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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Dartmouth
Any construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, change of use or occupancy, or installation of regulated equipment requires a permit before work begins (780 CMR 105.1).
One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 120 sq ft
Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
Oil derricks
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height
Water tanks supported directly on grade
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
Temporary stage sets and scenery
Prefabricated swimming pools (Group R-3)
Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes
Swings and playground equipment
Window awnings in Group R-3 and Group U occupancies
Movable cases, counters, and partitions
Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film
Routine maintenance and repairs to fire protection systems
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 120 sq ft
- Exempt Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
- Exempt Oil derricks
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Temporary stage sets and scenery
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools (Group R-3)
- Exempt Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment
- Exempt Window awnings in Group R-3 and Group U occupancies
- Exempt Movable cases, counters, and partitions
- Exempt Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film
- Exempt Routine maintenance and repairs to fire protection systems
Note: Dartmouth applies the statewide 780 CMR 105.2 baseline with no additional local expansions or restrictions beyond the statewide list identified. Any person seeking to construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, remove or demolish a structure must first obtain a permit.
Required documents
- Completed online application
- Copy of required licenses (CSL, HIC, or trade license)
- Permit fee
- Insurance certificate
- Accompanying plans and specifications
- Supporting documentation (Fire Department, Engineering, Water Department approvals; affidavits; Title V, septic, geotechnical reports as applicable)
- Zoning department approvals where required
- Building code
- Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR (9th Edition, effective January 1, 2018; 10th Edition effective July 1, 2025)
- Permit validity
- Permits are void if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance. Extensions are available upon written request (maximum 180 days per extension). Work suspension exceeding 180 days also voids the permit.
- Owner-builder
- A Homeowner Exemption Form is available. Owner-occupants of 1-2 family primary residences may pull their own building permit but assume contractor liability.
- Contractor requirements
- CSL required for structures over 35,000 cubic feet. HIC required for residential work below the CSL threshold. All wiring, plumbing, and gas fitting must be performed by Massachusetts-licensed individuals. Homeowners may not self-perform electrical, plumbing, or gas work.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 7-10 business days standard; up to 30 days for complex projects per 780 CMR 105.3.1
- 01 Access the OpenGov portal (https://dartmouthma.portal.opengov.com/) and register or log in.
- 02 Complete the application online. At a minimum, required submissions include: completed online application, copy of required licenses (CSL, HIC, or trade license), permit fee, insurance certificate, accompanying plans and specifications, supporting documentation as required (Fire Department, Engineering, Water Department approvals; affidavits; reports such as Title V, septic, geotechnical).
- 03 For projects requiring zoning department approvals, obtain those before or concurrently with building permit.
- 04 Submit application through OpenGov.
- 05 Standard review time: 7-10 business days. Larger commercial projects and new one- or two-family dwellings may take up to the full 30 days allowed under 780 CMR 105.3.1.
- 06 Post permit at job site upon approval.
- 07 Schedule inspections (wiring, plumbing, gas permits: 3-4 days for review; building permits: 7-10 days standard).
- 08 Complete all required inspection phases.
- 09 Obtain Certificate of Completion or Certificate of Occupancy.
Typical processing time: 7-10 business days standard; up to 30 days for complex projects per 780 CMR 105.3.1
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2022-01-01
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$225 (residential); varies for commercial
02
Plan check fee
$175 (residential plan review)
03
Permit fee formula
Residential: $8.00 per $1,000 of estimated project cost (minimum $225). Residential plan review: $175 flat. Commercial: $10.00 per $1,000 of estimated project cost. Paper/in-person application surcharge: $50.
04
Trade permit fee
Varies by trade (electrical, plumbing, gas -- PDF schedules available)
05
Penalty (no permit)
Working without a permit results in double the standard fee
Paper/in-person application surcharge: $50 flat (in addition to all other fees). Online submission through OpenGov strongly preferred.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2022-01-01) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- OpenGov portal (online)
- 508-910-1820 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- As required by department
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/footing (before pouring), Framing (before insulation or covering), Rough trade inspections (electrical, plumbing, gas -- each trade inspector), Insulation, Final building inspection, Final trade inspections, Certificate of Completion/Certificate of Occupancy.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Dartmouth permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Dartmouth, MA? ▸
Any construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, change of use or occupancy, or installation of regulated equipment requires a permit before work begins (780 CMR 105.1).
02 How much does a building permit cost in Dartmouth, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Dartmouth, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $225 (residential); varies for commercial. Fees are calculated as: Residential: $8.00 per $1,000 of estimated project cost (minimum $225). Residential plan review: $175 flat. Commercial: $10.00 per $1,000 of estimated project cost. Paper/in-person application surcharge: $50.. Plan check fee: $175 (residential plan review).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Dartmouth, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Dartmouth, MA, follow these steps: 1. Access the OpenGov portal (https://dartmouthma.portal.opengov.com/) and register or log in. 2. Complete the application online. At a minimum, required submissions include: completed online application, copy of required licenses (CSL, HIC, or trade license), permit fee, insurance certificate, accompanying plans and specifications, supporting documentation as required (Fire Department, Engineering, Water Department approvals; affidavits; reports such as Title V, septic, geotechnical). 3. For projects requiring zoning department approvals, obtain those before or concurrently with building permit. 4. Submit application through OpenGov. 5. Standard review time: 7-10 business days. Larger commercial projects and new one- or two-family dwellings may take up to the full 30 days allowed under 780 CMR 105.3.1. 6. Post permit at job site upon approval. 7. Schedule inspections (wiring, plumbing, gas permits: 3-4 days for review; building permits: 7-10 days standard). 8. Complete all required inspection phases. 9. Obtain Certificate of Completion or Certificate of Occupancy.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Dartmouth, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Dartmouth, MA typically run 7-10 business days standard; up to 30 days for complex projects per 780 CMR 105.3.1. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Dartmouth, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Dartmouth, MA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 120 sq ft; Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height; Oil derricks; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height; Water tanks supported directly on grade; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work; Temporary stage sets and scenery; Prefabricated swimming pools (Group R-3); Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes; Swings and playground equipment; Window awnings in Group R-3 and Group U occupancies; Movable cases, counters, and partitions; Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film; Routine maintenance and repairs to fire protection systems. Note: Dartmouth applies the statewide 780 CMR 105.2 baseline with no additional local expansions or restrictions beyond the statewide list identified. Any person seeking to construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, remove or demolish a structure must first obtain a permit. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Dartmouth, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Dartmouth, MA via: OpenGov portal, 508-910-1820. As required by department.
last verified April 2026
source Building Department ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/bristol/dartmouth
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.