Town of Falmouth, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Falmouth.

Department

Inspectional Services Department

Address

59 Town Hall Square, Falmouth Town Hall, Falmouth, MA 02540

Phone

508-495-7470

Website

https://www.falmouthma.gov/307/Building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Register for a PermitEyes account; save contact information and professional license numbers.
2. Select permit type and complete all mandatory fields (marked with red stars).
3. Select property address from town's address lookup dropdown.
4. Attach required files: plans, site plan, affidavits.
5. Submit and pay online once fees are calculated.
6. Follow instructions for new construction or additions/alterations as applicable.
7. Schedule inspections at least one day in advance by calling 508-495-7470 between 8:00 AM-3:30 PM.

Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity and review requirements

Source: Inspectional Services Department

General Requirements

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

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Construction plans and drawings
• Site plan
• Workers' Compensation Affidavit
• CSL and HIC license copies
• Zoning compliance documentation

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

$100

Plan check fee

Included in permit fee calculation

Permit fee formula

$8 per $1,000 of construction value; $100 minimum

Trade permit fee

Electrical: $100 residential new, $75 alterations, $100 service change. Plumbing/Gas: $45 first fixture, $12 each additional (residential).

Reinspection fee

$100

Payment note

Online payment accepted through PermitEyes

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective January 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: Other permits (electrical, plumbing, gas) may still be required. Conservation Commission review required for work within 100 feet of wetlands or coastal resources.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 508-495-7470 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

At least one day in advance

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Building inspections required; electrical and plumbing inspections scheduled separately

Additional Resources

• Building code: Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR, 10th Edition (effective October 11, 2024)
• Verify contractor license: Massachusetts CSL Lookup
• FAQ: Building Permit Application
• Permit Applications
• 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

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