Franklin, MA · Norfolk County
Public Road Covenant
This covenant sets out an owner’s obligations to secure subdivision road construction and municipal services, and is filed by the property owner with the Franklin Planning Board for recording.
- 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 covenant documents the owner’s commitment to construct subdivision ways and install municipal services, or otherwise secure that work to the Planning Board’s satisfaction. Franklin requires it when an owner chooses a covenant to secure the work for an approved definitive subdivision plan; the covenant becomes effective upon execution, board endorsement of the plan, and recording or registration. The form includes signature and notarial certificate sections for board members and owner signers.
Who needs it
The record owner of land shown on an approved definitive subdivision plan needs this form when using a covenant to secure road construction and municipal services.
Why it needs a notary
The form has personal-appearance acknowledgment certificates for a Planning Board member, the owner or authorized signer, and the owner’s spouse, if signing.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Covenant
Download Franklin’s Public Road Covenant and review its provisions and signature sections.
- 2
Fill Out the Form
Complete the covenant with the owner, subdivision, plan, and other requested details. Ask the Planning Board about any provisions you are unsure how to complete.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Schedule a remote appointment for each signer who needs to complete a notarial certificate.
- 4
Sign on Video
Appear before a commissioned online notary, verify your identity, and sign as directed during the session.
- 5
Submit for Endorsement and Recording
Follow the Planning Board’s instructions for endorsement and recording or registration at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Franklin. 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 get the Public Road Covenant notarized?
- Complete the covenant, then book an online appointment. Each signer whose signature is covered by a notarial certificate must appear before the notary and sign as directed.
- Do I need to notarize every signature on this form?
- The form includes notarial certificates for a Planning Board member, the owner or an authorized signer, and the owner’s spouse if signing. The mortgagee signature section has no separate notarial certificate in the provided text.
- Can I use online notarization for this covenant?
- Massachusetts permanently authorized remote online notarization for its own notaries effective January 1, 2024. Ask the Franklin city or town clerk whether the completed covenant’s format and submission method meet the city’s requirements.
- Where do I submit the completed covenant?
- The covenant says the Planning Board endorses the approved plan and records or registers the plan and covenant at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, at the owner’s expense. Confirm filing arrangements with the board.
- Who should I ask if I’m unsure about filing requirements?
- Contact the Franklin Planning Board or city or town clerk about local submission requirements; confirm with the city or town clerk if unsure.
Public Road Covenant in other Massachusetts cities
Each city publishes its own version of this form. Pick the city where you’re filing.