City Building Permits

Town of Orleans, MA Building Permit Guide

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

Massachusetts Barnstable County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Orleans.

Department
Building Department
Address
19 School Road, Orleans Town Hall, Orleans, MA 02653
Phone
508-240-3700
Website
https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/186/Building

Online Permit Portal

Open OpenGov Online Permitting

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

Application Process

  1. Create an OpenGov account at https://orleansma.portal.opengov.com/ (existing OpenGov accounts from other MA towns are valid).
  2. Select permit type: 1/2-family building permit, commercial building permit, express permit, shed application, sign permit, trade permits, or specialty permits.
  3. CRITICAL: All building permit applications for new homes, additions, alterations, and renovations require 2 physical paper copies of building plans and site plan (minimum 18 x 24 inches) submitted to the Building Department at 19 School Road.
  4. Attach required documents and generate permit number online (does not constitute permit issuance).
  5. Pay in full before review begins. Online payment via credit card or bank account (convenience fees apply); cash/check accepted in person or by mail.
  6. For Old King's Highway District properties (Orleans is eastern terminus, north of Route 6), obtain Old King's Highway Regional Historic District Committee approval first.
  7. For wetlands or coastal work, obtain Conservation Commission Order of Conditions.
  8. Schedule inspections by phone, email, or in person (NOT through online system).

Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity; online applications strongly encouraged for faster processing

Source: Building Department

General Requirements

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

Required Documents

  • Completed building permit application
  • 2 physical paper copies of building plans and site plan (minimum 18 x 24 inches)
  • Workers' Compensation Affidavit
  • CSL and/or HIC license copies
  • Zoning compliance documentation
  • Property Owner Authorization (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 required for structural work and structures over 35,000 cubic feet; HIC required for residential remodeling.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Contact Building Department for specific rates
Permit fee formula
Based on total square footage of work proposed (new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, decks, etc.) or fixed per-project rates for specific project types. Per-sq.-ft. calculations made by Building Inspector based on proposed scope.
Payment note
Online payment, cash, and check accepted

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective FY25 (effective July 1, 2024)).

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: Orleans FAQ states that 'many projects, even very small ones, require a building permit' and all projects are evaluated case by case. Contact Building Department at 508-240-3700 before assuming a project is exempt.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 508-240-3700 (phone)
  • BuildingDept@town.orleans.ma.us (email)
Scheduling deadline
Cannot schedule through online portal; contact department by phone, email, or in person
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

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.

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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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