Chelmsford, MA · Middlesex County
Common Driveway–Private Way Covenant (Form J)
This covenant sets out access, maintenance, and other obligations for a private common driveway; property owners submit it to the Chelmsford Planning Board for subdivision approval.
- 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
Chelmsford’s Planning Board Form J establishes obligations for lots served by a private way, including shared maintenance, year-round access, and limits on further street extension or subdivision. The form says the owner must record the covenant in the property’s chain of title before site work begins and file a certified copy with the Planning Board before building permits are issued.
Who needs it
Property owners whose subdivision plan uses a common driveway or private way submit this covenant when the Chelmsford Planning Board approves the plan with applicable waivers.
Why it needs a notary
The form carries acknowledgment blocks for owners and other signers; each person signing an applicable block must personally appear before a notary and acknowledge signing voluntarily.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download The Form
Get Chelmsford Planning Board Form J, Common Driveway–Private Way Covenant.
- 2
Fill In The Covenant
Complete the owner, property, subdivision-plan, and other applicable fields before signing.
- 3
Book An Online Notary
Schedule a video appointment with a commissioned online notary for the applicable acknowledgment.
- 4
Sign On Video
Appear on video and acknowledge your signature before the notary.
- 5
Record And Submit
Record the covenant in the property’s chain of title before site work, then file a certified copy with the Planning Board before building permits.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Chelmsford. 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 notarize the Form J covenant?
- Complete the form, then meet with a commissioned online notary by video. Signers must personally appear and acknowledge their signatures voluntarily in the notary’s presence.
- Do I need to record this covenant before site work?
- The form says the covenant must be recorded in the property’s chain of title before any work begins under the subdivision approval. A certified copy must be filed with the Planning Board before building permits are issued.
- Can I use online notarization for this form?
- Massachusetts permanently authorized remote online notarization for its own notaries effective January 1, 2024, under G.L. c. 222, §§27–29. Confirm the filing and recording process with the relevant offices.
- Who signs and notarizes the covenant?
- The owner signing the covenant acknowledges the signature before a notary. The form also includes acknowledgment blocks associated with other signers, so use the applicable blocks for the people signing.
- Where should I submit the completed form?
- The form requires recording in the property’s chain of title and filing a certified copy with the Chelmsford Planning Board. Confirm the filing and recording details with the city or town clerk if unsure.