Fairhaven Building Department
The Fairhaven Building Department is responsible for ensuring the safety, integrity, and compliance of all construction and development within the town. We enforce state building codes, local bylaws, zoning regulations, and other applicable standards to help maintain the quality and safety of Fairhaven’s built environment.
Our office reviews and issues permits for building, electrical, plumbing, gas, and mechanical work. We also conduct inspections throughout the construction process and respond to questions from homeowners, contractors, and developers. Whether you’re planning a home renovation, new construction, or commercial project, the Building Department is here to guide you through the permitting process and ensure all work meets regulatory requirements.
We are committed to serving the community with professionalism, efficiency, and transparency. Please contact us with any questions or to learn more about the permitting process and requirements.
All inspections must be requested through the online permitting system by clicking the link below
*Please Note* Plumbing & Gas Inspections are completed in the Morning. Electrical and Building inspections are completed in the afternoon. Please allow 48 hours notice.
EQUIRED RESIDENTIAL INSPECTIONS
780 CMR s. R110.1 General. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official and such construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved. Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of 780 CMR or of other laws or ordinances. Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of 780 CMR or of other laws or ordinances shall not be valid. It shall be the duty of the permit applicant to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes and that all work shall be conducted, installed, protected and completed in a workmanlike and acceptable manner so as to secure the results intended by 780 CMR. Neither the building official nor the applicable enforcement authority shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.
R110.3 REQUIRED INSPECTIONS:
- R110.3.1 EXCAVATION to ensure frost proofing
- R110.3.1 FOOTING (prior to placing of concrete)
- R110.3.1 FOUNDATION (prior to placing of concrete and after waterproofing)
- R110.3.2 M (MECHANICAL) (Rough and Final)
- R110.3.2 E (ELECTRICAL) (Rough and Final)
- R110.3.2 P (PLUMBING) (Rough and Final)
- R110.3.2 G (Gas) (Rough and Final)
- R110.3.3 FLOOD PLAIN (prior to vertical construction)
- R110.3.4 FRAME (see R110.3.5.1)
- R1103.5 ENERGY (insulation)
- R110.3.5.1 FIRE RATED ASSEMBLY (performed during rough inspection)
- R110.3.6 FINAL (scheduled after all MEPG and FD sign offs)
780 CMR s R111 CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY (scheduled after HERZ reports, As-Built and or elevation certificates have been submitted and all relevant boards have signed off Assessor, Con Comm, Planning, DPW…etc.)
REQUIRED COMMERCIAL INSPECTIONS
780 CMR s. 110.1 General. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official and such construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved. Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of 780 CMR or of other laws or ordinances. Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of 780 CMR or of other laws or ordinances shall not be valid. It shall be the duty of the permit applicant to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes and that all work shall be conducted, installed, protected and completed in a workmanlike and acceptable manner so as to secure the results intended by 780 CMR. Neither the building official nor the applicable enforcement authority shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.
110.3 REQUIRED INSPECTIONS
- 110.3.8 EXCAVATION (to ensure frost protection)
- 110.3.1 FOOTING and FOUNDATION (Prior to Concrete Placement)
- 110.3.2 CONCRETE SLAB and UNDER FLOOR (Prior to Concrete Placement)
- 110.3.3 LOWEST FLOOR, FLOOD PLAIN (prior to vertical construction)
- 110.3.8 MEP’s (rough and final)
- 110.3.4 FRAME (see 110.3.6)
- 110.3.5 Lath & Gypsum
- 110.3.6 FIRE & SMOKE- resistant penetrations, (performed during rough)
- 110.3.7 ENERGY EFFICIANCY
- 110.3.8/.9 OTHER/SPECIAL
- 110.3.10 FINAL
780 CMR s 111 CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY (scheduled after HERZ reports, As-Built and or elevation certificates have been submitted and all relevant boards have signed off Assessor, Con Comm, Planning, DPW…etc.)
SHED REGISTRATION – 200 SQUARE FEET (SF) OR LESS
Fee: $50
*Please note any structure greater than 200 square feet requires a building permit*
Applicants must us the online permitting system below to submit an application.
ZONING SETBACKS: 5 feet from the side and rear property lines
*No accessory building or use shall be allowed in a required front yard or in the area between two lines drawn from the principle structure at its widest point to the lot frontage, and perpendicular to the frontage line of the lot
PLEASE ATTACH A COPY OF SCALED PLOT PLAN WITH SHED LOCATION AND SETBACKS MARKED
NOTE: FILING THIS REGISTRATION DOES NOT RELIEVE THE APPLICANT FROM ANY OTHER TOWN REGULATIONS OR RESTRICTIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO; FAIRHAVEN ZONING BY-LAWS, FAIRHAVEN HEALTH, FAIRHAVEN CONSERVATION.
Please contact the Building Department at (508) 979-4023, ext. 9107 with any questions