Town of Kingston, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Kingston.

Department

Building, Inspections and Zoning Department

Address

Kingston Townhouse, 26 Evergreen Street, Kingston, MA 02364

Phone

(781) 585-0505

Email

pgreen@kingstonma.gov

Website

https://kingstonma.gov/182/Building-Inspections-Zoning

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. IMPORTANT LIMITATION: Not all permits can be applied for through SmartGov. Single-family residential permits, renovations, additions, and similar residential work must be submitted in person or by mail to the Building Department at 26 Evergreen Street. Verify with the department whether your specific project type can be submitted online.
2. Prepare required documents: 110 mph Wind Design Information, building plans for the work (dimensioned drawings), completed Building Permit Application, Workers' Compensation Affidavit, Zoning Application (required separately), contractor information with evidence of insurance, before and after floor plans (for alterations/renovations), plot plan showing work location and setbacks.
3. For new dwellings: prepare ResCheck or energy compliance information, Stretch Code information, water department receipt, septic/sewer application.
4. For in-person/mail submission: deliver all documents to Kingston Townhouse, 26 Evergreen Street, Kingston, MA 02364.
5. For online submission via SmartGov (if eligible): complete application through portal and attach required documents.
6. Department reviews for zoning and building code compliance.
7. Pay assessed fees.
8. Permit issued and available for pickup at Building Department.
9. Schedule required inspections.

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

Source: Building, Inspections and Zoning Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Kingston.

Required Documents

• 110 mph Wind Design Information
• Building plans for the work (dimensioned drawings)
• Completed Building Permit Application
• Workers' Compensation Affidavit
• Zoning Application (required separately; see General Requirements)
• Contractor information with evidence of insurance
• Before and after floor plans (for alterations/renovations)
• Plot plan showing work location, setbacks, and lot lines
• ResCheck or energy compliance information
• Septic/sewer application (new dwellings only)
• Stretch Code information
• Water Department receipt (new dwellings only)

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). Stretch Energy Code compliance required.

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 on structures over 35,000 cubic feet; CSL-U (unrestricted) for all structures. HIC required for improvements to existing residential structures. Zoning Application required; zoning compliance is reviewed as part of the permit process with the Inspector of Buildings serving as Zoning Enforcement Officer.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Varies by project type; see fee schedule PDF

Plan check fee

Included in building permit fee

Permit fee formula

Specific per-thousand construction value rates published in fee schedule PDFs. Download current fee schedule from Permits-Fee-Schedules page.

Trade permit fee

Electrical, plumbing, and gas permit fees vary; see 2024 All-Permit-Fees PDF. Wiring permit fees effective January 1, 2024.

Reinspection fee

Amount varies; confirm with department at (781) 585-0505

Penalty (no permit)

2x the applicable permit fee for work started without permit (per 780 CMR 108)

Payment note

Payment method varies by submission method; confirm with Building Department.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective January 1, 2024 (most recent)).

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 Kingston. The department's operations are governed by MGL c.143, s.3.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (781) 585-0505 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Contact Building Department during business hours to schedule inspections.

Inspection hours

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (extended evening hours); Friday: Closed (effective June 30, 2025)

Time windows

Inspection scheduling available during posted business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Building inspection stages: inspectors inspect residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings during and after construction to ensure footings, floor framing, completed framing, chimneys, stairways, and other components comply with the building code, zoning, and approved plans. Certificate of Occupancy issued by Building Commissioner following successful completion of all required inspections.

Electrical, plumbing, and gas inspections: contact Building Department for scheduling through main number at (781) 585-0505. Multiple licensed inspectors available across all trade disciplines.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR (10th Edition effective July 1, 2025). Stretch Energy Code compliance required.
• Verify contractor license: CSL and HIC Verification (Massachusetts)
• SmartGov Online Portal
• Town Forms
• Permitting Online Portal Page
• License lookup guide: Massachusetts Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Massachusetts Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Massachusetts hub: Massachusetts Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Plymouth County