Town of Dartmouth, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Dartmouth. Dartmouth is a coastal town bordering New Bedford to the west and south, with significant Buzzards Bay waterfront exposure.

Department

Building Department

Address

400 Slocum Road, Room 210, Dartmouth, MA 02747

Phone

508-910-1820

Website

https://www.dartmouthma.gov/177/Building-Department

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Access the OpenGov portal (https://dartmouthma.portal.opengov.com/) and register or log in.
2. Complete the application online. At a minimum, required submissions include: completed online application, copy of required licenses (CSL, HIC, or trade license), permit fee, insurance certificate, accompanying plans and specifications, supporting documentation as required (Fire Department, Engineering, Water Department approvals; affidavits; reports such as Title V, septic, geotechnical).
3. For projects requiring zoning department approvals, obtain those before or concurrently with building permit.
4. Submit application through OpenGov.
5. Standard review time: 7-10 business days. Larger commercial projects and new one- or two-family dwellings may take up to the full 30 days allowed under 780 CMR 105.3.1.
6. Post permit at job site upon approval.
7. Schedule inspections (wiring, plumbing, gas permits: 3-4 days for review; building permits: 7-10 days standard).
8. Complete all required inspection phases.
9. Obtain Certificate of Completion or Certificate of Occupancy.

Typical processing time: 7-10 business days standard; up to 30 days for complex projects per 780 CMR 105.3.1

Source: Building Department

General Requirements

Any construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, change of use or occupancy, or installation of regulated equipment requires a permit before work begins (780 CMR 105.1).

Required Documents

• Completed online application
• Copy of required licenses (CSL, HIC, or trade license)
• Permit fee
• Insurance certificate
• Accompanying plans and specifications
• Supporting documentation (Fire Department, Engineering, Water Department approvals; affidavits; Title V, septic, geotechnical reports as applicable)
• Zoning department approvals where required

Permit validity

Permits are void if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance. Extensions are available upon written request (maximum 180 days per extension). Work suspension exceeding 180 days also voids the permit.

Building code

Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR (9th Edition, effective January 1, 2018; 10th Edition effective July 1, 2025)

Owner-builder

A Homeowner Exemption Form is available. Owner-occupants of 1-2 family primary residences may pull their own building permit but assume contractor liability.

Contractor requirements

CSL required for structures over 35,000 cubic feet. HIC required for residential work below the CSL threshold. All wiring, plumbing, and gas fitting must be performed by Massachusetts-licensed individuals. Homeowners may not self-perform electrical, plumbing, or gas work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$225 (residential); varies for commercial

Plan check fee

$175 (residential plan review)

Permit fee formula

Residential: $8.00 per $1,000 of estimated project cost (minimum $225). Residential plan review: $175 flat. Commercial: $10.00 per $1,000 of estimated project cost. Paper/in-person application surcharge: $50.

Trade permit fee

Varies by trade (electrical, plumbing, gas -- PDF schedules available)

Penalty (no permit)

Working without a permit results in double the standard fee

Payment note

Paper/in-person application surcharge: $50 flat (in addition to all other fees). Online submission through OpenGov strongly preferred.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2022-01-01).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 120 sq ft
• Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
• Oil derricks
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height
• Water tanks supported directly on grade
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
• Temporary stage sets and scenery
• Prefabricated swimming pools (Group R-3)
• Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes
• Swings and playground equipment
• Window awnings in Group R-3 and Group U occupancies
• Movable cases, counters, and partitions
• Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film
• Routine maintenance and repairs to fire protection systems

Important: Dartmouth applies the statewide 780 CMR 105.2 baseline with no additional local expansions or restrictions beyond the statewide list identified. Any person seeking to construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, remove or demolish a structure must first obtain a permit.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• OpenGov portal (online)
• 508-910-1820 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

As required by department

Inspection hours

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

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/footing (before pouring), Framing (before insulation or covering), Rough trade inspections (electrical, plumbing, gas -- each trade inspector), Insulation, Final building inspection, Final trade inspections, Certificate of Completion/Certificate of Occupancy.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR (9th Edition, effective January 1, 2018; 10th Edition effective July 1, 2025)
• Verify contractor license: Massachusetts Licensing Boards Inquiry System
• Building Permit Fee Schedule 2022 (PDF)
• Building Department FAQ
• Title V / Septic
• License lookup guide: Massachusetts Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Massachusetts Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Massachusetts hub: Massachusetts Contractor License & Permit Hub

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