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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Duxbury
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Duxbury. Duxbury is a coastal, largely residential town with significant oceanfront and tidal creek frontage. Many properties fall within FEMA flood zones.
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
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
- 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: Standard 780 CMR 105.2 exemptions apply in Duxbury. For coastal or floodplain properties, additional compliance requirements apply even for exempt work.
Required documents
- Completed Building Permit Application Packet, signed by both property owner and contractor
- Two sets of dimensioned framing plans with smoke detector and CO detector locations shown
- Two plot plans showing proposed addition/alteration and setback distances from all lot lines
- Contractor's license and insurance information on file with Building Department
- For new construction: foundation plan, energy compliance documentation, engineering certifications as required
- For coastal or floodplain properties: additional documentation and flood-resistant construction compliance
- 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
- Owners of 1-2 family dwellings may pull their own permits and supervise work on their primary residence without holding a CSL, but they assume full contractor liability and waive rights to the HIC Guaranty Fund.
- Contractor requirements
- CSL required for structural work; HIC required for improvements to existing residential structures. Contractor's license and insurance must be on file with the Building Department (not just submitted with application -- must be on file).
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 2-3 weeks after complete submission.
- 01 For additions or alterations: prepare completed Building Permit Application Packet (signed by both property owner and contractor), two sets of dimensioned framing plans with smoke detector and CO detector locations shown, two plot plans showing the proposed addition/alteration and setback distances from all lot lines, contractor's license and insurance information.
- 02 For new construction: prepare similar documents plus foundation plan, energy compliance documentation, and any required engineering certifications.
- 03 Submit applications in person at Town Hall or by phone inquiry to (781) 934-1100 ext. 6002. Confirm current online portal availability.
- 04 Department reviews completeness and contractor qualifications.
- 05 Pay computed fees.
- 06 Post permit card on site.
- 07 Schedule and pass required inspections.
Typical processing time: 2-3 weeks after complete submission.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective FY2019 (most recent accessible; confirm current rates with department)
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Varies by project type; see fee schedule
02
Plan check fee
Included in building permit fee
03
Permit fee formula
Fees calculated based on construction cost per thousand. Refer to current fee schedule from department.
04
Trade permit fee
Plumbing, gas, and electrical trade permit fees vary; confirm with department.
05
Reinspection fee
Amount varies; confirm with department at (781) 934-1100 ext. 6002
06
Penalty (no permit)
2x the applicable permit fee for work started without permit (per 780 CMR 108)
Payment method varies; confirm with Building Department.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective FY2019 (most recent accessible; confirm current rates with department)) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (781) 934-1100, ext. 6002 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact Building Department to schedule inspections during business hours.
- Inspection hours
- Regular Town Hall hours; Building Department remains open during lunch hour. Confirm current hours at (781) 934-1100 ext. 6002.
- Time windows
- Inspections scheduled during regular business hours
Typical sequence: Required inspection sequence for additions: 1) Rough plumbing and rough wiring inspections completed first; 2) Rough framing inspection (must follow rough trade inspections); 3) Insulation inspection; 4) Final plumbing and final wiring inspections; 5) Final building inspection; 6) For large additions with living space: Certificate of Occupancy issued after all final inspections pass.
Duxbury publishes monthly permit reports on its website (available on the Building Permits Issued page), providing transparency into local construction activity and project sizes.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Duxbury permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Duxbury, MA? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Duxbury. Duxbury is a coastal, largely residential town with significant oceanfront and tidal creek frontage. Many properties fall within FEMA flood zones.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Duxbury, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Duxbury, 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. Fees are calculated as: Fees calculated based on construction cost per thousand. Refer to current fee schedule from department.. Plan check fee: Included in building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Duxbury, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Duxbury, MA, follow these steps: 1. For additions or alterations: prepare completed Building Permit Application Packet (signed by both property owner and contractor), two sets of dimensioned framing plans with smoke detector and CO detector locations shown, two plot plans showing the proposed addition/alteration and setback distances from all lot lines, contractor's license and insurance information. 2. For new construction: prepare similar documents plus foundation plan, energy compliance documentation, and any required engineering certifications. 3. Submit applications in person at Town Hall or by phone inquiry to (781) 934-1100 ext. 6002. Confirm current online portal availability. 4. Department reviews completeness and contractor qualifications. 5. Pay computed fees. 6. Post permit card on site. 7. Schedule and pass required inspections.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Duxbury, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Duxbury, MA typically run 2-3 weeks after complete submission.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Duxbury, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Duxbury, 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; 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: Standard 780 CMR 105.2 exemptions apply in Duxbury. For coastal or floodplain properties, additional compliance requirements apply even for exempt work. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Duxbury, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Duxbury, MA via: (781) 934-1100, ext. 6002. Contact Building Department to schedule inspections during business hours..
last verified April 2026
source Building Department ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/plymouth/duxbury
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.