Town of Chilmark, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Chilmark (western Martha's Vineyard; includes Menemsha and Squibnocket areas with significant coastal/habitat sensitivity).

Department

Building Inspection and Zoning Enforcement

Address

PO Box 119, Chilmark, MA 02535

Phone

(508) 645-2103

Email

buildinginspector@chilmarkma.gov

Website

https://chilmarkma.gov/building-inspection-zoning-enforcement

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Review Chilmark Zoning Bylaws for compliance with zoning requirements. Building Inspector also serves as Zoning Enforcement Officer.
2. Identify whether work is within wetland buffer zone (100 feet from resource area). File with Conservation Commission and obtain Order of Conditions before building permit issuance. Chilmark's Squibnocket area and coastal areas have significant wetland coverage.
3. Refer large-scale projects to Martha's Vineyard Commission (MVC) before town action if they meet Development of Regional Impact (DRI) thresholds. Chilmark is a rural town with low density; MVC rural thresholds apply. Menemsha and Squibnocket areas are designated as significant habitat areas (DRI threshold: 1 acre disturbance triggers review).
4. Submit completed building permit application form (paper) to building department during office hours (Tuesday and Thursday, 1:00 PM -- 5:00 PM) or by mail.
5. Building Inspector reviews for 780 CMR compliance.
6. Pay permit fees upon approval; permit issuance.
7. Schedule inspections by contacting Adam Petkus at (508) 645-2103 or buildinginspector@chilmarkma.gov during office hours.
8. Certificate of Occupancy issued after all inspections pass.

Typical processing time: Variable; limited office hours (8 hours per week: Tue/Thu 1-5 PM) mean processing may take longer than in fully staffed towns. Island logistics add further lead time. Budget 2-4 weeks minimum for permit review.

Source: Building Inspection and Zoning Enforcement

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Chilmark except as exempted by 780 CMR 105.2.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application form (paper)
• Site plan with dimensions, existing structures, setbacks
• Construction drawings (architect/engineer stamp required for commercial projects)
• Workers' compensation certificate or exemption affidavit
• CSL (Construction Supervisor License for structures over 35,000 cf) or HIC (Home Improvement Contractor) number, or Homeowner Exemption Affidavit
• ConCom Order of Conditions (if applicable)
• MVC approval (if DRI)
• Zoning Approval Application for Sheds and Fences (if applicable; separate form suggests zoning sign-off required even for exempt structures)

Permit validity

Must commence construction within 6 months of issuance. Work may lapse if suspended for 12 months.

Building code

780 CMR (Massachusetts State Building Code, 10th Edition effective October 11, 2024)

Owner-builder

Homeowners of a 1- or 2-family primary residence may pull permits without a CSL or HIC license but must file a Homeowner Exemption Affidavit.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold a valid CSL (structures over 35,000 cf) or HIC registration for smaller residential work. Separate licensed contractors required for electrical, plumbing, gas, and solid fuel appliance work.

Fees

Trade permit fee

Separate fees for electrical, plumbing, gas, and solid fuel appliances (set per state guidelines; amounts not published in accessible sources)

Payment note

Confirm current fee schedule with Adam Petkus at (508) 645-2103 or buildinginspector@chilmarkma.gov, particularly for inspection fees revised in late 2025.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective December 2023 (revised effective date)).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Sheds of 120 square feet or less not used for habitation
• Fences under 7 feet
• Retaining walls under 4 feet
• Standard finish work (painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets)
• All other standard 780 CMR 105.2 exemptions (see statewide overview)

Important: A Zoning Approval Application for Sheds and Fences is available as a separate downloadable form from Chilmark, suggesting that even exempt shed/fence structures may require a zoning sign-off (separate from the building permit). CONFIRM with the building inspector whether a zoning approval form is required for exempt structures. Exemptions from building permit do NOT exempt work from trade permits or Conservation Commission jurisdiction.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (508) 645-2103 (phone)
• buildinginspector@chilmarkma.gov (email)

Scheduling deadline

Schedule well in advance; limited hours create bottleneck

Inspection hours

Tuesday and Thursday, 1:00 PM -- 5:00 PM (note: limited hours; 8 hours per week only)

Time windows

Specific inspection time windows not published; coordinate directly with inspector

Typical inspection sequence: Standard sequence per 780 CMR: footing/excavation, foundation, rough frame (before insulation), insulation, final building. Trade inspections: rough and final for electrical, plumbing, gas, and solid fuel appliances.

In-person inspection required

Additional Resources

• Building code: 780 CMR (Massachusetts State Building Code, 10th Edition effective October 11, 2024)
• Verify contractor license: Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards - License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Martha's Vineyard Commission (MVC)
• License lookup guide: Massachusetts Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Massachusetts Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Massachusetts hub: Massachusetts Contractor License & Permit Hub

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