City Building Permits

Town of Harwich, MA Building Permit Guide

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

Massachusetts Barnstable County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Harwich.

Department
Building Department
Address
732 Main Street, Harwich Center, MA 02645
Phone
508-430-7506
Website
https://www.harwich-ma.gov/165/Building

Online Permit Portal

Open OpenGov Online Permitting

Platform: OpenGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  1. Register or log in to the OpenGov portal at https://harwichma.portal.opengov.com/
  2. Select permit type: building permits, express permits, mechanical permits, sign permits, tent permits, or trade permits (electrical, plumbing, gas).
  3. Attach required documents: plans, site plan, Workers' Compensation Affidavit, CSL/HIC license, authorization forms.
  4. For properties in the Old King's Highway Historic District (Harwich partially within, northern areas north of Rte. 6), obtain Old King's Highway District Committee review before applying.
  5. For wetlands or coastal buffer work, obtain Conservation Commission Order of Conditions.
  6. Pay permit fees online or in person at 732 Main Street.
  7. Building permit must be taken out at least 3 days prior to commencement of work.

Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity and review requirements

Source: Building Department

General Requirements

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

Required Documents

  • Completed building permit application
  • Construction plans and site plan
  • Workers' Compensation Affidavit
  • CSL and/or HIC license copies
  • Property Owner Authorization (if applicable)
  • 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 required for structural work and structures over 35,000 cubic feet; HIC required for residential remodeling.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$70
Permit fee formula
Per-square-foot structure: New commercial buildings/additions $0.75/sq. ft.; Alterations/repairs $0.70/sq. ft.; Unconditioned accessory structures over 120 sq. ft. $0.50/sq. ft.
Trade permit fee
Plumbing, gas, electrical fees available through Building Department
Payment note
Online and in-person payment accepted

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Document dated February 1, 2019; current rates recommended to be verified).

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 available for certain routine maintenance and replacement work. Harwich FAQ pages address sheds, express permits, and sign permits specifically.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 508-430-7506 (phone)
Scheduling deadline
Schedule in advance during business hours
Inspection hours
Monday 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM; Tuesday-Thursday 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM; Friday 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Building inspections conducted by Building Inspector during business hours

Additional Resources

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

Need help with your project?

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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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