City Clerks
Frequently Asked Questions.
Can you tell me how much it costs to
register a vehicle?
Can you tell us how much we paid for
registration last year?
Can you tell me what was paid for
taxes, sewer and water last year?
What do I need to register a vehicle?
How do I prove residency?
Do you accept credit or debit cards?
When is the last day to register my
dog?
What if I lost my registration?
Do I have a grace period for
inspection?
Do I have a grace period for
registering my vehicle?
How much is a marriage license and
what do I need?
Who can pick up a vital record
document?
Can you tell me how much it costs to register a vehicle?
No, we do not have a quote system, the State did not
implement one when we went online. You need to bring all
your information in and we process it as if we are doing it.
Can you tell us how much we paid for registration last year?
No, we no longer have that capability, if you do not have
the old registration you must purchase one for 10.00 at the
State if is not current and 12.50 total State and City
fee’s if it is current and you don’t have it.
Can you tell me what was paid for taxes, sewer and water
last year?
There is a $1.00 fee for a copy or print statement and an
addition .25 for each addition page of the print statement.
What do I
need to register a vehicle?
If the vehicle is 1994 and newer you need the title signed
over to you on the back, with the exact mileage. If the
vehicle is 1993 and older you need a bill of sale with a
complete description and the owner and buyers signature and
address along with either the previous owners registration,
title or a 19a filled out by either a police officer,
inspection station or a dealership. If you are a new
resident to the city you will need proof of residency. If
you are transferring plates you must bring in the old
registration.
How do I prove residency?
You either need to have an electric bill, checking account
showing legal address, dated mail with your current legal
address on it. If you have none of the above you would need
to have the owner of the property do a residency form that
we have in the office, there is a $3.00 fee for us to true
copy attest the document.
Do you accept
credit or debit cards?
We do not accept debit or credit cards for any transactions.
When is
the last day to register my dog?
Dogs need to be registered by April 30 with a grace period
of the month of May: dogs need to be registered by June 1st
of every year. After June 1st an additional fee
of $1.00 per month is applied. Rabies need not be expiring
before June 1, (example) 2008. Please bring your current
rabies information and altered information.
What if I lost my
registration?
You need your photo I.D., plate number and vehicle
information to fill out the state form. There is a $10.00
fee for the State and a $2.50 fee for the City for
processing.
Do I have
a grace period for inspection?
If you are doing your vehicle new you have 10 days from the
date you register it. If you are doing a renewal in the
renewal month you have until the 10th of the next
month to inspect the vehicle.( For example, if you do not
register your vehicle until the 9th of the next
month after your expiration then you only have one day to
inspect.)
Do I have a grace period for registering my vehicle?
No, you need to register your vehicle by the end of your
birth month, if you lease your vehicle or register under a
corporate name you must register by the end of that month.
How much is a marriage license and what do I need?
A Marriage License is 45 dollars; there is no waiting period
and the license valid for 90 days and only in the State of
New Hampshire. You need to know your mother’s maiden name
and the State in which you’re parents were born. You are
asked your nationality and education. If you know the name
of the person who is performing your ceremony, it is
helpful. It takes approximately 40 minutes to input the
information. If one of you have been married previously
then you need either the Death Certificate or the Divorce
Degree with a gold or crimped seal.
Who can
pick up a vital record document?
A direct
relative can pick up any Vital Record (Marriage, Birth,
Divorce, or Death record. (If a Parent is not on the Birth
Record they cannot get a copy of the record. A cousin is not
considered a direct relative. The first copy is $12.00 and
an additional copy at the same time is $8.00.
Planning and Zoning Frequently Asked Questions.
1.
When do I need a building permit and when don’t I need a
building permit?
2.
How do I apply for a building permit and what information is
needed?
3.
How long does the processing of permits take?
4.
When do I need a letter of authorization and what should it
entail?
5.
When do I need to pull a demolition permit?
6.
I believe my neighbor/other member of the City is completing
work without a permit, how do I file a formal complaint?
7.
Do I as an electrician/plumber, need to pull an
electrical/plumbing permit?
8.
What qualifies as a shed and where can I put this shed on my
lot?
9.
I want to build on my land, but I don’t know if I meet
setbacks?
10.
IF I don’t meet setbacks, is there a process to utilize my
land?
11.
How do I apply for a variance?
12.
Who is an abutter?
13.
How do I find answers to building code questions?
14.
Can I subdivide my land?
15.
What do I do when my septic fails?
16.
I own a business and want to place an addition onto my
structure, what is my first step?
17.
I have an application before a board (whether Planning or
Zoning) and would like to contact the members, can I do
this?
18.
Who makes up the boards for the City of Franklin?
19.
How do I become a member of the Planning/Zoning Board in
Franklin?
20.
What can or cannot be placed within the setbacks on my
property?
21.
Can I park within my setbacks on my property?
22.
I want to put a carport on my property, do I need a permit?
23.
What is Energy Code Compliance? When do I need to apply?
24.
How often are there meetings of the board?
25.
