FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Building and Inspections Department

From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing.

General Purpose

The Building and Inspections Department is responsible for oversight of building permits and we also enforce the zoning code. It is the department's duty to ensure that the safety of all residents and business owners of the Town is preserved and protected, as well as to provide inspection for most businesses and multi-family homes with accurate and timely information, and to provide collaborative inspections with the fire department.

Core Functions

● Reviews all applications, issues permits and conducts required inspections

● Conducts field inspections for all issued permits

● Follows up on all zoning inquiries

● Administers, enforces and interprets Town of Franklin Zoning Bylaw.

● Works in collaboration with other Town departments to ensure safety and compliance across all building and zoning related matters

● Inspects all Town projects

● Administers the Sealer of Weights & Measures currently conducted by the state

● Provides emergency disaster response services in collaboration with other Emergency Response departments or organizations

 

● Conducts periodic inspections of establishments that hold common victualer and/or liquor licenses

Staffing

● One (1) Building Commissioner

● One (1) Senior Inspector

● One (1) Permitting Specialist

● Two (2) part-time Permit Inspectors (Electrical and Plumbing)

● One (1) part-time Administrative Assistant

Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments

● All inspection requests are logged in online. Ongoing online permit submissions are proceeding without a glitch.

● Weights and Measures are billed online.

● Inspectors and staff are educated daily on important departmental updates.

● All inspectors issue their respective trade permits, unassisted!

In FY2025 the Town issued 16 residential permits and 1,267 non-residential permits, generating a total of $1,710,578 in revenue.

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

● There are no major increases in the Building and Inspections Department budget for FY27.

FY27 Requested Budget Summary

I believe the Building and Inspections Department FY27 budget should be approved because of the income that we generate and our relatively low budget requests. Our impact on the community is mostly positive. We strive to provide a service that is strictly customer based with a focus on life safety enforcement.

The PDF of this section - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CL4oLYZOxV65w02ex5mOqPR11v4SptaO/view?usp=drive_link

For the full FY 2027 budget narrative -  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8912/FY27-Budget-Narrative-FINAL-1

The FY 2027 budget information can be found 

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577

3rd budget hearing covers Public Works & Public Safety (audio)

FM #1727 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1727 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee Budget Hearing on Public Works & Public Safety, the 3rd of 4 sessions to go over the FY 2027 budget. The meeting was held in Council Chambers with 8 of 9 members present.

Quick recap:

• Gus Brown, Building Commissioner, up first

• Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW up next, 

• Next up Police Chief Lynch, level service plus 2, looking to get the SROs back

• Next up, Chief Allen, Fire Dept.

• Dispatch Center or the MECC being covered

• Also skipped Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie last night with no explanation given for it. Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie, both assessments based upon enrollment, not much of a change year to year

• So Thursday night, the Finance Committee will use the 3rd Floor Training room for their discussion to be more “around a table” rather than spread out to help their discussion. Potential revisions coming to the budget, what they are we'll watch and see.

Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1727-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-3-04-08-26/

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -  

https://www.youtube.com/live/x8Hb_pCl64A?&t=164 

Agenda doc including links to the FY 2027 budget 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082026-2221 

My full set of notes in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D-RumOpcYkE7SZ_czpSZzW5TKdS9SE3B/view?usp=drive_link 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

CIDARE Property Inspections to be conducted in Franklin, MA between September 22 and October 11, 2025

A property inspection is essential for ensuring your property record is accurate and that we can perform fair and equitable property valuations.

This year, the Town of Franklin has partnered with CIDARE to field collect and process data for 225 specific single family homes. Notification letters have been mailed to each of the property owners and were mailed on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The homes were identified for inspection as the result of a recently issued building permit or because we have not yet verified the construction associated with a prior issued permit.

Properties that CIDARE is Visiting (225 properties to be visited)

Property Inspections to be conducted in Franklin, MA
between September 22 and October 11, 2025

Please note that we will be updating this map as we make visits. Blue represents parcels that have yet to be visited. Yellow represents parcels that have been visited. 

Data collectors will be visiting properties between September 22 and October 11. Upon arrival, they will knock on your door and introduce themselves. If you are home and it is convenient, they will conduct a full inspection. If no one is available, a notice will be left with instructions to contact the Franklin Assessors’ Office.

Inspections consist of two parts:

Interior Inspection: A data collector will walk with you through the property, noting overall condition and any permit-related changes. This portion typically takes 10–15 minutes.

Exterior Inspection: Using a 3D laser scanner (LIDAR), the data collector will walk around the property to measure buildings, take updated photographs, and document any visible changes. This portion takes approximately 10 minutes. If the property is unfenced and no one is home, the exterior inspection will still be performed.

For additional info on the inspection process and inspectors conducting the data collection ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=82

Do you have an appointment for a Car Seat Inspection today?

Do you have an appointment for a Car Seat Inspection today?

 

"The Franklin Police Department is offering a free car seat inspection Thursday (2/13/25) tomorrow at our station. 

Check out the flyer below to make an appointment."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1Pi7A5Xxue/

Gus Brown & I talk inspections, permits, line of sight, and the need for smart building (audio)

FM #1256 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1256 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town of Franklin Building Commissioner Gus Brown. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio studio on Thursday, July 18, 2024. 

