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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Chatham
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Chatham.
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: Chatham may have specific local guidance on coastal structures and accessory buildings given unique coastal geography. Work that appears exempt may still require Conservation Commission review if within 100 feet of a wetland or coastal resource.
Required documents
- Building Dept Application Checklist
- Residential or Commercial Building Permit Application
- Workers' Compensation Affidavit
- Homeowner License Exemption Form (if applicable)
- Owner Authorization Form (if applicable)
- Construction plans and drawings
- Exterior Mechanical System Appliance Application (for HVAC/equipment)
- Sheet Metal Permit Application (if applicable)
- 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 and HIC licensing per Massachusetts state law. Workers' Compensation Affidavit required.
Source: Building Division ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by project complexity and completeness of application
- 01 Apply online through https://chathamma.portal.opengov.com/ or in person at 261 George Ryder Road.
- 02 Forms must be thoroughly and accurately completed by the owner or licensed professional.
- 03 Submit required forms: Building Dept Application Checklist, Residential or Commercial Building Permit Application, Workers' Compensation Affidavit, Homeowner License Exemption Form (if applicable), Owner Authorization Form (if applicable), Exterior Mechanical System Appliance Application (for HVAC/exterior mechanical equipment), Sheet Metal Permit Application (if applicable).
- 04 Plans must be submitted with application per requirements in Application Checklist PDF.
- 05 Permits must be taken out at least 3 days prior to commencement of work.
- 06 Fees will be doubled for work started without a permit.
- 07 For permit amendments: Plan Review Fee (PRF) of $75 plus additional square footage fee applies.
- 08 For Short-Term Rental properties: Annual Residential Certificate of Inspection required.
Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity and completeness of application
Source: Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective October 1, 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Contact Building Division for current rate
02
Permit fee formula
Approximately $10 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost (at Building Commissioner's discretion per codified provision)
Online and in-person payment accepted
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective October 1, 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 508-945-5168 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact Annie Hayes (Inspection Secretary) during office hours
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Thursday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Friday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Source: Building Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Chatham permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Chatham, MA? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Chatham.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Chatham, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Chatham, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Contact Building Division for current rate. Fees are calculated as: Approximately $10 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost (at Building Commissioner's discretion per codified provision).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Chatham, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Chatham, MA, follow these steps: 1. Apply online through https://chathamma.portal.opengov.com/ or in person at 261 George Ryder Road. 2. Forms must be thoroughly and accurately completed by the owner or licensed professional. 3. Submit required forms: Building Dept Application Checklist, Residential or Commercial Building Permit Application, Workers' Compensation Affidavit, Homeowner License Exemption Form (if applicable), Owner Authorization Form (if applicable), Exterior Mechanical System Appliance Application (for HVAC/exterior mechanical equipment), Sheet Metal Permit Application (if applicable). 4. Plans must be submitted with application per requirements in Application Checklist PDF. 5. Permits must be taken out at least 3 days prior to commencement of work. 6. Fees will be doubled for work started without a permit. 7. For permit amendments: Plan Review Fee (PRF) of $75 plus additional square footage fee applies. 8. For Short-Term Rental properties: Annual Residential Certificate of Inspection required.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Chatham, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Chatham, MA typically run Varies by project complexity and completeness of application. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Chatham, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Chatham, 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: Chatham may have specific local guidance on coastal structures and accessory buildings given unique coastal geography. Work that appears exempt may still require Conservation Commission review if within 100 feet of a wetland or coastal resource. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Chatham, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Chatham, MA via: 508-945-5168. Contact Annie Hayes (Inspection Secretary) during office hours.
last verified April 2026
source Building Division ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/barnstable/chatham
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.