Permit Management System

INSTRUCTIONS & FAQs

INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the Town of Marshfield’s electronic permitting system. This system allows online permit application submittals, sign-offs and process review for building, electrical, plumbing & gas permits. You must set up an account to use the system. There is an available computer at the window of the building department and at the Marshfield Ventress Library if you do not have access to a computer. Please read the instructions carefully to set up and use your account. Below is the link to set up your account and also a link for permit reviews if you are not required to have an account.

Currently, the following computer browsers are supported for use with this application:

Internet Explorer Versions 7, 8 and 9
Firefox versions 3 and 9

Future support for Smartphone and iPad browsers may be available. Should you have issues accessing the website links supplied please be sure you are utilizing one of the supported internet browser versions above.

The staff at the building department are available to assist you in setting up your account and to assist you in using the system.  Please see the hours listed below for individual departments.

All Permit documentation must be scanned into a PDF format and attached to the on-line permit application. The maximum file size that can be submitted is 10 MB.

Please Note: Once you have filled out a permit application and submitted it electronically it is only in a preliminary stage.

Only one copy of the plot plan and one set of drawings will be required.

Each permit will require certain Town Department sign offs. The building department will send the permit application to the appropriate departments. Permits are not considered officially submitted to the building department until all sign offs have been approved. You may follow your permit review process on-line by signing into your account (see instructions).

Permits may be picked up and paid for in person or you may choose to pay online and then print your permit. All permits must be kept on the jobsite (including building, electrical, plumbing, gas and sheet metal). You are responsible to print the approved drawings and have the approved drawings on site.

All Electrical and Plumbing/Gas Inspections will start at 7:00a.m. and end at 8:30a.m. Inspection times will be set up at the discretion of the Inspectors. Inspections must be requested 24 hours in advance, by calling the Building Department at (781) 834-5555.

All Building Inspections will start at 10:30a.m. and go until completed or 4:00p.m. Inspection times will be set up at the discretion of the Inspector. Inspections must be requested 24 hours in advance, by calling the Building Department at (781) 834-5555.

Electrical and Plumbing/Gas Inspectors are available by phone and at the Building Department window between 8:30a.m. – 9:30a.m.,Tuesday through Friday and on Mondays between 5:30p.m. – 7:30p.m.. (Please note that during the summer, Monday evening hours are every other Monday night.)

Building Inspectors are available at the Building Department window between: 8:30a.m. – 10:30a.m. and 4:00p.m. – 4:30p.m. Monday through Friday as well as  5:30p.m. – 7:30p.m. Monday evenings. (Please note that during the Summer, Monday evening hours are every other Monday night.)

Link to Create an Account

Sign Into Your Account


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the building requirements for a particular zone?
See the Table of Dimensional and Density Regulations located at: http://marshfield-magov.vps1.dependable-hosting.com/Collateral/Documents/English-US/building/Article_VI_Sec_6-10_Table_of_Dimensional_and_Density_Regs.pdf

See the Assessor’s Patriot’s Program to determine what zone your land/dwelling is located in: http://marshfield.patriotproperties.com/default.asp (click on the drop down menu for street, parcel or owner); see “Zoning” listed under “Current Property Mailing Address”.

Is my lot a buildable lot?
Please refer to the above zoning requirements.

What are the setback requirements for decks?
Setbacks for decks greater than 4’ above average grade are the same as building requirements (see the Table of Dimensional and Density Regulations). If the deck is less than 4’ you may go 50% into the required setback (i.e. if your setback is 20’-0” from the side property line and your deck is less than 4’ to grade, you may go to 10’-0” from your setback).

Do I need a permit to erect a fence?
A fence 6’ and under does not require a permit. A fence over 6’ and up to 8’ requires a building permit. The building department suggests that you erect a fence one foot from your property for maintenance purposes.

Do I need a permit to erect a shed?
A shed is considered an accessory building. A shed 64 SF or less does not require a building permit but needs to maintain zoning bylaw setbacks. A shed greater than 64 SF requires a building permit.

What is considered an Accessory Building?
A detached building (i.e. barns, sheds, detached garage).

What are the setbacks for Accessory Buildings?
Setbacks are 20’ from the front property line, 10’ from the side and back property line and 10’ from the principal building. The home is considered the principal building.

Do I need a permit to install a pool?
You will need a permit to install an in-ground pool or an above ground pool. To see pool requirements go to:   http://marshfield-magov.vps1.dependable-hosting.com/Collateral/Documents/English-US/building/poolregulationsupdate.pdf

Can I install plumbing, gas or electrical fixtures in my own home?
No, a licensed plumber or electrician is required to pull a permit and call for inspections.

How can I get a copy of a plot plan for my property?
The Building Department may have a copy of a plot plan only if previously submitted with a building permit. If the property is on septic, the Health Department may have a septic plan. If we do not have one on file you will need to hire a professional surveyor.

What is required when submitting a demolition permit?
First, determine if the structure is of historic interest (see below). Because the structure may be over 50 years old it may be of historic Interest.  You must then apply for a demolition permit online under “residential permit”. You must also include the demolition signature sheet (this signature sheet will appear in a pop up once you check off demolition under Section 1.7 “description of proposed work”. Print the signature sheet to get sign offs (or letters). You must then scan into a PDF format and attach to the electronic demolition permit application.

How do I determine whether the demolition requires Historic Committee Review and how to I proceed if of historic interest?
If the building is over 50 years old it must be approved for demolition by the Historic Committee. You will need to fill out an Application for Historical Commission Demolition Approval Go To:
http://marshfield-magov.vps1.dependable-hosting.com/Collateral/Documents/English-US/building/ApplicationPreApprovalforDemoHistoricCommittee.pdf

The Historical Committee meets on the first Tuesday of every month. Submit the completed form via email to amoccia@townofmarshfield.org for submittal to the Historic Committee.

If I am remodeling my home and in a Flood Plain will I need to elevate the building?
Yes, if the cost of construction is more than 50% of the value of the building you will also have to meet the current flood zone requirements including a minimum of two (2) elevation certificates: one (1) for the proposed construction and one (1) after the work has been completed.

What is required to submit a building permit online?
For Homes, Additions, Farmer's Porches, Open Decks and Sheds Larger Than 64 Square Feet:


Where can I find information on permits that have been issued through the Permit Management System?
To review data on permits that have already been issued go to Link to Review Data Related to Permits.  An account is not required to access this data.