On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Harwich
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Harwich.
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 available for certain routine maintenance and replacement work. Harwich FAQ pages address sheds, express permits, and sign permits specifically.
Required documents
- Completed building permit application
- Construction plans and site plan
- Workers' Compensation Affidavit
- CSL and/or HIC license copies
- Property Owner Authorization (if applicable)
- 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 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 and review requirements
- 01 Register or log in to the OpenGov portal at https://harwichma.portal.opengov.com/
- 02 Select permit type: building permits, express permits, mechanical permits, sign permits, tent permits, or trade permits (electrical, plumbing, gas).
- 03 Attach required documents: plans, site plan, Workers' Compensation Affidavit, CSL/HIC license, authorization forms.
- 04 For properties in the Old King's Highway Historic District (Harwich partially within, northern areas north of Rte. 6), obtain Old King's Highway District Committee review before applying.
- 05 For wetlands or coastal buffer work, obtain Conservation Commission Order of Conditions.
- 06 Pay permit fees online or in person at 732 Main Street.
- 07 Building permit must be taken out at least 3 days prior to commencement of work.
Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity and review requirements
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Document dated February 1, 2019; current rates recommended to be verified
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$70
02
Permit fee formula
Per-square-foot structure: New commercial buildings/additions $0.75/sq. ft.; Alterations/repairs $0.70/sq. ft.; Unconditioned accessory structures over 120 sq. ft. $0.50/sq. ft.
03
Trade permit fee
Plumbing, gas, electrical fees available through Building Department
Online and in-person payment accepted
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Document dated February 1, 2019; current rates recommended to be verified) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 508-430-7506 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Schedule in advance during business hours
- Inspection hours
- Monday 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM; Tuesday-Thursday 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM; Friday 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Typical sequence: Building inspections conducted by Building Inspector during business hours
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Harwich permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Harwich, MA? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Harwich.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Harwich, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Harwich, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $70. Fees are calculated as: Per-square-foot structure: New commercial buildings/additions $0.75/sq. ft.; Alterations/repairs $0.70/sq. ft.; Unconditioned accessory structures over 120 sq. ft. $0.50/sq. ft..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Harwich, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Harwich, MA, follow these steps: 1. Register or log in to the OpenGov portal at https://harwichma.portal.opengov.com/ 2. Select permit type: building permits, express permits, mechanical permits, sign permits, tent permits, or trade permits (electrical, plumbing, gas). 3. Attach required documents: plans, site plan, Workers' Compensation Affidavit, CSL/HIC license, authorization forms. 4. For properties in the Old King's Highway Historic District (Harwich partially within, northern areas north of Rte. 6), obtain Old King's Highway District Committee review before applying. 5. For wetlands or coastal buffer work, obtain Conservation Commission Order of Conditions. 6. Pay permit fees online or in person at 732 Main Street. 7. Building permit must be taken out at least 3 days prior to commencement of work.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Harwich, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Harwich, 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 Harwich, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Harwich, 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 available for certain routine maintenance and replacement work. Harwich FAQ pages address sheds, express permits, and sign permits specifically. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Harwich, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Harwich, MA via: 508-430-7506. Schedule in advance during business hours.
last verified April 2026
source Building Department ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/barnstable/harwich
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.