevelopment@actonma.gov

https://youtu.be/yW_T7s9BF9w

You can modify the information using the following link:

https://support.google.com/business/answer/3039617?hl=en