Permitting Guide

Welcome to the Mashpee permitting departments. Following is a brief summary of the Departments and Boards which may be involved in applications for Building Permits.

Building Inspector

508 539-1443

We suggest that you start here because the Building Inspector must issue a permit for any construction, as well as many other uses of land. These include new construction, additions, accessory buildings, decks, sheds, docks, and swimming pools. This office is also responsible for all inspections.

The building inspector will be able to advise you of the regulations that may be applicable to your project, and will provide you with a check list of procedures and aprovals which must be obtained before a Building Permit can be issued.

Conservation Commission

508 539-1414

Planning Board

508 539-1428

The Planning Board handles subdivisions and Special Permit requests for large residential and non-residential projects. Copies of the Boards regulations and advice on applications and review procedures may be obtained at the Planning Department Office.

Fire Department

508 539-1454

Permits are required for: Booklets are available at the Fire Department for more specific information. Ask for the "Rules of the Fire Chief".

Department of Public Works

508 539-1420

A permit from the DPW is required for all work within the layout of a Public Way owned and maintained by the Town of Mashpee. This includes the installation of driveways or utility lines, cutting or pruning trees, installation or alteration of stone walls, fences or any structure and changes in drainage patterns.

In general, the public utility is responsible for obtaining the necessary permit for service installation. You should first contact the specific utility company.

Board of Health

508 539-1408

Following are the Board of Health requirements prior to sign-off on a Building Permit.
  1. Perc test, arranged by an engineer. Valid for 3 years.
  2. Septic/Well plan submittal
  3. Approval by Agent or Board if variance required. If Title V variance, must file with DEP for concurrence. If any construction is proposed within 100 feet of wetlands, must file an RDA or Notice of Intent with Conservation and receive an Order of Conditions.
  4. Well permit (if private well) issued
  5. Satisfactory water test
  6. Septic permit issued. Valid for 3 years.
  7. Sign off on Building Permit

Requirements prior to Board of Healt sign-off on Use and Occupancy Permit:

  1. Receipt of both installer's and engineer's "as built" cards
  2. Issuance of "Certificate of Compliance"
  3. Satisfactory water test less than 1 year old if on private well or proof of hook-up to Town water.

Board of Appeals

508-539-1406

The Zoning By-laws authorize the Board to issue Special Permits for regulated uses, consider Variances for proposed exceptions and hear Appeals of the Decision of the Building Inspector. The ZBA process requires an advertized public hearing. Forms and instructions for filing are available from the Town Clerk, the Building Department and the Board of Appeals.

Town Clerk

The Town Clerk's office sells copies of the Zoning By-laws, Zoning Maps, and Subdivision Rules and Regulations.

Conservation Commission

A Conservation Permit is needed whenever any work or alteration falls in or within 100 feet of any of the following resource areas: fresh water wetland (regardless of size); coastal wetland or saltmarsh; beach; dune; (tidal) flat; water-body (including ponds, rivers, streams, estuaries or the ocean); land under said waters; coastal bank (defined by slope-ratio and including any such slopes within the 100-year flood zone); inland bank (defined by slope-ratio) that leads to a freshwater wetland or water-body, and land subject to flooding or inundation by groundwater, surface water tidal action or storm flowage (the "100-year Flood Zone").

Permits are also needed for any work or alterations on Town conservation land. All Board permits must be obtained prior to Conservation Commission approval.

Conservation impacts are not always apparent. Please call the Commission if you have questions. The Commission Agent can visit a site with you to provide guidance.

Signs

The Zoning By-laws regulate the size, location, and number of signs. The Building Inspector is authorized to issue permits for single signs up to a certain size. Exceptions may require a Special Permit from the Board of Appeals.

Design Review Committee

All applicants for Special Permits on commercial property are required to meet with the Design Review Committee to review site planning, architecture, traffic and landscaping. The Building Inspector schedules the meetings.

Permitting At A Glance
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Mashpee Chamber of Commerce

Town of Mashpee
16 Great Neck Road North
Mashpee, MA 02649

Created: Thursday, May 09, 1996, 2:11:39 PM by maxm consulting
Last Updated: Saturday, October 19, 1996 - 5:54:31 AM
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