As a property owner or business owner you have invested a great deal in your home or business. You should take the time investigate your investment before and not after your purchase. Problems can be avoided if you do your homework. Please feel free to contact the Building Department with any questions that are not addressed on our website. Property files are available for review during Town Hall office hours. Below we have tried to address some of the basic questions we receive.
DIG SAFE 1-888-344-7233
Calling DigSafe is an important step in the building permit process. You or your contractor must notify Dig Safe before any excavation.You will obtain an authorization number that MUST appear on your building permit application in the space provided.
Why do I need a permit?
Per the Massachusetts State Building Code building permits are required for most projects i.e. decks, additions,sheds, roofing/siding/windows, door replacement, demolition, plumbing, electrical, gas, and of course New Construction. Please check with the building department if you have any questions regarding your particular project.
HOT TUBS: A building permit is required for the installation of a Hot Tub per Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR 120.M102.1." Any structure intended for swimming or bathing that contains water over 24 inches deep. This includes in-ground, aboveground and on-ground swimming pools, hot tubs and spas."
Is a permit required for the construction of a DECK?
All decks require a building permit (see permit procedures). All attached decks must be on
footings at least 4’ below grade. Decks over 30" from grade level require guard
rails at a minimum height of 36”and spacing of balusters to less than 4”. Stairs
require handrails with spacing of less than 4” 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 4’ below grade if under 400 sq. ft.. Zoning requires it to be at
least the same distance from grade level to the height 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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