Street Opening Information

Street opening (excavation) permits are now online! Street opening permit applications may be applied for online in the "Online Permitting" section of the Canton website home page, or in person at the Online Application Terminal at the Building Department Office Counter in the Town Hall.

Target DatesWork Plans
April 1Street Openings begin (dependent upon weather and the availability of hot mix asphalt; i.e.: Asphalt Plants must be open.  The opening date may changed at the discretion of the Public Works Superintendent).
October 31The last day of the calendar year that an application will be accepted for Street Opening by Public Works. Please note that online permits submitted after October 31st may be rejected.
November 15The last day of the calendar year for digging on a Town owned street.
November 30The last day of the calendar year for repairing a trench on a Town owned street for the approaching winter.

STREET OPENING BY-LAW

  1. Street Opening By-Law 2017 Edition (PDF)

Procedures for Obtaining a Street Opening Permit

  • The applicant will go online to the Town of Canton website and use the Online Permitting Section to apply for a Street Opening Permit. (This permit may also be called the Street Excavation Permit. The names are interchangeable.) The applicant must attach a sketch of the proposed work; and photos of the area if required.
    Note: All Street Opening Permits require 48 hours, minimum, for review.
  • Dig Safe numbers are also required for the acceptance of the application. 
  • The applicant will pay a non-refundable $50 administration fee for the application. If the applicant is not a representative of a Utility Company, the applicant will also pay a refundable deposit based on the work proposed and calculated by Engineering Staff.
  • If the applicant plans on doing any work in the Washington Street layout between Neponset Street and Chapel Street, other non-refundable fees will apply, as calculated by Engineering Staff. This application will require photos of the proposed street opening area.
  • Once all required data for the project is uploaded, and a dig safe number and start date is provided, then the application may be reviewed. After payment is made in full, the permit may be accepted and forwarded to the Public Works Superintendent for approval.
  • Please note that 90% of all Street Opening Permits require a Trench Permit to be issue along with it. Please ask Engineering Staff if a Trench Permit is required, if unsure.