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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Marshfield
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Marshfield. Marshfield's building code section prohibits erection of any structure enclosing 64 square feet or more, or any sign of 2 square feet or more, without a building permit.
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: Marshfield's zoning bylaw contains a specific local threshold more restrictive than state law: erection of any structure enclosing 64 square feet or more requires a building permit. Use the 64 sq ft Marshfield threshold when advising on permit requirements for small accessory structures in Marshfield.
Required documents
- Completed building permit application
- Construction drawings (dimensioned plans, elevations, sections as applicable)
- Plot plan showing existing and proposed structures, setback distances, and lot lines
- Contractor's CSL and HIC copies and insurance certificate
- Workers' Compensation form
- For new construction and additions: energy compliance documentation (ResCheck or HERS rating)
- For properties in the Floodplain District: elevation certificate and flood zone documentation
- Building code
- Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR (10th Edition effective July 1, 2025). Floodplain Bylaw and flood-resistant construction standards apply.
- Permit validity
- Under Marshfield bylaw, permitted work must be actively prosecuted within 90 days of permit issuance and completed within one year of permit issuance. This is more stringent than the statewide 780 CMR requirement (6 months to commence; 12 months to complete).
- 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.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 2-4 weeks after complete submission, depending on project type and floodplain status.
- 01 Prepare documentation: completed building permit application, construction drawings (dimensioned plans, elevations, sections), plot plan showing existing and proposed structures and setback distances.
- 02 For projects in the Floodplain District: prepare elevation certificate, flood zone documentation, and ensure compliance with Marshfield Floodplain Bylaw and 780 CMR flood-resistant construction requirements.
- 03 Prepare contractor's CSL and HIC copies, insurance certificate, and Workers' Compensation form.
- 04 For new construction and additions: prepare energy compliance documentation (ResCheck or HERS rating).
- 05 Submit all documents through the OpenGov portal.
- 06 Department reviews for compliance with building code and zoning bylaws, checking contractor qualifications.
- 07 Multi-departmental endorsements may be required. For floodplain work, the Building Commissioner/Floodplain Administrator provides sign-off.
- 08 Pay assessed fees; permit is issued. Certificate of Occupancy must be applied for simultaneously with the building permit application.
Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks after complete submission, depending on project type and floodplain status.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective November 1, 2018 (confirm whether updated rates have been adopted)
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$40.00 (residential); $80.00 (commercial)
02
Plan check fee
Included in building permit fee
03
Permit fee formula
Residential new construction/additions/alterations: $11.00 per $1,000 of construction cost (minimum $40.00); Commercial: $13.00 per $1,000 (minimum $80.00)
04
Trade permit fee
Electrical (residential): $200.00 for new dwelling; $90.00 for addition/remodel; Commercial varies by amperage. Plumbing/Gas (residential): $120.00 new, $60.00 existing (first fixture) + $20.00 additional fixtures.
05
Reinspection fee
$40.00
06
Penalty (no permit)
2x the permit fee for work started without permit
Payment through OpenGov portal available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective November 1, 2018 (confirm whether updated rates have been adopted)) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- OpenGov portal (online)
- (781) 834-5555 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspections scheduled through OpenGov portal or by phone.
- Inspection hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (extended evening hours); Tuesday through Thursday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Friday: 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM
- Time windows
- Inspection scheduling available during posted hours
Typical sequence: Typical inspection stages: footing/foundation; rough framing; rough plumbing; rough electrical; insulation; final building; final electrical; final plumbing/gas; floodplain compliance sign-off (if applicable); Certificate of Occupancy. CO must be applied for simultaneously with the building permit application and issued within 10 days after all inspections pass.
Floodplain-specific inspections conducted by the Building Commissioner/Floodplain Administrator for properties in flood hazard districts.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Marshfield permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Marshfield, MA? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Marshfield. Marshfield's building code section prohibits erection of any structure enclosing 64 square feet or more, or any sign of 2 square feet or more, without a building permit.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Marshfield, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Marshfield, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $40.00 (residential); $80.00 (commercial). Fees are calculated as: Residential new construction/additions/alterations: $11.00 per $1,000 of construction cost (minimum $40.00); Commercial: $13.00 per $1,000 (minimum $80.00). Plan check fee: Included in building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Marshfield, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Marshfield, MA, follow these steps: 1. Prepare documentation: completed building permit application, construction drawings (dimensioned plans, elevations, sections), plot plan showing existing and proposed structures and setback distances. 2. For projects in the Floodplain District: prepare elevation certificate, flood zone documentation, and ensure compliance with Marshfield Floodplain Bylaw and 780 CMR flood-resistant construction requirements. 3. Prepare contractor's CSL and HIC copies, insurance certificate, and Workers' Compensation form. 4. For new construction and additions: prepare energy compliance documentation (ResCheck or HERS rating). 5. Submit all documents through the OpenGov portal. 6. Department reviews for compliance with building code and zoning bylaws, checking contractor qualifications. 7. Multi-departmental endorsements may be required. For floodplain work, the Building Commissioner/Floodplain Administrator provides sign-off. 8. Pay assessed fees; permit is issued. Certificate of Occupancy must be applied for simultaneously with the building permit application.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Marshfield, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Marshfield, MA typically run 2-4 weeks after complete submission, depending on project type and floodplain status.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Marshfield, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Marshfield, 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: Marshfield's zoning bylaw contains a specific local threshold more restrictive than state law: erection of any structure enclosing 64 square feet or more requires a building permit. Use the 64 sq ft Marshfield threshold when advising on permit requirements for small accessory structures in Marshfield. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Marshfield, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Marshfield, MA via: OpenGov portal, (781) 834-5555. Inspections scheduled through OpenGov portal or by phone..
last verified March 2026
source Building Department ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/plymouth/marshfield
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.