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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Shelburne
A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, renovations affecting structural elements, and similar work.
One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) with floor area not greater than 120 sq ft
Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
Oil derricks
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids
Water tanks supported directly on grade, capacity not greater than 5,000 gallons, with height-to-diameter ratio not greater than 2:1
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
Above-ground residential swimming pools less than 24 inches deep or not greater than 5,000 gallons
Shade cloth structures for agricultural use (excluding attached service systems)
Swings and playground equipment accessory to single- or two-family dwellings
Window awnings in residential and utility occupancies projecting not more than 54 inches from the exterior wall
Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height
Plastic-covered greenhouse structures (excluding large assembly occupancies and attached service systems)
Ordinary repairs and routine maintenance that do not affect structural elements, fire protection systems, or regulated systems
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) with floor area not greater than 120 sq ft
- Exempt Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
- Exempt Oil derricks
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade, capacity not greater than 5,000 gallons, with height-to-diameter ratio not greater than 2:1
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
- Exempt Above-ground residential swimming pools less than 24 inches deep or not greater than 5,000 gallons
- Exempt Shade cloth structures for agricultural use (excluding attached service systems)
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment accessory to single- or two-family dwellings
- Exempt Window awnings in residential and utility occupancies projecting not more than 54 inches from the exterior wall
- Exempt Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height
- Exempt Plastic-covered greenhouse structures (excluding large assembly occupancies and attached service systems)
- Exempt Ordinary repairs and routine maintenance that do not affect structural elements, fire protection systems, or regulated systems
Note: FCCIP enforces standard 780 CMR exemptions. No Shelburne-specific additions. Connecticut River and Deerfield River tributaries run through Shelburne; work near water resources requires Conservation Commission review.
Required documents
- Completed permit application (electronic via PermitEyes)
- Construction plans and drawings
- Plot plan or site plan
- Workers' Compensation Affidavit (contractor applications)
- CSL number and license copy (contractor applications)
- HIC registration (residential improvement work)
- Building code
- Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR, 10th Edition as of July 1, 2025; based on 2021 IBC)
- Permit validity
- All permits valid for six months from date of issuance per 780 CMR.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowner exemption available for one- or two-family dwelling at primary residence without CSL.
- Contractor requirements
- Construction Supervisor License (CSL) required for contractor-supervised work on regulated structures.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Reviewed per 780 CMR guidelines (maximum 30 days).
- 01 Confirm zoning compliance with Shelburne's zoning bylaws. Contact Paul Lemelin (FCCIP, Ext. 114) for zoning questions.
- 02 Register or log in to PermitEyes through the FCCIP online system.
- 03 Complete application and upload required documents per FCCIP minimum submittal requirements: construction plans, plot plan, Workers' Compensation Affidavit, CSL documentation, HIC registration.
- 04 Pay fees through UniBank online (after fee assessment) or mail check to FRCOG.
- 05 Application reviewed by Building Commissioner Jim Hawkins and relevant town officials through PermitEyes. Email notifications sent at each step.
- 06 Permit issued upon approval; print permit from PermitEyes and post on site.
- 07 Schedule inspections through PermitEyes or by calling 413-774-3167.
Typical processing time: Reviewed per 780 CMR guidelines (maximum 30 days).
Source: Building Inspector (administered by Franklin County Cooperative Inspection Program / FRCOG) ↗
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- PermitEyes portal (online)
- 413-774-3167 ext. 109 or 114 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- FCCIP: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (building inspections); Electrical: 7-9 AM M-F; Plumbing/Gas: 7-9 AM M-Th
Typical sequence: Required inspections include: footing/foundation (before backfill), framing (before insulation/drywall), insulation/energy compliance (as applicable), final building inspection, electrical rough and final, plumbing rough and final, gas rough and final, Certificate of Occupancy.
Source: Building Inspector (administered by Franklin County Cooperative Inspection Program / FRCOG) ↗
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Shelburne permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Shelburne, MA? ▸
A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, renovations affecting structural elements, and similar work.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Shelburne, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Shelburne, MA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm zoning compliance with Shelburne's zoning bylaws. Contact Paul Lemelin (FCCIP, Ext. 114) for zoning questions. 2. Register or log in to PermitEyes through the FCCIP online system. 3. Complete application and upload required documents per FCCIP minimum submittal requirements: construction plans, plot plan, Workers' Compensation Affidavit, CSL documentation, HIC registration. 4. Pay fees through UniBank online (after fee assessment) or mail check to FRCOG. 5. Application reviewed by Building Commissioner Jim Hawkins and relevant town officials through PermitEyes. Email notifications sent at each step. 6. Permit issued upon approval; print permit from PermitEyes and post on site. 7. Schedule inspections through PermitEyes or by calling 413-774-3167.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Shelburne, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Shelburne, MA typically run Reviewed per 780 CMR guidelines (maximum 30 days).. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Shelburne, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Shelburne, MA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) with floor area not greater than 120 sq ft; Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height; Oil derricks; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids; Water tanks supported directly on grade, capacity not greater than 5,000 gallons, with height-to-diameter ratio not greater than 2:1; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery; Above-ground residential swimming pools less than 24 inches deep or not greater than 5,000 gallons; Shade cloth structures for agricultural use (excluding attached service systems); Swings and playground equipment accessory to single- or two-family dwellings; Window awnings in residential and utility occupancies projecting not more than 54 inches from the exterior wall; Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height; Plastic-covered greenhouse structures (excluding large assembly occupancies and attached service systems); Ordinary repairs and routine maintenance that do not affect structural elements, fire protection systems, or regulated systems. Note: FCCIP enforces standard 780 CMR exemptions. No Shelburne-specific additions. Connecticut River and Deerfield River tributaries run through Shelburne; work near water resources requires Conservation Commission review. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Shelburne, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Shelburne, MA via: PermitEyes portal, 413-774-3167 ext. 109 or 114.
last verified April 2026
source Building Inspector (administered by Franklin County Cooperative Inspection Program / FRCOG) ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/franklin/shelburne
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Inspector (administered by Franklin County Cooperative Inspection Program / FRCOG) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.