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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Middleborough
A building permit is required for most construction within the Town of Middleborough. Before any dwelling or structure is erected or converted, the applicant must file a petition with the Building Inspector that includes a plot plan showing the exact size and location of the proposed structure and a statement of the intended use.
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: Middleborough's FAQ notes that most but not all projects require permits, and directs applicants to the Massachusetts HIC website for guidance on which activities require permits. Standard 780 CMR 105.2 exemptions apply.
Required documents
- Wind zone checklist
- Energy conservation compliance information
- Exterior elevations and floor plans
- Fire protection system locations
- Foundation plans and framing details
- Door and window schedules
- Site plan (plot plan)
- Workers' Compensation form
- Contractor's CSL and HIC copies and insurance
- 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 on structures over 35,000 cubic feet. HIC required for improvements to existing 1-6 unit owner-occupied residential properties. Both HIC and CSL required for roof replacement, siding replacement, window replacement, and door replacement on residential structures (effective July 1, 2008). HIC contractor is responsible for obtaining all permits for covered work.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 2-3 weeks after complete submission.
- 01 Prepare required documentation: wind zone checklist (110 mph design wind speed per MA residential code), energy conservation compliance information (ResCheck or equivalent), exterior elevations and floor plans, fire protection system locations, foundation plans and framing details, door and window schedules, site plan (plot plan), Workers' Compensation form, contractor's CSL and HIC copies and insurance.
- 02 Register and create an account in PermitEyes (approximately 10 minutes).
- 03 Submit application through PermitEyes.
- 04 Inspector reviews and approves fee.
- 05 Applicant receives email notification when permit is ready for payment.
- 06 Pay online (check routing/account number, or Visa/Mastercard/Discover). Note: PermitEyes system is not compatible with Apple (iOS/Safari) browsers; pop-up blockers must be disabled.
- 07 Pick up issued permit at the Building Department office.
Typical processing time: 2-3 weeks after complete submission.
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 PDFs
02
Plan check fee
Included in building permit fee
03
Permit fee formula
Specific per-thousand construction value rates are published in separate PDF documents: Building Fees, Commercial Fees, Electrical Fees (Commercial), Electrical Fees (Residential), and Plumbing Fees. Download PDFs from fee schedule page.
04
Trade permit fee
Electrical and plumbing fee schedules published separately; download PDFs for current rates.
05
Reinspection fee
Amount not specified in public materials; assume $50-$75
06
Penalty (no permit)
2x the applicable permit fee for work started without permit (per 780 CMR 108)
PermitEyes accepts online payment: check routing/account number or Visa/Mastercard/Discover. System not compatible with Apple browsers; disable pop-up blockers.
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
- PermitEyes portal at /189/Inspection-Request (online)
- (508) 946-2426 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspection requests submitted through PermitEyes or by phone to Building Department.
- Inspection hours
- Not prominently posted on the department page; call (508) 946-2426 to confirm current hours
- Time windows
- Contact department for scheduling availability
Typical sequence: Required inspection stages (standard): footing; foundation; rough frame; insulation; final building; final electrical; final plumbing/gas. Additional required inspections: rental units must be inspected at least once every three years.
Certificate of Occupancy issued after successful final inspection.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Middleborough permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Middleborough, MA? ▸
A building permit is required for most construction within the Town of Middleborough. Before any dwelling or structure is erected or converted, the applicant must file a petition with the Building Inspector that includes a plot plan showing the exact size and location of the proposed structure and a statement of the intended use.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Middleborough, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Middleborough, 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 PDFs. Fees are calculated as: Specific per-thousand construction value rates are published in separate PDF documents: Building Fees, Commercial Fees, Electrical Fees (Commercial), Electrical Fees (Residential), and Plumbing Fees. Download PDFs from fee schedule page.. Plan check fee: Included in building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Middleborough, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Middleborough, MA, follow these steps: 1. Prepare required documentation: wind zone checklist (110 mph design wind speed per MA residential code), energy conservation compliance information (ResCheck or equivalent), exterior elevations and floor plans, fire protection system locations, foundation plans and framing details, door and window schedules, site plan (plot plan), Workers' Compensation form, contractor's CSL and HIC copies and insurance. 2. Register and create an account in PermitEyes (approximately 10 minutes). 3. Submit application through PermitEyes. 4. Inspector reviews and approves fee. 5. Applicant receives email notification when permit is ready for payment. 6. Pay online (check routing/account number, or Visa/Mastercard/Discover). Note: PermitEyes system is not compatible with Apple (iOS/Safari) browsers; pop-up blockers must be disabled. 7. Pick up issued permit at the Building Department office.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Middleborough, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Middleborough, 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 Middleborough, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Middleborough, 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: Middleborough's FAQ notes that most but not all projects require permits, and directs applicants to the Massachusetts HIC website for guidance on which activities require permits. Standard 780 CMR 105.2 exemptions apply. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Middleborough, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Middleborough, MA via: PermitEyes portal at /189/Inspection-Request, (508) 946-2426. Inspection requests submitted through PermitEyes or by phone to Building Department..
last verified April 2026
source Building Department ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/plymouth/middleborough
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.