On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Taunton
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 (capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons)
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, walls above grade, water depth not exceeding 24 inches)
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 (capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons)
- 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, walls above grade, water depth not exceeding 24 inches)
- 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: Taunton clarifies that accessory structures between 120-200 sq ft require a permit (any structure over 120 sq ft triggers a permit requirement). Pools under 24 inches of water depth do not require a permit. Fences up to 7 feet do not require a building permit (though zoning setbacks apply).
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Workers' compensation affidavit
- Proof of liability insurance
- Copy of professional license
- Construction plans/specifications
- Support documents per permit type
- 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 work below the CSL threshold. Licensed electricians required for electrical work (filing required before work begins or within 5 days per 527 CMR 12). Licensed plumbing and gas contractors required.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 30 days standard review per 780 CMR 105.3.1
- 01 Register on PermitEyes (https://permiteyes.us/taunton/loginuser.php) and link your professional license.
- 02 Upload required documents: completed workers' compensation affidavit, proof of liability insurance (workers' comp certificate if applicable), and copy of professional license.
- 03 Submit permit application online for all building trades, or bring completed paper application to 141 Oak Street with payment by check or money order.
- 04 The Building Department reviews applications (standard review target: 30 days per 780 CMR 105.3.1).
- 05 Upon approval, post permit at job site.
- 06 Schedule inspections by calling 508-821-1015 (speak with an inspector during availability windows).
- 07 Complete all required inspection phases.
- 08 Obtain Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Inspection as applicable.
Typical processing time: 30 days standard review per 780 CMR 105.3.1
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2026-01-01
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$52
02
Permit fee formula
Percentage of contract price plus 4% surcharge on all fees
03
Trade permit fee
Varies by trade; plus 4% surcharge
04
Reinspection fee
$52 (all trades)
05
Penalty (no permit)
Triple the standard fee for work without a permit
Walk-in payments: check or money order only (credit/debit cards not accepted at counter).
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2026-01-01) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 508-821-1015 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- During stated availability windows (Mon-Thu 8-9 AM; Tue 5-7 PM)
- Inspection hours
- Monday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Tuesday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM; Wednesday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM - noon
- Time windows
- Inspector availability: Monday-Thursday 8-9 AM; Tuesday evening 5-7 PM
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/footing, Framing, Rough electrical, Rough plumbing, Rough gas, Insulation, Final building inspection, Final trade inspections, Certificate of Occupancy.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Taunton permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Taunton, 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 Taunton, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Taunton, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $52. Fees are calculated as: Percentage of contract price plus 4% surcharge on all fees.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Taunton, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Taunton, MA, follow these steps: 1. Register on PermitEyes (https://permiteyes.us/taunton/loginuser.php) and link your professional license. 2. Upload required documents: completed workers' compensation affidavit, proof of liability insurance (workers' comp certificate if applicable), and copy of professional license. 3. Submit permit application online for all building trades, or bring completed paper application to 141 Oak Street with payment by check or money order. 4. The Building Department reviews applications (standard review target: 30 days per 780 CMR 105.3.1). 5. Upon approval, post permit at job site. 6. Schedule inspections by calling 508-821-1015 (speak with an inspector during availability windows). 7. Complete all required inspection phases. 8. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Inspection as applicable.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Taunton, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Taunton, 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 Taunton, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Taunton, 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 (capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons); 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, walls above grade, water depth not exceeding 24 inches); 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: Taunton clarifies that accessory structures between 120-200 sq ft require a permit (any structure over 120 sq ft triggers a permit requirement). Pools under 24 inches of water depth do not require a permit. Fences up to 7 feet do not require a building permit (though zoning setbacks apply). When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Taunton, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Taunton, MA via: 508-821-1015. During stated availability windows (Mon-Thu 8-9 AM; Tue 5-7 PM).
last verified April 2026
source Building Department ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/bristol/taunton
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.