Town of Brewster, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Brewster.

Department

Building Department

Address

2198 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631

Phone

508-896-3701 ext. 1125

Email

building@brewster-ma.gov

Website

https://www.brewster-ma.gov/building-department

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Register or log in to the OpenGov portal at https://brewsterma.portal.opengov.com/
2. All permit types available online: building permits, express permits, and trade permits (plumbing, gas, electrical, sheet metal).
3. Complete application with required forms: Building permit application, Workers' Compensation Affidavit, CSL/HIC license copies, Homeowner License Exemption (if applicable), Owner Authorization Form (if applicable), Plot plan/site plan, Construction drawings.
4. Express Permits: Available for specific routine maintenance work including roofing, siding, window or door replacement (same size only, no framing changes), and insulation. Express permit fee: $50 flat fee.
5. For properties north of Route 6, obtain Old King's Highway Historic District Committee approval before applying for a building permit.
6. For wetlands or coastal buffer work, obtain Conservation Commission approval.
7. Schedule inspections at least 24 hours in advance by emailing building@brewster-ma.gov or calling 508-896-3701 ext. 1125.

Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity; Express Permits available for streamlined processing

Source: Building Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Brewster.

Required Documents

• Building permit application
• Workers' Compensation Affidavit
• CSL/HIC license copies
• Homeowner License Exemption (if applicable)
• Owner Authorization Form (if applicable)
• Plot plan/site plan
• Construction drawings

Permit validity

Work must commence within 6 months of issuance. Permits expire if work is abandoned for 6 months.

Building code

Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR, 10th Edition (effective October 11, 2024)

Owner-builder

Homeowner Exemption available for owner-occupants of 1-2 family primary residences.

Contractor requirements

CSL required for structural work and structures over 35,000 cubic feet; HIC required for residential remodeling.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Contact Building Department for current rates

Permit fee formula

Contact Building Department for current per-$1,000 or per-sq.-ft. rates

Payment note

Online payment through OpenGov portal accepted

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Current schedule; fee review noted in FY2024 planning documents).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) with floor area 120 sq. ft. or less
• Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge or impounding liquids)
• Water tanks on grade, 5,000 gallons or less, height-to-diameter ratio 2:1 or less
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Prefabricated swimming pools (1-2 family, less than 24 inches deep, less than 5,000 gallons, above ground)
• Swings and playground equipment (1-2 family dwellings)
• Window awnings (residential/utility, not more than 54 inches projection)
• Other statewide exemptions per 780 CMR 105.2

Important: Express Permits use a streamlined process for roofing, siding, same-size window/door replacement, and insulation -- these receive expedited processing with a flat $50 fee rather than full plan review.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• building@brewster-ma.gov (email)
• 508-896-3701 ext. 1125 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

At least 24 hours in advance

Inspection hours

Monday-Thursday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (in person); Friday by phone/email only

Additional Resources

• Building code: Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR, 10th Edition (effective October 11, 2024)
• Verify contractor license: Massachusetts CSL Lookup
• Required Building Permit Forms
• Fee Schedules
• Permit Fee Schedule (PDF)
• Old King's Highway Regional Historic District Committee
• Old King's Highway Historic District Committee (Local)
• Cape Cod Commission DRI Review
• License lookup guide: Massachusetts Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Massachusetts Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Massachusetts hub: Massachusetts Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Barnstable County