Frequently Asked Questions

How do I contact Town Hall?

Shutesbury Town Hall
1 Cooleyville Road
P.O. Box 276
Shutesbury, MA 01072

Administration – (413) 259-1214; Email: townadmin -at- shutesbury.org

General Information – (413) 259-1204; Email: townclerk -at- shutesbury.org

General Fax – (413) 259-1107

Learn if “Town Hall is open.” Call ahead to the specific department. Hours vary from department to department and can change according to meetings and other factors.

How big is Shutesbury?

Square Miles – 27

Local Roads – 37

State Highway - 3

2004 Population – 1900

Registered Voters – 1400

Who are my state and U.S. senators and representatives, and how can I contact them?

Visit our Legislators & State Offices page.

When and where are Town Meetings held?

Open Town Meeting and Town Election – First Saturday in May.

See specific meeting times in the town calendar.

How can I vote?

Register to vote:  Call Town Clerk (413) 259-1204 to have a mail-in voter registration form sent, stop in Town Clerk’s Office to register in person, or register at the Registry of Motor Vehicles when you renew your driver’s license.  If you register in person, make sure you get a receipt.  No need to wait for an election — do it anytime!

Vote Absentee:  In Massachusetts there are 3 reasons for voting absentee:

   1. Absence from Town on Election Day
   2. Physical Disability
   3. Religious Belief. 

Send a written request for an absentee ballot to the Town Clerk that contains your residential address, the address to which you would like the ballot sent, and your signature.  Allow plenty of time for the mail.  Or, vote in person anytime, through noon on the day before the election at the Town Clerk’s Office.

How can I get a building permit?

Get a blank building permit: Visit the Franklin County Regional Council of Governments Cooperative Inspection Program web site or get blank forms at Town Hall. Questions? Call:

    * Building Inspector James Hawkins at (413) 772-2026
    * Board of Health – 259-2122
    * Conservation Commission – 259-3792
    * Fire Chief – 259-1211

Can I burn brush?

A permit is required to burn brush. Call Shelburne Control at 625-8200 early in the morning of the day you want to burn. Permits are good for ONE DAY only. Regulated by Massachusetts General Law.

How can I contact the Post Office?

Call (800)ASK-USPS, or check the USPS web site: Post Office Locator (the zipcode is 01072)

Is Lake Wyola open?

Check to see if the Lake Wyola State Park is open:  367-0317.  The Regional Office number is (413) 545-5993.  For driving instructions, use a Web-based service such as Mapquest.  The Park address is 93 Lakeview Road, zip is 01072.

How can I get a dog license?

Find out about dog licenses, and print an application, from our Dog Officer's page.

How do I report a lost or found dog?

Report lost or found dogs to the Dog Officer at 259-2123.

How can I get more yellow Shutesbury trash bags?

Call or stop in at Town Hall or at North Leverett Village Coop. A package of 10 costs $20.

Learn about recycling/disposing of bulky items, hazardous waste, and other trash on our Recycling & Solid Waste pages.

How can I make a tax payment?

Make a tax payment in person.  Call 259-1615 for Tax Collector office hours.  If you have the exact amount and no questions, payments can be left in metal drop box at Tax Collector’s office door, when the Town Hall is unlocked.  Mailed payments preferred.

How can I attend a senior luncheon?

Reservations required. Call 259-1371.

When is the Shutesbury library open?

Visit the library's web site.

How can I volunteer for the town?

Call 259-1214.

Where can I learn about the town's bylaws and regulations?

Learn about Zoning Bylaws, General Bylaws and Subdivision Control Regulations. Order complete copy through Town Clerk — call, write, or stop in. Fees may apply.