Town of Marshfield, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Marshfield.

Department

Building Department

Address

870 Moraine Street, Marshfield, MA 02050

Phone

(781) 834-5555

Email

Contact through OpenGov portal or phone

Website

https://www.marshfield-ma.gov/departments/town_hall/building/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Prepare documentation: completed building permit application, construction drawings (dimensioned plans, elevations, sections), plot plan showing existing and proposed structures and setback distances.
2. For projects in the Floodplain District: prepare elevation certificate, flood zone documentation, and ensure compliance with Marshfield Floodplain Bylaw and 780 CMR flood-resistant construction requirements.
3. Prepare contractor's CSL and HIC copies, insurance certificate, and Workers' Compensation form.
4. For new construction and additions: prepare energy compliance documentation (ResCheck or HERS rating).
5. Submit all documents through the OpenGov portal.
6. Department reviews for compliance with building code and zoning bylaws, checking contractor qualifications.
7. Multi-departmental endorsements may be required. For floodplain work, the Building Commissioner/Floodplain Administrator provides sign-off.
8. Pay assessed fees; permit is issued. Certificate of Occupancy must be applied for simultaneously with the building permit application.

Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks after complete submission, depending on project type and floodplain status.

Source: Building Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Marshfield. Marshfield's building code section prohibits erection of any structure enclosing 64 square feet or more, or any sign of 2 square feet or more, without a building permit.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Construction drawings (dimensioned plans, elevations, sections as applicable)
• Plot plan showing existing and proposed structures, setback distances, and lot lines
• Contractor's CSL and HIC copies and insurance certificate
• Workers' Compensation form
• For new construction and additions: energy compliance documentation (ResCheck or HERS rating)
• For properties in the Floodplain District: elevation certificate and flood zone documentation

Permit validity

Under Marshfield bylaw, permitted work must be actively prosecuted within 90 days of permit issuance and completed within one year of permit issuance. This is more stringent than the statewide 780 CMR requirement (6 months to commence; 12 months to complete).

Building code

Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR (10th Edition effective July 1, 2025). Floodplain Bylaw and flood-resistant construction standards apply.

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.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$40.00 (residential); $80.00 (commercial)

Plan check fee

Included in building permit fee

Permit fee formula

Residential new construction/additions/alterations: $11.00 per $1,000 of construction cost (minimum $40.00); Commercial: $13.00 per $1,000 (minimum $80.00)

Trade permit fee

Electrical (residential): $200.00 for new dwelling; $90.00 for addition/remodel; Commercial varies by amperage. Plumbing/Gas (residential): $120.00 new, $60.00 existing (first fixture) + $20.00 additional fixtures.

Reinspection fee

$40.00

Penalty (no permit)

2x the permit fee for work started without permit

Payment note

Payment through OpenGov portal available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective November 1, 2018 (confirm whether updated rates have been adopted)).

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 (per 780 CMR 105.2)
• 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: Marshfield's zoning bylaw contains a specific local threshold more restrictive than state law: erection of any structure enclosing 64 square feet or more requires a building permit. Use the 64 sq ft Marshfield threshold when advising on permit requirements for small accessory structures in Marshfield.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• OpenGov portal (online)
• (781) 834-5555 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Inspections scheduled through OpenGov portal or by phone.

Inspection hours

Monday: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (extended evening hours); Tuesday through Thursday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Friday: 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Time windows

Inspection scheduling available during posted hours

Typical inspection sequence: Typical inspection stages: footing/foundation; rough framing; rough plumbing; rough electrical; insulation; final building; final electrical; final plumbing/gas; floodplain compliance sign-off (if applicable); Certificate of Occupancy. CO must be applied for simultaneously with the building permit application and issued within 10 days after all inspections pass.

Floodplain-specific inspections conducted by the Building Commissioner/Floodplain Administrator for properties in flood hazard districts.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR (10th Edition effective July 1, 2025). Floodplain Bylaw and flood-resistant construction standards apply.
• Verify contractor license: CSL and HIC Verification (Massachusetts)
• OpenGov Portal
• Building Department Facebook
• 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