My application was approved, can I get started on the work prior to the end of the appeal period?

A special permit or variance does not take effect until a copy of the decision, having been filed with the Town Clerk for 20 days without appeal and bearing the certification of the Town Clerk, has been recorded with the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds (note that recording fees are at the applicant’s expense). Any applicant who begins work authorized under a special permit or variance prior to this recording does so at his or her own risk. In the event of an appeal (during the 20 days prior to a recording), a court could reverse the issuance of any special permit or variance and any construction performed may be ordered undone as outlined in M.G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 11.