We talk about 

• His road to the Building Commissioner role

• Inspections department scope and permits

• Key info for residents (on permits, pools, line of sight, etc.)

• Need for smart building to keep growing revenue

The recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1256-town-of-franklin-gus-brown-07-18-24/

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Building & Inspections page => https://www.franklinma.gov/building-inspections-department   

Permit information page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/node/22/files 

Online Permits page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/building-inspections-department/pages/line-permitting 

Town of Franklin business guide -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_business_guide_5_0.pdf 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Car seat installations and inspections at New England Chapel - Oct 7 from 10 to 1 PM

Franklin Police Dept.(FPD) will be participating in the national @faithandblue weekend again this year. The Community Service Unit will be at the New England Chapel, 300 East Central St, on Saturday, October 7 from 10 AM – 1 PM. 

Officers will be conducting car seat installations and inspections, and both the PD and Franklin Fire Department will have some of their fleet on hand for touch-a-truck. We are excited to be partnering with New England Chapel this year, who will have volunteers present for activities and tours of their new facility.

We are once again asking for donations of diapers of all sizes to be given to the Franklin Food Pantry to help those in need within our community. Come down for snacks, conversation or just to say hi to your favorite FPD officers. 

If you have any questions or would like to donate even if you can’t make the event please reach out to Officer Amanda Ayer: aayer@franklinma.gov or 508-440-2731.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CxqjegZP9jj/

Car seat installations and inspections at New England Chapel - Oct 7 from 10 to 1 PM

Franklin, MA: Job Opportunities with Building & Inspections, Facilities, Finance, Library, Public Works,

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Junior Building Custodian - Facilities Department

Heavy Motor Equipment Operators - Department of Public Works

Library Assistant - Franklin Public Library

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Payroll Administrator - Finance Department

Administrative Assistant - Building and Inspections Department

Motor Equipment Repair Person - Department of Public Works

Local Building Inspector - Building and Inspections Department

Updated 08/17/2023

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Child car seat installed or inspected in Whitinsville on Saturday

Child car seat installed or inspected in Whitinsville on Saturday

"This Saturday, join our partners from @MassStatePolice at the MSP Museum and Learning Center in Whitinsville to have your child's car seat installed or checked for FREE!"

 
#babyonboard https://t.co/Y1o1aFPWff

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/mass_ogr/status/1692174801916559555

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities Open Now for Building & Inspections, DPW, and Facilities

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Administrative Assistant - Building and Inspections Department

Motor Equipment Repair Person - Department of Public Works

Local Building Inspector - Building and Inspections Department

Heavy Motor Equipment Operators - Department of Public Works

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department

Updated 07/06/2023

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Town of Franklin has multiple Job Opportunities - 1 could be for You!

Board of Health hears of Shaw's/AFC sushi issue, completes review of tobacco regulations - 06/-7/23 (audio)

FM #1006 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1006 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. All three board members participated; Harris & Cochrane (in person), Chair Sweet (remote). Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room. 

Quick Recap:

• Vice Chair Tim Cochrane opens meeting with roll call of participants all in person; motion to approve minutes of May, second, passes 3-0

• Shaw’s/ AFC sushi issue addressed first; during regular inspection on Monday, it was revealed that testing of the rice was not being done, the individual couldn’t find the meter to perform the testing; operations were shut down. One Shaw’s rep, and one AFC rep participated in meeting; discussed steps taken to address issue, meter was on site apparently individual in question wasn’t aware of the location; 2 individuals to be staffed going forward, more oversight from Shaw’s to ensure AFC compliance with testing; assuming this is in place, the Board ok’s approval to re-open Thursday

• Picked up on remaining tobacco sales regulations discussions with Sarah from the State on the bridge to help work through the remaining items for discussion. Summary of regulation items to be prepared, public hearings to be scheduled, discussion offline on when those meetings would be given the summer months approaching

• Recap of the successful Spring Health Fair, over 680 participated at the library, visiting with 20 vendors, etc. Giveaways from Big Y and others made for lots of happy faces in the crowd. Work underway already to plan for the next one in the fall to keep this twice a year event happening

The meeting runs about 50 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting June 7, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1007-tof-board-of-health-mtg-06-07-23

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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_meeting_agenda_06.07.23.pdf 

Meeting packet (including individual reports) -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_meeting_060723_agenda_and_packet.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ikpMfi58S1iZTMm7eGEuEYuJvYeNuODH/view?usp=drive_link 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Town of Franklin - Board of Health - agenda for June 7, 2023 meeting at 5 PM

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities for Human Resources, Town Administration, DPW, Facilities & more (updated)

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Benefits Coordinator - Human Resources Department

Local Building Inspector - Building and Inspections Department

Deputy Town Administrator - Office of Town Administrator

Staff Engineer - Department of Public Works

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 03/10/2023

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities for Human Resources, Town Administration, DPW, Facilities & more (updated) 

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities for DPW, Facilities, Inspections, & Town administration

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Motor Equipment Repair Person - Department of Public Works

Local Building Inspector - Building and Inspections Department

Deputy Town Administrator - Office of Town Administrator

Staff Engineer - Department of Public Works

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 03/07/2023

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities for DPW, Facilities, Inspections, & Town administration