City Building Permits

Town of Middleborough, MA Building Permit Guide

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

Massachusetts Plymouth County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Middleborough.

Department
Building Department
Address
Town Hall Annex, 20 Center Street, 2nd Floor (Bank Building), Middleborough, MA 02346
Phone
(508) 946-2426
Website
https://www.middleboroughma.gov/184/Building

Online Permit Portal

Open PermitEyes Online Permitting System

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

Application Process

  1. Prepare required documentation: wind zone checklist (110 mph design wind speed per MA residential code), energy conservation compliance information (ResCheck or equivalent), exterior elevations and floor plans, fire protection system locations, foundation plans and framing details, door and window schedules, site plan (plot plan), Workers' Compensation form, contractor's CSL and HIC copies and insurance.
  2. Register and create an account in PermitEyes (approximately 10 minutes).
  3. Submit application through PermitEyes.
  4. Inspector reviews and approves fee.
  5. Applicant receives email notification when permit is ready for payment.
  6. Pay online (check routing/account number, or Visa/Mastercard/Discover). Note: PermitEyes system is not compatible with Apple (iOS/Safari) browsers; pop-up blockers must be disabled.
  7. Pick up issued permit at the Building Department office.

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

Source: Building Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for most construction within the Town of Middleborough. Before any dwelling or structure is erected or converted, the applicant must file a petition with the Building Inspector that includes a plot plan showing the exact size and location of the proposed structure and a statement of the intended use.

Required Documents

  • Wind zone checklist
  • Energy conservation compliance information
  • Exterior elevations and floor plans
  • Fire protection system locations
  • Foundation plans and framing details
  • Door and window schedules
  • Site plan (plot plan)
  • Workers' Compensation form
  • Contractor's CSL and HIC copies and insurance
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 on structures over 35,000 cubic feet. HIC required for improvements to existing 1-6 unit owner-occupied residential properties. Both HIC and CSL required for roof replacement, siding replacement, window replacement, and door replacement on residential structures (effective July 1, 2008). HIC contractor is responsible for obtaining all permits for covered work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Varies by project type; see fee schedule PDFs
Plan check fee
Included in building permit fee
Permit fee formula
Specific per-thousand construction value rates are published in separate PDF documents: Building Fees, Commercial Fees, Electrical Fees (Commercial), Electrical Fees (Residential), and Plumbing Fees. Download PDFs from fee schedule page.
Trade permit fee
Electrical and plumbing fee schedules published separately; download PDFs for current rates.
Reinspection fee
Amount not specified in public materials; assume $50-$75
Penalty (no permit)
2x the applicable permit fee for work started without permit (per 780 CMR 108)
Payment note
PermitEyes accepts online payment: check routing/account number or Visa/Mastercard/Discover. System not compatible with Apple browsers; disable pop-up blockers.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Contact department for current rates).

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: Middleborough's FAQ notes that most but not all projects require permits, and directs applicants to the Massachusetts HIC website for guidance on which activities require permits. Standard 780 CMR 105.2 exemptions apply.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline
Inspection requests submitted through PermitEyes or by phone to Building Department.
Inspection hours
Not prominently posted on the department page; call (508) 946-2426 to confirm current hours
Time windows
Contact department for scheduling availability

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspection stages (standard): footing; foundation; rough frame; insulation; final building; final electrical; final plumbing/gas. Additional required inspections: rental units must be inspected at least once every three years.

Certificate of Occupancy issued after successful final inspection.

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?

Navigating permits in Town of Middleborough can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works
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.

Other cities in Plymouth County

bridgewater rockland
View all Plymouth County jurisdictions →