Where can I get a copy of the Zoning Map?
26.
What are the different zones in the City of Franklin?
27.
If I want to start a business in the City what must I do?
When
do I need a building permit and when don’t I need a building
permit?
A building
permit is needed any time you add anything new to your
property or if you are completing work on your property.
The only time you do not need a building permit is if you
are replacing items in kind. For more information on what
work is considered in kind, please view the Zoning
Ordinance, Chapter 305, located on the Planning and Zoning
Website. (Ex. If you are starting a hair salon and
utilizing an open retail space, you must get a building
permit to put into the space your sinks, chairs and other
items.) (Ex. If you are replacing three kitchen cabinets,
expanding and replacing with five kitchen cabinets, you need
a permit. Other items that need permits include, but are
not limited to, woodstoves, furnaces, replacement
windows/doors [that are bigger or smaller than the existing
windows/doors], sheds, carports, putting in a family
apartment, adding additional bath's or kitchens in existing
living space, and additions to the property, etc.) Please
view the Franklin Zoning Ordinance, Section 305-31.
How do I apply for a building permit and what information is
needed?
You must
fill out the building permit application, which is located
on the Planning and Zoning page, under other information.
You must turn in the completed application, which includes:
Filling out and signing the application, submitting a plot
plan showing the existing and proposed structures on the lot
and their distances to setbacks, possibly energy Code
compliance, a floor plan, septic plans (for new construction
without City Utilities), Letter of authorization from the
owner, Owners name and physical address, electricians name
and license number, plumbers name and license number, and
any other information that the Planning and Zoning Office
deems necessary.
How long does the processing of
permits take?
The
processing of a building permit takes 8-10 working days for
new construction and 3-8 working days for renovations to
property. The processing period does not begin until ALL
information and the completed application is turned into the
office.
When do I need a letter of
authorization and what should it entail?
Any time
the person applying for a permit is not the owner of the
property a letter of authorization needs to be submitted
along with the permit. This letter of authorization needs
to include the owners name, physical address, contact
information, a brief description of the project and who the
owner authorizes to complete the work (including
electricians and plumbers). This must be signed and dated
by the owner and cannot be a faxed copy, can only be the
original signature of the owner.
When do I need to pull a demolition
permit?
Any time
you are removing any structure (including, but not limited
to: Sheds, porches, homes, accessory structures…) or any
time you are doing interior improvements on your home that
entail the removing of walls, windows, structural beams,
sheet rock, or other miscellaneous items. If you are
concerned about whether you need to obtain a demolition
permit, please contact the office for direction.
I believe my neighbor/other member
of the City is completing work without a permit, how do I
file a formal complaint?
You must
fill out a Service Request form, which can be found on the
City Manager’s web page. This form must be submitted to the
City Manager’s Office, who will then make sure that the
proper departments are made aware of the complaint so that a
review and site visit can be completed.
Do I as an electrician/plumber,
need to pull an electrical/plumbing permit?
Yes, if a
building permit has not already been pulled.
No, if a
building permit has already been applied for and your
information and license number was submitted along with that
building permit application.
What qualifies as a shed and where
can I put this shed on my lot?
A shed, as
defined by the City of Franklin Zoning Ordinance, is a
structure that is less than 150 square feet, has a height no
greater than 10 feet tall. If the structure you are
proposing is larger than this it is considered an accessory
structure.
A shed may
be located 10’ from the property line if it meets the above
requirements. Any accessory structures that do not meet
this definition cannot be located within the setbacks.
A building
permit is required for all sheds/accessory structures.
I want to build on my land, but I
don’t know if I meet setbacks?
There are
thirteen plus zones within the City of Franklin. Each zone
has its own setback requirements. If you question your
setbacks or need to know your distances, you may contact the
Planning and Zoning Office, at (603) 934-2341 or visit the
Zoning Ordinance, Section 305-14, located on the Planning
and Zoning Page.
The setback
area is the area on your lot where structures are not
allowed.
IF I don’t meet setbacks, is there
a process to utilize my land?
Yes, a
Variance application can be submitted to the Zoning Board of
Adjustment. In order for the Zoning Board to grant a
variance, you must be able to answer true to each question
located on the Application for a Variance. If you cannot
answer true to each question, the board legally cannot
approve a request for a variance. The office cannot say
whether the Zoning Board of Adjustment will approve or deny
an appeal and each appeal is viewed on its own merits.
How do I apply for a variance?
You must
fill out the application, found on the Zoning web page. You
must answer true to all questions. The application must be
filled out in full and submitted by the deadline date, which
is 21 days prior to the meeting date. There is a $100.00
fee for the filing of the application and $6.30 per abutter
notification fees. Each abutter is notified and has the
right to speak at the hearing before the Zoning Board. You
MUST be present to state your case before the Zoning Board
of Adjustment. (The abutter's notifications are $0.75
above the cost of postage to send out the notification.)
Who is an
abutter?
An abutter
is anyone whose property lines up with your property,
including properties across rivers, streams, roads, etc.
How do I find answers to building
code questions?
