On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Raynham
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: Raynham applies the statewide 780 CMR 105.2 baseline with no additional local expansions or restrictions beyond the statewide list identified. Per the department's stated scope, permits are required for all new construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, and demolition of buildings and structures, as well as equipment installation and changes of use or occupancy.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Workers' compensation affidavit
- Proof of liability insurance
- Copy of professional license (CSL/HIC/trade license)
- Construction plans/specifications
- Support documentation as required
- Building code
- Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR (9th Edition, effective January 1, 2018; 10th Edition effective July 1, 2025)
- Permit validity
- Work must commence within 6 months (180 days) of issuance. Abandonment or suspension exceeding 180 days voids the permit. Extensions are available in writing.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-occupants of 1-2 family primary residences may obtain building permits.
- Contractor requirements
- CSL required for structures over 35,000 cubic feet. HIC required for residential alteration work below the CSL threshold.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 30 days standard review per 780 CMR 105.3.1
- 01 Contact the Building Department at 508-824-2755 prior to submittal to determine what signatures are required on the application for your specific project type.
- 02 Complete the applicable permit application (residential 1-2 family, commercial, gas, plumbing, electrical/wiring).
- 03 Assemble required documents: workers' compensation affidavit, proof of liability insurance, copy of professional license (CSL/HIC/trade license), construction plans/specifications.
- 04 Submit application through the online portal or in person at Town Hall.
- 05 Building Department reviews application within 30 days per 780 CMR 105.3.1.
- 06 Post permit at job site upon approval.
- 07 Schedule inspections by appointment only -- call 508-824-2755.
- 08 Complete all required inspection phases.
- 09 Obtain Certificate of Occupancy or Occupancy Permit.
Typical processing time: 30 days standard review per 780 CMR 105.3.1
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2019-07-01
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50
02
Permit fee formula
Residential: $0.70/sq ft (new construction/additions/structural changes); $0.50/sq ft (non-structural alterations); $15 per $1,000 of cost (siding/roofing/doors/windows). Commercial: $0.70/sq ft (new/additions/major renovations); $15 per $1,000 of cost (minor alterations).
03
Trade permit fee
Electrical: Residential $150 per dwelling (new), $50 per inspection (additions/alterations); Commercial 2% of contract cost. Plumbing/Gas: PDFs available (fees not confirmed).
04
Reinspection fee
$50
05
Penalty (no permit)
Double the standard fee for work without a permit. Permits are not refundable and not transferable.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2019-07-01) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 508-824-2755 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- All inspections and site visits require advance scheduling by appointment only
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM - noon. Building Inspector office hours: Monday and Wednesday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM; Tuesday and Thursday additional hours (confirm by phone).
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/footing (before pouring concrete), Framing (before insulation or covering), Rough trade inspections (electrical, plumbing, gas -- each inspector), Insulation, Final building inspection, Final trade inspections, Certificate of Occupancy/Occupancy Permit.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Raynham permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Raynham, 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 Raynham, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Raynham, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Residential: $0.70/sq ft (new construction/additions/structural changes); $0.50/sq ft (non-structural alterations); $15 per $1,000 of cost (siding/roofing/doors/windows). Commercial: $0.70/sq ft (new/additions/major renovations); $15 per $1,000 of cost (minor alterations)..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Raynham, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Raynham, MA, follow these steps: 1. Contact the Building Department at 508-824-2755 prior to submittal to determine what signatures are required on the application for your specific project type. 2. Complete the applicable permit application (residential 1-2 family, commercial, gas, plumbing, electrical/wiring). 3. Assemble required documents: workers' compensation affidavit, proof of liability insurance, copy of professional license (CSL/HIC/trade license), construction plans/specifications. 4. Submit application through the online portal or in person at Town Hall. 5. Building Department reviews application within 30 days per 780 CMR 105.3.1. 6. Post permit at job site upon approval. 7. Schedule inspections by appointment only -- call 508-824-2755. 8. Complete all required inspection phases. 9. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy or Occupancy Permit.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Raynham, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Raynham, MA typically run 30 days standard review 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 Raynham, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Raynham, 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: Raynham applies the statewide 780 CMR 105.2 baseline with no additional local expansions or restrictions beyond the statewide list identified. Per the department's stated scope, permits are required for all new construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, and demolition of buildings and structures, as well as equipment installation and changes of use or occupancy. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Raynham, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Raynham, MA via: 508-824-2755. All inspections and site visits require advance scheduling by appointment only.
last verified April 2026
source Building Department ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/bristol/raynham
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.