Is a permit required for the construction of a DECK?
All decks require a building permit (see permit procedures). All decks must be on
footings at least 10” in diameter and 4’ in the ground and must meet State Building
Code requirements for construction. Decks over 30" from grade level require guard
rails at a minimum height of 36”and spacing of balusters to less than 5”. Stairs
require handrails with spacing of less than 5” between balusters and the height of
30”-38” for railings against a wall and 34”-38” for railings not against a wall.
Zoning requires that all decks be at least 25 ft. from the side and rear lot line and 50
ft. from the front lot line.
Is a permit required for the construction of a SHED?
Sheds over 120 sq.ft. (10’x12’) require a building permit (see permit procedures). A
shed must be on footings at least 10” in diameter and 4’ in the ground and must
meet State Building Code requirements for construction. Zoning requires it to be at
least the same distance from grade level to the median of the roof from the side and
rear lot lines and 50’ set back from the front lot line. Sheds under 120 sq.ft. do not
require a building permit but must meet the above zoning setback requirements.
Is a permit required for a FENCE?
Fences 6’ and under do not require a permit. It may be installed on the lot line
and the flat side may face either direction. Fences over 6’ require a permit and
may be installed on the lot line and must meet State Building Code
requirements for construction.
How long does it take to get a building permit?
The building official shall examine all applications within 30 days after filing as
stated in 780 CMR section 111.1. If satisfied that all proposed work conforms to
the requirements of the State Building Code, all laws and ordinances the building
official shall issue a permit.
How long is a building permit good?
Any permit issued shall be deemed abandoned and invalid unless the work
authorized by it shall have been commenced within 6 months after its issuance:
however, for cause, and upon written request of the owner, one or more extensions
of time, for periods not exceeding 6 months each, may be granted in writing
by the building commissioner as stated in 780 CMR section 111.8.
Enclosures For Animals:
No fence or other STRUCTURE enclosing animals, except house pets, shall be within 100 feet of a DWELLING on an adjoining property. ( Zoning Bylaw F.5.b )
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