City Building Permits

Town of Shelburne, MA Building Permit Guide

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

Massachusetts Franklin County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Shelburne.

Department
Building Inspector (administered by Franklin County Cooperative Inspection Program / FRCOG)
Website
https://townofshelburnema.gov/index.cfm?p=p.15

Online Permit Portal

Open PermitEyes (FCCIP Online Portal)

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

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Confirm zoning compliance with Shelburne's zoning bylaws. Contact Paul Lemelin (FCCIP, Ext. 114) for zoning questions.
  2. Register or log in to PermitEyes through the FCCIP online system.
  3. Complete application and upload required documents per FCCIP minimum submittal requirements: construction plans, plot plan, Workers' Compensation Affidavit, CSL documentation, HIC registration.
  4. Pay fees through UniBank online (after fee assessment) or mail check to FRCOG.
  5. Application reviewed by Building Commissioner Jim Hawkins and relevant town officials through PermitEyes. Email notifications sent at each step.
  6. Permit issued upon approval; print permit from PermitEyes and post on site.
  7. Schedule inspections through PermitEyes or by calling 413-774-3167.

Typical processing time: Reviewed per 780 CMR guidelines (maximum 30 days).

Source: Building Inspector (administered by Franklin County Cooperative Inspection Program / FRCOG)

General Requirements

A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, renovations affecting structural elements, and similar work.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application (electronic via PermitEyes)
  • Construction plans and drawings
  • Plot plan or site plan
  • Workers' Compensation Affidavit (contractor applications)
  • CSL number and license copy (contractor applications)
  • HIC registration (residential improvement work)
Permit validity
All permits valid for six months from date of issuance per 780 CMR.
Building code
Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR, 10th Edition as of July 1, 2025; based on 2021 IBC)
Owner-builder
Homeowner exemption available for one- or two-family dwelling at primary residence without CSL.
Contractor requirements
Construction Supervisor License (CSL) required for contractor-supervised work on regulated structures.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) with floor area not greater than 120 sq ft
  • Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
  • Oil derricks
  • Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids
  • Water tanks supported directly on grade, capacity not greater than 5,000 gallons, with height-to-diameter ratio not greater than 2:1
  • Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route
  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
  • Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
  • Above-ground residential swimming pools less than 24 inches deep or not greater than 5,000 gallons
  • Shade cloth structures for agricultural use (excluding attached service systems)
  • Swings and playground equipment accessory to single- or two-family dwellings
  • Window awnings in residential and utility occupancies projecting not more than 54 inches from the exterior wall
  • Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height
  • Plastic-covered greenhouse structures (excluding large assembly occupancies and attached service systems)
  • Ordinary repairs and routine maintenance that do not affect structural elements, fire protection systems, or regulated systems

Important: FCCIP enforces standard 780 CMR exemptions. No Shelburne-specific additions. Connecticut River and Deerfield River tributaries run through Shelburne; work near water resources requires Conservation Commission review.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
FCCIP: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (building inspections); Electrical: 7-9 AM M-F; Plumbing/Gas: 7-9 AM M-Th

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections include: footing/foundation (before backfill), framing (before insulation/drywall), insulation/energy compliance (as applicable), final building inspection, electrical rough and final, plumbing rough and final, gas rough and final, Certificate of Occupancy.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Inspector (administered by Franklin County Cooperative Inspection Program / FRCOG) before applying.

Need help with your project?

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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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