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1. How can I obtain a copy of the Town By-laws?

View the Town of Danvers By-laws (PDF)

View the Zoning By-laws.

2. How do I report a housing code violation?

Contact the Health Inspector to file a complaint and request an inspection.

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1. How long does it take to get a building permit?

If the application is complete and all prerequisite approvals have been obtained, no more than 30 days. The nature of the work proposed will impact the length of time to process the application. This will vary based upon the level of permit activity, which fluctuates seasonally. Please call the office to check status 978-777-0001, ext. 3061 or 3062. Thank you for your patience.

2. Who can apply for a building permit?

A property owner, or the owner's duly authorize agent may apply for a building permit. To nominate an agent an owner must sign a writing that identifies the property, the owner and the agent.

Contractors remain responsibilities pursuant to G.L. c 142 A even when the property owner or agent apply for the building permit.

3. When do I need to get a building permit?

A building permit is required to:

• construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, remove or demolish a building or structure;
• change the use or occupancy of a building or structure;
• or install or alter any equipment for which provision is made or the installation of which is regulated by the State Building Code.

Certain accessory structures, fences 6 feet in height or less, greenhouses and ordinary repairs may not require a permit. Please consult with the Code Administration department with any questions.

4. How do I obtain a building permit?

Prior to applying for a building permit you should contact the Code Administration Department to determine if you will need any additional permits or approvals and to verify the application fee.

You can complete the building permit application online or in person at the Code Administration office in Town Hall.

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1. When does open burning season start?

Open burning season starts January 15 and continues until May 1.

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1. How long does it take to get a building permit?

If the application is complete and all prerequisite approvals have been obtained, no more than 30 days. The nature of the work proposed will impact the length of time to process the application. This will vary based upon the level of permit activity, which fluctuates seasonally. Please call the office to check the status at 978-777-0001, ext. 3061 or 3062. Thank you for your patience.

2. Who can apply for a building permit?

A property owner, or the owner's duly authorize agent may apply for a building permit. To nominate an agent an owner must sign a writing that identifies the property, the owner and the agent.

Contractors remain responsibilities pursuant to G.L. c 142 A even when the property owner or agent apply for the building permit.

3. What is an “ordinary repair”?

An ordinary repair is any maintenance that  does not affect the structure, egress, fire protection systems, fire ratings, energy conservation, plumbing, sanitary, gas, electrical or other utilities.

4. When do I need to get a building permit?

A building permit is required to:

• Construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, remove or demolish a building or structure;
• Change the use or occupancy of a building or structure;
• Or install or alter any equipment for which provision is made or the installation of which is regulated by the State Building Code.

Certain accessory structures, fences 6 feet in height or less, greenhouses and ordinary repairs may not require a permit. Please consult with the Code Administration department with any questions.

5. How do I obtain a building permit?

Prior to applying for a building permit you should contact the Code Administration Department to determine if you will need any additional permits or approvals and to verify the application fee.

You can complete the building permit application online or in person at the Code Administration office in Town Hall.

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1. How do I obtain a burial permit?

A funeral home may obtain a burial permit by ordering online.

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1. How do I get a field permit?

You can deliver, mail or fax a completed field permit application to Danvers Recreation at 
1 Sylvan Street
Danvers, MA 01923 

or 978-762-0215.

2. Do I need a permit to use a Town field?

Yes, all Town-owned baseball and softball diamonds as well as most "flat green space" require a permit.

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1. Who do I call about police-related non-emergencies?

The general business line for the Police Department is 978-774-1213.

2. How do I file a police report?

If it is an emergency, always call 911.

Otherwise, a police report may be filed in person at the Danvers Police Department. Additionally, an officer can be dispatched to your home/business for assistance in some cases. If you need non-emergency assistance or have a question, please call the Danvers Police Department business line at 978-774-121

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1. What do I do with my old prescription drugs and needles?

The Danvers Police Department offers drug and needle drop boxes in the lobby of the Police Station for residents to freely discard unwanted or unneeded items.

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1. What are the current bid opportunities with the Town?

For information on current bids you may contact the Purchasing Department.

2. How can I get bid information?

For information on current bids you may contact the Purchasing Department.

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1. How do I dispose of construction and demolition debris?

Construction and demolition debris (C&D) cannot be brought to the Transfer Station for disposal. The closest facility for C&D disposal is:

G. Mello Transfer Station
203 East Main Street, Route 133
Georgetown, MA

Phone: 978-352-8581

2. What happens if I miss the annual Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection day?

Danvers is now a participant in a Reciprocal Household Hazardous Waste Day Program. These events are compiled by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP). Participating communities hold "Open" events throughout the year. Reciprocal communities can send their residents to any event. There is a cost for non-residents to participate in these "Open" events and pre-registration may be required. Please refer to the Household Hazardous Waste Day Reciprocity Schedule for specifics and contact the community whose event you are interested in attending.

View the 2022 Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Reciprocity Schedule (PDF)

3. What do I do with my old prescription drugs and needles?

The Danvers Police Department offers drug and needle drop boxes in the lobby of the Police Station for residents to freely discard unwanted or unneeded items.

4. How do I dispose of paints, chemicals or other household hazardous wastes?

Household Hazardous Waste is collected once a year in the fall. Items can be brought to the Transfer Station for proper disposal at no cost to residents.

We will accept: fertilizers, pesticides, pool chemicals, art supplies, photography chemicals, antifreeze, waste oil (up to 5 gallons), gasoline, household cleaners, drain cleaner, oil-based paints and stains. (For a complete list of household hazardous wastes accepted, please refer to the Events page.)

Latex paint is not hazardous. No latex paint will be accepted at Household Hazardous Waste Day. Only oil-based paint will be collected on this day. Latex paint can be dried out (add kitty litter, sawdust or paint hardener) and discarded at the Transfer Station during regular business hours. Because the cans are metal and there is a possibility that the paint may not be completely dry, latex paint is not collected curbside with regular trash.

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1. How do I apply for new electric service?

The Danvers Electric Department works hard to ensure they provide their customers with the highest quality of service. If you would like to apply for new electric service please contact us at 978-774-0005 or visit the business division at 2 Burroughs Street and we would be happy to assist you.

2. How do I report a power outage?

The Danvers Electric Department works hard to ensure they provide their customers with the highest quality of service. If you would like to report an outage in your area please contact us at 978-774-0005.

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1. How do I stop phone book delivery?

Opt out on the National Yellow Pages and Consumer Choice Opt-Out website.

2. How do I stop receiving credit offers in the mail?

Opt out on the Consumer Credit Reporting Industry website.

3. How do I decrease the amount of junk mail I receive?

Contact the Direct Marketing Association to manage your mail.

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1. What is the Town’s current water restriction level?

Visit the Water and Sewer Divisions page to get information about the Town’s water restriction level.

2. How do I get more information about the quality of my drinking water?

The Water Treatment Plant publishes an Annual Water Quality Report in May.