Town of Tisbury, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Tisbury (Vineyard Haven). 'Tisbury' is the official municipality name; 'Vineyard Haven' is the village name commonly used for addresses.

Department

Office of Building Inspection and Zoning Enforcement

Address

51 Spring Street, PO Box 1239, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

Phone

(508) 696-4280, ext. 1121

Website

https://tisburyma.gov

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Review Tisbury Zoning Bylaws (tisburyma.gov/planning-board) to determine zoning district, permitted uses, and whether a Special Permit is required.
2. If property is within the William Street Historic District (downtown Vineyard Haven historic district), obtain Historic District Commission Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior alterations visible from a public way before building permit issuance.
3. If work is within wetland buffer zone, file Notice of Intent with Conservation Commission and obtain Order of Conditions before building permit issuance.
4. Refer large-scale projects to Martha's Vineyard Commission (MVC) before town action if they meet Development of Regional Impact (DRI) thresholds.
5. Submit building permit application online via tisburyma.viewpointcloud.com. Select appropriate permit type (Minor Work, standard building permit, etc.).
6. Building Inspector reviews for 780 CMR compliance. Minor Work Permits (see description below) have expedited review.
7. Pay fees upon approval; permit issued after plan review approval and fee payment.
8. Schedule building, electrical, plumbing, and gas inspections through building department.
9. Certificate of Occupancy issued after all inspections pass.

Typical processing time: 1-2 weeks for Minor Work Permits (expedited category). 2-3 weeks for standard building permits. Add 2-4 weeks for projects requiring special permits or zoning relief. MVC DRI projects add 2-4 months.

Source: Office of Building Inspection and Zoning Enforcement

General Requirements

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

Required Documents

• Permit application via ViewpointCloud portal
• Site plan with lot dimensions, existing structures, setbacks
• Construction drawings (stamped by MA-licensed A/E for commercial projects)
• Workers' compensation certificate or exemption affidavit
• CSL (Construction Supervisor License for structures over 35,000 cf) and/or HIC (Home Improvement Contractor) number, or Homeowner Exemption Affidavit
• ConCom Order of Conditions (if applicable)
• Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness (if applicable)
• MVC approval (if DRI)

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, and gas work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Not confirmed

Plan check fee

Included in permit fee

Permit fee formula

Based on construction value. Specific per-$1,000 rate not available in publicly accessible sources. Regional comparables suggest $6.50-$10.00 per $1,000 range.

Trade permit fee

Separate fees for electrical, plumbing, and gas permits (set by respective inspectors per state guidelines)

Payment note

Contact building department at (508) 696-4280 or access tisburyma.gov for current fee schedule. The 2021 fee schedule PDF link was not accessible at time of research.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Not confirmed in accessible sources (fee schedule PDF listed as 404 as of March 2026)).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Office of Building Inspection and Zoning Enforcement to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (508) 696-4280 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Contact building department during office hours

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday; specific hours not confirmed in accessible sources. Call (508) 696-4280 to verify.

Time windows

Specific inspection time windows not published

Typical inspection sequence: Standard Massachusetts sequence applies per 780 CMR: footing/excavation, foundation, rough frame, insulation, final building. Trade inspections (rough and final electrical, plumbing, gas) coordinated through building department.

In-person inspection standard; remote inspections not mentioned

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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