In order to
have a question answered regarding the existing building
code please contact the Life Safety/Building Inspector. The
office is located at the Franklin Fire Department and can be
contacted at (603) 934-5680.
Can I
subdivide my land?
Without
having a survey done on your property, our office can give
you the requirements you must meet in order to subdivide
your land; however, cannot tell you that you can definitely
subdivide. In order to be able to subdivide your land, you
must be able to meet the frontage requirements for the
designated zone, and the land area requirements. The land
area requirements have to be met after wetlands, steep
slope, slope over 15%, ledge and other characteristics of
the land that make some areas of the land unbuildable are
removed from the calculations.
What do I do when my septic fails?
You must
immediately contact the State of New Hampshire, Department
of Environmental Services to get approval to put in a new
septic system. You can reach DES by calling (603) 271-3503.
I own a business and want to place
an addition onto my structure, what is my first step?
Any time
you want to add any item or structure to your business
property your must schedule an appointment to speak with the
Planning and Zoning Administrator. This process involves
Site Plan approval for most additions to
commercial/business/multi-family properties.
I have an application before a
board (whether Planning or Zoning) and would like to contact
the members, can I do this?
Members of
the Planning Board, Zoning Board, Heritage Commission and
Conservation Commission are boards that need to carry the
“jury affect”. This means they need to come into a meeting
not having made a decision either for or against an
application. An applicant cannot contact any members of the
Boards as this may make them privy to information that other
members are not privy to and that member of the board would
then have to step down and not vote on the application at
hand.
Who makes up the boards for the City of Franklin?
The board
members are made up by Citizens of the City of Franklin who
are volunteers and receive no compensation by the City.
The
Planning Board is an eleven (11) member Board, that is
comprised of a Zoning Board Representative to the Planning
Board, Three City Council Members (including the Mayor, A
Councilman Voting Member and a Councilman Alternate), a
Member of the City Government, Six (6) Citizen Volunteer
Voting Members and Two (2) City Volunteer alternate members.
The Zoning
Board is a seven (7) member board, which is comprised of:
Five (5) Citizen Volunteer Voting Members and two (2)
alternate Citizen Voting Members.
How
do I become a member of the Planning/Zoning Board in
Franklin?
If you
would like to become a member of a board in the City of
Franklin, you must fill out a Prospective Appointee Profile
Form that you can find on the Service Opportunities page of
the City of Franklin website. This form gets submitted to
the City Manager's Office and the appointment is made by the
Mayor.
What can or cannot be placed within
the setbacks on my property?
No
structures can be placed within the setbacks, except for the
already described shed, which if under 150 square feet and
less than 10’ tall may be located 10’ from the property
line. All other structures, including carports and swimming
pools must meet the setback requirements for the zone in
which the lot falls.
Can I park within my setbacks on my
property?
For single
family and two family homes, parking may be located within
the setbacks. For multi-family homes, or
business/commercial/industrial uses, your parking cannot be
located within the setbacks on the lot.
I
want to put a carport on my property, do I need a permit?
Yes, you
must apply for and be approved a building permit. A carport
must be properly secured to the ground and must meet the
setback requirements for the zone.
What is Energy Code Compliance?
When do I need to apply?
Energy Code
Compliance is applied for to The State of New Hampshire, PUC
(Public Utilities Commission). Once this application is
filled out and approved by PUC, it is then submitted with
the building permit application. A building permit is not
considered complete if it is turned in without the Energy
Code Compliance approval when it is deemed necessary.
You must
apply for Energy Code Compliance if and when you are making
any external structural changes to your property. Any
living area addition with heat needs energy Code
compliance. Any time you are replacing existing windows,
but utilizing larger or smaller windows and the opening for
the window needs to be made smaller or enlarged you will
need energy Code Compliance.
How often are there meetings of the
board?
The
Planning and Zoning Boards meet monthly, unless no new
applications were submitted and there was no old business
continued before the board. The deadline date for these
meetings is 21 days prior to the scheduled meeting date.
The Zoning Board meets on the first Wednesday of the month,
unless otherwise noted due to holidays or other unforeseen
circumstances. The Planning Board holds their monthly
public hearing on the fourth Wednesday of the month, unless
otherwise noted due to holidays or other unforeseen
circumstances.
Where can I get a copy of the
Zoning Map?
You must
come into the Planning and Zoning Office in order to get a
copy of the Zoning Map. For copies of Tax maps or tax cards
you must visit the Assessing Office.
What are the different zones in the
City of Franklin?
The
different Zones in the City of Franklin are outlined in the
Zoning Ordinance. Each area of Franklin is located within a
specific zone and each individual zone has its own
requirements as far as frontage, area and setbacks.
If I want to start a business in
the City what must I do?
There are
different requirements for different kinds of business. To
set up an area for your business you may need a building
permit and you must contact the Planning and Zoning Office
to inquire about whether the business is an allowed use
within the zone the lot is located. The best thing to do is
to contact the office and set up a meeting with the Planning
and Zoning Administrator to discuss your proposed business.
