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Building Department - Frequently Asked Questions

Cohasset Building Department
Town Hall
41 Highland Avenue
Cohasset, MA 02025
Phone: 781-383-4112
FAX: 781-383-1561
Email: Buildingdepartment@townofcohasset.org

1. Are Building Department Records open to the Public?
   Building Department records are public. All permits, applications, building plans, complaints or correspondence regarding individual properties are kept on file. This can be particularly helpful to someone who is considering purchasing property.
2. What projects require building permits?
   Other than ordinary repairs and maintenance, all construction that is regulated by the State Building Code and the Cohasset Zoning Bylaw requires a permit.
3. Who must review and approve building permits?
   The Building Commission must approve all permit applications. Additionally, a
   construction project may require approvals from the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Conservation Commission, the Board of Health or Sewer Commission and, the Fire Department.
4. What is zoning?
   Zoning Bylaws are local rules patterned on State Law, that regulate land use. Typical restrictions are on allowed uses, lot sizes, set backs, density and height. The Zoning Board of Appeals may issue special permits for regulated uses or variances for exception to the Bylaws.
5. When are construction projects inspected?
   Construction is inspected after major phases are completed; usually after the foundation has been poured and after framing and insulation. The “rough” electrical and plumbing are inspected before the walls are covered. In addition, final inspections are required upon completion. A Certificate of Occupancy is issued for new construction and change of use.
6. What is a licensed construction supervisor?
   Any person supervising themselves or others while engaged in construction (usually a general contractor) must be licensed by the State Board of Building Regulations. That person must have at least three years experience in construction and pass an examination administered by the State. Only licensed construction supervisors can take out permits for work on another person’s property and that supervisor is responsible for Building Code compliance.
7. What is a registered home improvement contractor?
   Any person who operates a contracting business and performs work on residential property (other than his own) and the total amount of each project is over $1000.00 must be registered with the Board of Building Regulations. This program provides recourse to a homeowner for unsatisfactory work and allows the homeowner access to a guarantee fund.
8. Can a homeowner pull his own permit and hire an unlicensed and unregistered contractor?
   Yes. But in that case the permit holder is responsible for compliance with the codes and does not have access to the guarantee fund.
9. How much does a building permit cost?
   Permit fees are based on the estimated cost of construction and are set by the Selectmen. The current permit fee is $10 per thousand dollars of construction cost.