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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Falmouth
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Falmouth.
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: Other permits (electrical, plumbing, gas) may still be required. Conservation Commission review required for work within 100 feet of wetlands or coastal resources.
Required documents
- Completed building permit application
- Construction plans and drawings
- Site plan
- Workers' Compensation Affidavit
- CSL and HIC license copies
- Zoning compliance documentation
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by project complexity and review requirements
- 01 Register for a PermitEyes account; save contact information and professional license numbers.
- 02 Select permit type and complete all mandatory fields (marked with red stars).
- 03 Select property address from town's address lookup dropdown.
- 04 Attach required files: plans, site plan, affidavits.
- 05 Submit and pay online once fees are calculated.
- 06 Follow instructions for new construction or additions/alterations as applicable.
- 07 Schedule inspections at least one day in advance by calling 508-495-7470 between 8:00 AM-3:30 PM.
Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity and review requirements
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective January 1, 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$100
02
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee calculation
03
Permit fee formula
$8 per $1,000 of construction value; $100 minimum
04
Trade permit fee
Electrical: $100 residential new, $75 alterations, $100 service change. Plumbing/Gas: $45 first fixture, $12 each additional (residential).
05
Reinspection fee
$100
Online payment accepted through PermitEyes
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective January 1, 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 508-495-7470 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- At least one day in advance
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Typical sequence: Building inspections required; electrical and plumbing inspections scheduled separately
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Falmouth permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Falmouth, MA? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Falmouth.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Falmouth, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Falmouth, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $100. Fees are calculated as: $8 per $1,000 of construction value; $100 minimum. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee calculation.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Falmouth, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Falmouth, MA, follow these steps: 1. Register for a PermitEyes account; save contact information and professional license numbers. 2. Select permit type and complete all mandatory fields (marked with red stars). 3. Select property address from town's address lookup dropdown. 4. Attach required files: plans, site plan, affidavits. 5. Submit and pay online once fees are calculated. 6. Follow instructions for new construction or additions/alterations as applicable. 7. Schedule inspections at least one day in advance by calling 508-495-7470 between 8:00 AM-3:30 PM.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Falmouth, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Falmouth, MA typically run Varies by project complexity and review requirements. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Falmouth, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Falmouth, 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: Other permits (electrical, plumbing, gas) may still be required. Conservation Commission review required for work within 100 feet of wetlands or coastal resources. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Falmouth, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Falmouth, MA via: 508-495-7470. At least one day in advance.
last verified April 2026
source Inspectional Services Department ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/barnstable/falmouth
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Inspectional Services Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.