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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Bridgewater
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Bridgewater.
One-story detached accessory structures used as tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (per 780 CMR 105.2)
Fences not over seven feet in height
Oil derricks
Retaining walls not over four feet in height measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids
Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width is 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 (interior or exterior surface finishes)
Temporary theatrical sets and scenery
Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep and contain less than 5,000 gallons (above-ground, residential)
Agricultural nursery shade structures (shade cloth only, not service systems)
Swings and other playground equipment accessory to single-family or two-family dwellings
Window awnings on residential dwellings projecting not more than 54 inches from the exterior wall
Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height
Plastic film greenhouses used for standard agricultural or nursery purposes
Repair or replacement of fire protection system components that do not affect system performance or design
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (per 780 CMR 105.2)
- Exempt Fences not over seven feet in height
- Exempt Oil derricks
- Exempt Retaining walls not over four feet in height measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width is 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 (interior or exterior surface finishes)
- Exempt Temporary theatrical sets and scenery
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep and contain less than 5,000 gallons (above-ground, residential)
- Exempt Agricultural nursery shade structures (shade cloth only, not service systems)
- Exempt Swings and other playground equipment accessory to single-family or two-family dwellings
- Exempt Window awnings on residential dwellings 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 film greenhouses used for standard agricultural or nursery purposes
- Exempt Repair or replacement of fire protection system components that do not affect system performance or design
Note: Bridgewater-specific local threshold: sheds under 100 square feet do not require a permit (this is slightly more restrictive than the 780 CMR 105.2 statewide threshold of 120 sq ft). Sheds of 100 sq ft or larger require a permit with detailed plans. Historical structures (built 1920 or earlier) require a 'Determination of Significance Application' reviewed by the Historical Commission before a demolition permit is issued.
Required documents
- Completed application
- Two sets of 11" x 17" plans (for garages, porches, decks; structural work requires stamped plans)
- Plot plan showing setback distances and proposed work location
- Contractor's CSL and HIC (as applicable)
- Insurance certificate
- Workers' Compensation form
- For solar: stamped plans from design engineer and structural certification
- For homes and additions: HERS Rater Report, fire department review, structural engineer letter if using engineered lumber
- Building code
- Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR (10th Edition effective July 1, 2025)
- Permit validity
- Per 780 CMR 107.5, permits expire if construction has not commenced within 6 months of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 12 months. Renewal fees typically run 25-50% of the original permit fee.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners performing work on their own owner-occupied 1-2 family dwelling may file a 'Home Owners Waiver Form' to be exempt from CSL/HIC contractor licensing requirements, though they assume full liability.
- Contractor requirements
- CSL required for structural work. HIC required for improvements to existing residential structures.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 2-3 weeks after complete submission for initial permit issuance.
- 01 Register and create an account in the PermitEyes system (approximately 10 minutes for new users).
- 02 Complete the online permit application, ensuring all required fields are filled. Incomplete applications will be returned, causing delays.
- 03 Attach all required documents electronically: plans, plot plan, license copies, insurance certificates, Workers' Compensation form.
- 04 Submit application. The department reviews and computes the fee.
- 05 Receive email notification when permit is ready for payment.
- 06 Pay online through PermitEyes; permit is mailed to the applicant.
- 07 Upon receipt, a permit card must be on-site before any work begins. Failure to have the permit card on-site may result in a triple permit fee penalty.
- 08 Schedule and pass required inspections.
Typical processing time: 2-3 weeks after complete submission for initial permit issuance.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Contact department for current rates
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Varies by project type; see fee schedule PDF
02
Plan check fee
Included in building permit fee
03
Permit fee formula
Construction cost rounded up to nearest $1,000; all fees rounded up to nearest $1.00. See fee schedule for specific per-thousand rates.
04
Trade permit fee
Plumbing and gas fee schedule published separately; electrical fees vary. Download PDFs from town website.
05
Reinspection fee
$50.00 (charged if a return inspection is required due to faulty work or failure to keep an inspection appointment)
06
Penalty (no permit)
2x the permit fee for work started without permit; triple fee possible for egregious violations or failure to have permit card on-site
PermitEyes accepts online payment via check routing/account number ($0.40 fee) or credit card (2.95% fee). Paper applications incur $50.00 additional administrative fee.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Contact department for current rates) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (508) 697-0904 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact Building Department during business hours to schedule inspections.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Thursday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Friday: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Time windows
- Inspections scheduled during regular business hours
Typical sequence: Inspection stages: footing, foundation, rough frame, rough plumbing, rough electrical, insulation, and final. All applicable sign-offs must be obtained before the final inspection can be scheduled.
Inspectors can be reached through the Building Department main line at (508) 697-0904 during business hours.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Bridgewater permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Bridgewater, MA? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Bridgewater.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Bridgewater, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Bridgewater, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Varies by project type; see fee schedule PDF. Fees are calculated as: Construction cost rounded up to nearest $1,000; all fees rounded up to nearest $1.00. See fee schedule for specific per-thousand rates.. Plan check fee: Included in building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Bridgewater, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Bridgewater, MA, follow these steps: 1. Register and create an account in the PermitEyes system (approximately 10 minutes for new users). 2. Complete the online permit application, ensuring all required fields are filled. Incomplete applications will be returned, causing delays. 3. Attach all required documents electronically: plans, plot plan, license copies, insurance certificates, Workers' Compensation form. 4. Submit application. The department reviews and computes the fee. 5. Receive email notification when permit is ready for payment. 6. Pay online through PermitEyes; permit is mailed to the applicant. 7. Upon receipt, a permit card must be on-site before any work begins. Failure to have the permit card on-site may result in a triple permit fee penalty. 8. Schedule and pass required inspections.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Bridgewater, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Bridgewater, MA typically run 2-3 weeks after complete submission for initial permit issuance.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Bridgewater, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Bridgewater, MA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (per 780 CMR 105.2); Fences not over seven feet in height; Oil derricks; Retaining walls not over four feet in height measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids; Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width is 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 (interior or exterior surface finishes); Temporary theatrical sets and scenery; Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep and contain less than 5,000 gallons (above-ground, residential); Agricultural nursery shade structures (shade cloth only, not service systems); Swings and other playground equipment accessory to single-family or two-family dwellings; Window awnings on residential dwellings projecting not more than 54 inches from the exterior wall; Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height; Plastic film greenhouses used for standard agricultural or nursery purposes; Repair or replacement of fire protection system components that do not affect system performance or design. Note: Bridgewater-specific local threshold: sheds under 100 square feet do not require a permit (this is slightly more restrictive than the 780 CMR 105.2 statewide threshold of 120 sq ft). Sheds of 100 sq ft or larger require a permit with detailed plans. Historical structures (built 1920 or earlier) require a 'Determination of Significance Application' reviewed by the Historical Commission before a demolition permit is issued. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Bridgewater, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Bridgewater, MA via: (508) 697-0904. Contact Building Department during business hours to schedule inspections..
last verified April 2026
source Building Department ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/plymouth/bridgewater
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.