Town of Raynham, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Raynham. Raynham is in the northwestern portion of Bristol County, bordering Taunton to the east and Norton to the north. No coastal exposure.

Department

Building Department

Address

Town Hall, 558 South Main Street, Raynham, MA 02767

Phone

508-824-2700 (Town Hall main); 508-824-2755 (permit inquiries)

Website

https://www.town.raynham.ma.us/building-department

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact the Building Department at 508-824-2755 prior to submittal to determine what signatures are required on the application for your specific project type.
2. Complete the applicable permit application (residential 1-2 family, commercial, gas, plumbing, electrical/wiring).
3. Assemble required documents: workers' compensation affidavit, proof of liability insurance, copy of professional license (CSL/HIC/trade license), construction plans/specifications.
4. Submit application through the online portal or in person at Town Hall.
5. Building Department reviews application within 30 days per 780 CMR 105.3.1.
6. Post permit at job site upon approval.
7. Schedule inspections by appointment only -- call 508-824-2755.
8. Complete all required inspection phases.
9. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy or Occupancy Permit.

Typical processing time: 30 days standard review 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 permit application
• Workers' compensation affidavit
• Proof of liability insurance
• Copy of professional license (CSL/HIC/trade license)
• Construction plans/specifications
• Support documentation as required

Permit validity

Work must commence within 6 months (180 days) of issuance. Abandonment or suspension exceeding 180 days voids the permit. Extensions are available in writing.

Building code

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

Owner-builder

Owner-occupants of 1-2 family primary residences may obtain building permits.

Contractor requirements

CSL required for structures over 35,000 cubic feet. HIC required for residential alteration work below the CSL threshold.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50

Permit fee formula

Residential: $0.70/sq ft (new construction/additions/structural changes); $0.50/sq ft (non-structural alterations); $15 per $1,000 of cost (siding/roofing/doors/windows). Commercial: $0.70/sq ft (new/additions/major renovations); $15 per $1,000 of cost (minor alterations).

Trade permit fee

Electrical: Residential $150 per dwelling (new), $50 per inspection (additions/alterations); Commercial 2% of contract cost. Plumbing/Gas: PDFs available (fees not confirmed).

Reinspection fee

$50

Penalty (no permit)

Double the standard fee for work without a permit. Permits are not refundable and not transferable.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2019-07-01).

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: Raynham applies the statewide 780 CMR 105.2 baseline with no additional local expansions or restrictions beyond the statewide list identified. Per the department's stated scope, permits are required for all new construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, and demolition of buildings and structures, as well as equipment installation and changes of use or occupancy.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 508-824-2755 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

All inspections and site visits require advance scheduling by appointment only

Inspection hours

Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM - noon. Building Inspector office hours: Monday and Wednesday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM; Tuesday and Thursday additional hours (confirm by phone).

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

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
• Residential Wiring Permit Fees
• Omega Permits Fee Guide (2026)
• License lookup guide: Massachusetts Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Massachusetts Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Massachusetts hub: Massachusetts Contractor License & Permit Hub

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