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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Kingston
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Kingston.
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 Kingston. The department's operations are governed by MGL c.143, s.3.
Required documents
- 110 mph Wind Design Information
- Building plans for the work (dimensioned drawings)
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Workers' Compensation Affidavit
- Zoning Application (required separately; see General Requirements)
- Contractor information with evidence of insurance
- Before and after floor plans (for alterations/renovations)
- Plot plan showing work location, setbacks, and lot lines
- ResCheck or energy compliance information
- Septic/sewer application (new dwellings only)
- Stretch Code information
- Water Department receipt (new dwellings only)
- Building code
- Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR (10th Edition effective July 1, 2025). Stretch Energy Code compliance required.
- 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 on structures over 35,000 cubic feet; CSL-U (unrestricted) for all structures. HIC required for improvements to existing residential structures. Zoning Application required; zoning compliance is reviewed as part of the permit process with the Inspector of Buildings serving as Zoning Enforcement Officer.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 2-3 weeks after complete submission.
- 01 IMPORTANT LIMITATION: Not all permits can be applied for through SmartGov. Single-family residential permits, renovations, additions, and similar residential work must be submitted in person or by mail to the Building Department at 26 Evergreen Street. Verify with the department whether your specific project type can be submitted online.
- 02 Prepare required documents: 110 mph Wind Design Information, building plans for the work (dimensioned drawings), completed Building Permit Application, Workers' Compensation Affidavit, Zoning Application (required separately), contractor information with evidence of insurance, before and after floor plans (for alterations/renovations), plot plan showing work location and setbacks.
- 03 For new dwellings: prepare ResCheck or energy compliance information, Stretch Code information, water department receipt, septic/sewer application.
- 04 For in-person/mail submission: deliver all documents to Kingston Townhouse, 26 Evergreen Street, Kingston, MA 02364.
- 05 For online submission via SmartGov (if eligible): complete application through portal and attach required documents.
- 06 Department reviews for zoning and building code compliance.
- 07 Pay assessed fees.
- 08 Permit issued and available for pickup at Building Department.
- 09 Schedule required inspections.
Typical processing time: 2-3 weeks after complete submission.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective January 1, 2024 (most recent)
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
Specific per-thousand construction value rates published in fee schedule PDFs. Download current fee schedule from Permits-Fee-Schedules page.
04
Trade permit fee
Electrical, plumbing, and gas permit fees vary; see 2024 All-Permit-Fees PDF. Wiring permit fees effective January 1, 2024.
05
Reinspection fee
Amount varies; confirm with department at (781) 585-0505
06
Penalty (no permit)
2x the applicable permit fee for work started without permit (per 780 CMR 108)
Payment method varies by submission method; confirm with Building Department.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective January 1, 2024 (most recent)) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (781) 585-0505 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact Building Department during business hours to schedule inspections.
- Inspection hours
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (extended evening hours); Friday: Closed (effective June 30, 2025)
- Time windows
- Inspection scheduling available during posted business hours
Typical sequence: Building inspection stages: inspectors inspect residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings during and after construction to ensure footings, floor framing, completed framing, chimneys, stairways, and other components comply with the building code, zoning, and approved plans. Certificate of Occupancy issued by Building Commissioner following successful completion of all required inspections.
Electrical, plumbing, and gas inspections: contact Building Department for scheduling through main number at (781) 585-0505. Multiple licensed inspectors available across all trade disciplines.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Kingston permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Kingston, MA? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Kingston.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Kingston, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Kingston, 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: Specific per-thousand construction value rates published in fee schedule PDFs. Download current fee schedule from Permits-Fee-Schedules page.. Plan check fee: Included in building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Kingston, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Kingston, MA, follow these steps: 1. IMPORTANT LIMITATION: Not all permits can be applied for through SmartGov. Single-family residential permits, renovations, additions, and similar residential work must be submitted in person or by mail to the Building Department at 26 Evergreen Street. Verify with the department whether your specific project type can be submitted online. 2. Prepare required documents: 110 mph Wind Design Information, building plans for the work (dimensioned drawings), completed Building Permit Application, Workers' Compensation Affidavit, Zoning Application (required separately), contractor information with evidence of insurance, before and after floor plans (for alterations/renovations), plot plan showing work location and setbacks. 3. For new dwellings: prepare ResCheck or energy compliance information, Stretch Code information, water department receipt, septic/sewer application. 4. For in-person/mail submission: deliver all documents to Kingston Townhouse, 26 Evergreen Street, Kingston, MA 02364. 5. For online submission via SmartGov (if eligible): complete application through portal and attach required documents. 6. Department reviews for zoning and building code compliance. 7. Pay assessed fees. 8. Permit issued and available for pickup at Building Department. 9. Schedule required inspections.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Kingston, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Kingston, 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 Kingston, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Kingston, 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 Kingston. The department's operations are governed by MGL c.143, s.3. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Kingston, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Kingston, MA via: (781) 585-0505. Contact Building Department during business hours to schedule inspections..
last verified April 2026
source Building, Inspections and Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/plymouth/kingston
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building, Inspections and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.