Northampton, MA · Hampshire County
Permission and Agreement for Tree Planting Within 20 Feet of the Public Way
This agreement lets a property owner give Northampton permission to plant a tree on their land within 20 feet of the public way and grants the Tree Warden related access and authority.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
The form records the owner’s permission for Northampton’s Tree Warden and Department of Public Works to plant the identified tree or trees on the owner’s land. It also grants the Tree Warden or designee permission to enter the property to inspect, cut, trim, or remove them, and describes their status as protected public shade trees. The form is for owners whose proposed tree planting is within 20 feet of the public way.
Who needs it
A property owner who wants the City of Northampton to plant a tree on their land within 20 feet of the public way should complete this agreement.
Why it needs a notary
The form includes an acknowledgment; each signing property owner must personally appear before the notary, establish identity, and acknowledge signing voluntarily for the stated purpose.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Agreement
Get the tree planting permission agreement from the City of Northampton.
- 2
Fill In the Property Details
Provide owner and property information, tree species, and contact details.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Arrange an appointment with a commissioned online notary for the acknowledgment.
- 4
Sign on Video
Personally appear by video, prove your identity, and acknowledge your signature.
- 5
Submit to the City
Send the completed agreement to the City of Northampton Department of Public Works.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Northampton. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I complete the tree planting permission agreement?
- Enter the property and owner details, tree species, and required signatures. Sign before a notary, then submit the completed agreement to the City of Northampton Department of Public Works.
- Do I need to sign this form in front of a notary?
- Yes. The form includes an acknowledgment stating that the owner personally appeared before a notary, proved identity through satisfactory evidence, and acknowledged signing voluntarily.
- Can I sign this agreement with an online notary?
- Massachusetts permanently authorized remote online notarization for its own notaries effective January 1, 2024. You may book a commissioned online notary; confirm with the city or town clerk if unsure.
- What does signing this agreement allow the Tree Warden to do?
- The agreement grants permission to plant the identified tree or trees and allows the Tree Warden or designee to enter the land to inspect, cut, trim, or remove them.