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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Tisbury
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Tisbury except as exempted by 780 CMR 105.2.
- Exempt Standard 780 CMR 105.2 statewide exemptions apply
Note: Tisbury applies standard 780 CMR 105.2 statewide exemptions. No Tisbury-specific additions or modifications were identified in accessible sources. Exemptions from building permit do NOT exempt work from trade permits, Conservation Commission jurisdiction, or Historic District Commission review.
- Permit application via ViewpointCloud portal
- Site plan with lot dimensions, existing structures, setbacks
- Construction drawings (stamped by MA-licensed A/E for commercial projects)
- Workers' compensation certificate or exemption affidavit
- CSL (Construction Supervisor License for structures over 35,000 cf) and/or HIC (Home Improvement Contractor) number, or Homeowner Exemption Affidavit
- ConCom Order of Conditions (if applicable)
- Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness (if applicable)
- MVC approval (if DRI)
- Building code
- 780 CMR (Massachusetts State Building Code, 10th Edition effective October 11, 2024)
- Permit validity
- Must commence construction within 6 months of issuance. Work may lapse if suspended for 12 months.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners of a 1- or 2-family primary residence may pull permits without a CSL or HIC license but must file a Homeowner Exemption Affidavit.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold a valid CSL (structures over 35,000 cf) or HIC registration for smaller residential work. Separate licensed contractors required for electrical, plumbing, and gas work.
Source: Office of Building Inspection and Zoning Enforcement ↗
Application process
Typical processing: 1-2 weeks for Minor Work Permits (expedited category). 2-3 weeks for standard building permits. Add 2-4 weeks for projects requiring special permits or zoning relief. MVC DRI projects add 2-4 months.
- 01 Review Tisbury Zoning Bylaws (tisburyma.gov/planning-board) to determine zoning district, permitted uses, and whether a Special Permit is required.
- 02 If property is within the William Street Historic District (downtown Vineyard Haven historic district), obtain Historic District Commission Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior alterations visible from a public way before building permit issuance.
- 03 If work is within wetland buffer zone, file Notice of Intent with Conservation Commission and obtain Order of Conditions before building permit issuance.
- 04 Refer large-scale projects to Martha's Vineyard Commission (MVC) before town action if they meet Development of Regional Impact (DRI) thresholds.
- 05 Submit building permit application online via tisburyma.viewpointcloud.com. Select appropriate permit type (Minor Work, standard building permit, etc.).
- 06 Building Inspector reviews for 780 CMR compliance. Minor Work Permits (see description below) have expedited review.
- 07 Pay fees upon approval; permit issued after plan review approval and fee payment.
- 08 Schedule building, electrical, plumbing, and gas inspections through building department.
- 09 Certificate of Occupancy issued after all inspections pass.
Typical processing time: 1-2 weeks for Minor Work Permits (expedited category). 2-3 weeks for standard building permits. Add 2-4 weeks for projects requiring special permits or zoning relief. MVC DRI projects add 2-4 months.
Source: Office of Building Inspection and Zoning Enforcement ↗
Fee schedule
Effective Not confirmed in accessible sources (fee schedule PDF listed as 404 as of March 2026)
Contact building department at (508) 696-4280 or access tisburyma.gov for current fee schedule. The 2021 fee schedule PDF link was not accessible at time of research.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Not confirmed in accessible sources (fee schedule PDF listed as 404 as of March 2026)) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (508) 696-4280 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact building department during office hours
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday; specific hours not confirmed in accessible sources. Call (508) 696-4280 to verify.
- Time windows
- Specific inspection time windows not published
Typical sequence: Standard Massachusetts sequence applies per 780 CMR: footing/excavation, foundation, rough frame, insulation, final building. Trade inspections (rough and final electrical, plumbing, gas) coordinated through building department.
In-person inspection standard; remote inspections not mentioned
Source: Office of Building Inspection and Zoning Enforcement ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Tisbury permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Tisbury, MA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Tisbury, MA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Tisbury, MA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Tisbury, MA? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Tisbury, MA? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Tisbury, MA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Office of Building Inspection and Zoning Enforcement before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.