City Building Permits

Town of Chatham, MA Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Town of Chatham, Massachusetts. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Massachusetts Barnstable County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Chatham.

Department
Building Division
Address
261 George Ryder Road, Chatham, MA 02633
Phone
508-945-5168
Website
https://www.chatham-ma.gov/174/Building-Division

Online Permit Portal

Open ViewPointCloud / OpenGov Permitting

Platform: ViewPointCloud (OpenGov-affiliated) • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  1. Apply online through https://chathamma.portal.opengov.com/ or in person at 261 George Ryder Road.
  2. Forms must be thoroughly and accurately completed by the owner or licensed professional.
  3. Submit required forms: Building Dept Application Checklist, Residential or Commercial Building Permit Application, Workers' Compensation Affidavit, Homeowner License Exemption Form (if applicable), Owner Authorization Form (if applicable), Exterior Mechanical System Appliance Application (for HVAC/exterior mechanical equipment), Sheet Metal Permit Application (if applicable).
  4. Plans must be submitted with application per requirements in Application Checklist PDF.
  5. Permits must be taken out at least 3 days prior to commencement of work.
  6. Fees will be doubled for work started without a permit.
  7. For permit amendments: Plan Review Fee (PRF) of $75 plus additional square footage fee applies.
  8. For Short-Term Rental properties: Annual Residential Certificate of Inspection required.

Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity and completeness of application

Source: Building Division

General Requirements

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

Required Documents

  • Building Dept Application Checklist
  • Residential or Commercial Building Permit Application
  • Workers' Compensation Affidavit
  • Homeowner License Exemption Form (if applicable)
  • Owner Authorization Form (if applicable)
  • Construction plans and drawings
  • Exterior Mechanical System Appliance Application (for HVAC/equipment)
  • Sheet Metal Permit Application (if applicable)
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 and HIC licensing per Massachusetts state law. Workers' Compensation Affidavit required.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Contact Building Division for current rate
Permit fee formula
Approximately $10 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost (at Building Commissioner's discretion per codified provision)
Payment note
Online and in-person payment accepted

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective October 1, 2025).

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: Chatham may have specific local guidance on coastal structures and accessory buildings given unique coastal geography. Work that appears exempt may still require Conservation Commission review if within 100 feet of a wetland or coastal resource.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 508-945-5168 (phone)
Scheduling deadline
Contact Annie Hayes (Inspection Secretary) during office hours
Inspection hours
Monday-Thursday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Friday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Division before applying.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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