Framingham Board of Health Approves Septic Variance, Delays Fee Vote
Framingham Board of Health approves septic variance, stalls first fee hike since 2011. The board voted 4-0 to grant a local upgrade approval for a septic system at 9 Crest Road, reducing its reservoir setback to 203 feet from a required 400 feet.
Board of Health · Meeting of September 8, 2026
Framingham Board of Health approves septic variance, stalls first fee hike since 2011. The board voted 4-0 to grant a local upgrade approval for a septic system at 9 Crest Road, reducing its reservoir setback to 203 feet from a required 400 feet. On fees, member Fred Stratmann said budget cuts have "caused significant and lasting harm to the department," and the board voted 4-0 to continue, rather than close, its hearing on updated fees pending talks with the city's CFO about redirecting revenue.
Residents including City Councilor Leora Malek and Framingham Grows Food's Carrie Ganz urged the board to drop a newly discovered backyard-composting permit fee, which staff agreed to recommend removing. A proposed tanning-bed fee was cut from $50 to $10 per bed after salon owner objections, and food pantries were confirmed exempt from permit fees entirely.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,789 words
Source: the Board of Health meeting of September 8, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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