City Building Permits

Town of Duxbury, MA Building Permit Guide

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

Massachusetts Plymouth County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Duxbury.

Department
Building Department
Address
Town Hall, 2nd Floor, 878 Tremont Street, Duxbury, MA 02332
Phone
(781) 934-1100, ext. 6002
Website
https://www.town.duxbury.ma.us/building-department

Online Permit Portal

Open Building Department Online Resources

Platform: Contact department for current portal • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. For additions or alterations: prepare completed Building Permit Application Packet (signed by both property owner and contractor), two sets of dimensioned framing plans with smoke detector and CO detector locations shown, two plot plans showing the proposed addition/alteration and setback distances from all lot lines, contractor's license and insurance information.
  2. For new construction: prepare similar documents plus foundation plan, energy compliance documentation, and any required engineering certifications.
  3. Submit applications in person at Town Hall or by phone inquiry to (781) 934-1100 ext. 6002. Confirm current online portal availability.
  4. Department reviews completeness and contractor qualifications.
  5. Pay computed fees.
  6. Post permit card on site.
  7. Schedule and pass required inspections.

Typical processing time: 2-3 weeks after complete submission.

Source: Building Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Duxbury. Duxbury is a coastal, largely residential town with significant oceanfront and tidal creek frontage. Many properties fall within FEMA flood zones.

Required Documents

  • Completed Building Permit Application Packet, signed by both property owner and contractor
  • Two sets of dimensioned framing plans with smoke detector and CO detector locations shown
  • Two plot plans showing proposed addition/alteration and setback distances from all lot lines
  • Contractor's license and insurance information on file with Building Department
  • For new construction: foundation plan, energy compliance documentation, engineering certifications as required
  • For coastal or floodplain properties: additional documentation and flood-resistant construction compliance
Permit validity
Per 780 CMR 107.5, permits expire if construction has not commenced within 6 months of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 12 months. Renewal fees typically run 25-50% of the original permit fee.
Building code
Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR (10th Edition effective July 1, 2025)
Owner-builder
Owners of 1-2 family dwellings may pull their own permits and supervise work on their primary residence without holding a CSL, but they assume full contractor liability and waive rights to the HIC Guaranty Fund.
Contractor requirements
CSL required for structural work; HIC required for improvements to existing residential structures. Contractor's license and insurance must be on file with the Building Department (not just submitted with application -- must be on file).

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Varies by project type; see fee schedule
Plan check fee
Included in building permit fee
Permit fee formula
Fees calculated based on construction cost per thousand. Refer to current fee schedule from department.
Trade permit fee
Plumbing, gas, and electrical trade permit fees vary; confirm with department.
Reinspection fee
Amount varies; confirm with department at (781) 934-1100 ext. 6002
Penalty (no permit)
2x the applicable permit fee for work started without permit (per 780 CMR 108)
Payment note
Payment method varies; confirm with Building Department.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective FY2019 (most recent accessible; confirm current rates with department)).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • One-story detached accessory structures used as tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet
  • Fences not over seven feet in height
  • Oil derricks
  • Retaining walls not over four feet in height measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids
  • Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width is 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 (interior or exterior surface finishes)
  • Temporary theatrical sets and scenery
  • Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep and contain less than 5,000 gallons (above-ground, residential)
  • Agricultural nursery shade structures (shade cloth only, not service systems)
  • Swings and other playground equipment accessory to single-family or two-family dwellings
  • Window awnings on residential dwellings projecting not more than 54 inches from the exterior wall
  • Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height
  • Plastic film greenhouses used for standard agricultural or nursery purposes
  • Repair or replacement of fire protection system components that do not affect system performance or design

Important: Standard 780 CMR 105.2 exemptions apply in Duxbury. For coastal or floodplain properties, additional compliance requirements apply even for exempt work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (781) 934-1100, ext. 6002 (phone)
Scheduling deadline
Contact Building Department to schedule inspections during business hours.
Inspection hours
Regular Town Hall hours; Building Department remains open during lunch hour. Confirm current hours at (781) 934-1100 ext. 6002.
Time windows
Inspections scheduled during regular business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspection sequence for additions: 1) Rough plumbing and rough wiring inspections completed first; 2) Rough framing inspection (must follow rough trade inspections); 3) Insulation inspection; 4) Final plumbing and final wiring inspections; 5) Final building inspection; 6) For large additions with living space: Certificate of Occupancy issued after all final inspections pass.

Duxbury publishes monthly permit reports on its website (available on the Building Permits Issued page), providing transparency into local construction activity and project sizes.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Department 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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