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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Brewster
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Brewster.
One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) with floor area 120 sq. ft. or less
Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge or impounding liquids)
Water tanks on grade, 5,000 gallons or less, height-to-diameter ratio 2:1 or less
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Prefabricated swimming pools (1-2 family, less than 24 inches deep, less than 5,000 gallons, above ground)
Swings and playground equipment (1-2 family dwellings)
Window awnings (residential/utility, not more than 54 inches projection)
Other statewide exemptions per 780 CMR 105.2
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) with floor area 120 sq. ft. or less
- Exempt Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge or impounding liquids)
- Exempt Water tanks on grade, 5,000 gallons or less, height-to-diameter ratio 2:1 or less
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools (1-2 family, less than 24 inches deep, less than 5,000 gallons, above ground)
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment (1-2 family dwellings)
- Exempt Window awnings (residential/utility, not more than 54 inches projection)
- Exempt Other statewide exemptions per 780 CMR 105.2
Note: Express Permits use a streamlined process for roofing, siding, same-size window/door replacement, and insulation -- these receive expedited processing with a flat $50 fee rather than full plan review.
Required documents
- Building permit application
- Workers' Compensation Affidavit
- CSL/HIC license copies
- Homeowner License Exemption (if applicable)
- Owner Authorization Form (if applicable)
- Plot plan/site plan
- Construction drawings
- Building code
- Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR, 10th Edition (effective October 11, 2024)
- Permit validity
- Work must commence within 6 months of issuance. Permits expire if work is abandoned for 6 months.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowner Exemption available for owner-occupants of 1-2 family primary residences.
- Contractor requirements
- CSL required for structural work and structures over 35,000 cubic feet; HIC required for residential remodeling.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by project complexity; Express Permits available for streamlined processing
- 01 Register or log in to the OpenGov portal at https://brewsterma.portal.opengov.com/
- 02 All permit types available online: building permits, express permits, and trade permits (plumbing, gas, electrical, sheet metal).
- 03 Complete application with required forms: Building permit application, Workers' Compensation Affidavit, CSL/HIC license copies, Homeowner License Exemption (if applicable), Owner Authorization Form (if applicable), Plot plan/site plan, Construction drawings.
- 04 Express Permits: Available for specific routine maintenance work including roofing, siding, window or door replacement (same size only, no framing changes), and insulation. Express permit fee: $50 flat fee.
- 05 For properties north of Route 6, obtain Old King's Highway Historic District Committee approval before applying for a building permit.
- 06 For wetlands or coastal buffer work, obtain Conservation Commission approval.
- 07 Schedule inspections at least 24 hours in advance by emailing building@brewster-ma.gov or calling 508-896-3701 ext. 1125.
Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity; Express Permits available for streamlined processing
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Current schedule; fee review noted in FY2024 planning documents
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Contact Building Department for current rates
02
Permit fee formula
Contact Building Department for current per-$1,000 or per-sq.-ft. rates
Online payment through OpenGov portal accepted
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Current schedule; fee review noted in FY2024 planning documents) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- building@brewster-ma.gov (email)
- 508-896-3701 ext. 1125 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- At least 24 hours in advance
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Thursday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (in person); Friday by phone/email only
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Brewster permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Brewster, MA? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Brewster.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Brewster, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Brewster, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Contact Building Department for current rates. Fees are calculated as: Contact Building Department for current per-$1,000 or per-sq.-ft. rates.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Brewster, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Brewster, MA, follow these steps: 1. Register or log in to the OpenGov portal at https://brewsterma.portal.opengov.com/ 2. All permit types available online: building permits, express permits, and trade permits (plumbing, gas, electrical, sheet metal). 3. Complete application with required forms: Building permit application, Workers' Compensation Affidavit, CSL/HIC license copies, Homeowner License Exemption (if applicable), Owner Authorization Form (if applicable), Plot plan/site plan, Construction drawings. 4. Express Permits: Available for specific routine maintenance work including roofing, siding, window or door replacement (same size only, no framing changes), and insulation. Express permit fee: $50 flat fee. 5. For properties north of Route 6, obtain Old King's Highway Historic District Committee approval before applying for a building permit. 6. For wetlands or coastal buffer work, obtain Conservation Commission approval. 7. Schedule inspections at least 24 hours in advance by emailing building@brewster-ma.gov or calling 508-896-3701 ext. 1125.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Brewster, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Brewster, MA typically run Varies by project complexity; Express Permits available for streamlined processing. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Brewster, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Brewster, MA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) with floor area 120 sq. ft. or less; Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge or impounding liquids); Water tanks on grade, 5,000 gallons or less, height-to-diameter ratio 2:1 or less; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools (1-2 family, less than 24 inches deep, less than 5,000 gallons, above ground); Swings and playground equipment (1-2 family dwellings); Window awnings (residential/utility, not more than 54 inches projection); Other statewide exemptions per 780 CMR 105.2. Note: Express Permits use a streamlined process for roofing, siding, same-size window/door replacement, and insulation -- these receive expedited processing with a flat $50 fee rather than full plan review. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Brewster, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Brewster, MA via: building@brewster-ma.gov, 508-896-3701 ext. 1125. At least 24 hours in advance.
last verified April 2026
source Building Department ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/barnstable/brewster
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.