Fairhaven Building Department 2026: Permits, Inspections & Services

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Fairhaven Building Permits and Inspections: What to Do First

Quick answer: The Fairhaven Building Department handles building, electrical, plumbing, gas and mechanical permitting, construction inspections, zoning-related building review and code enforcement for properties in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Applications and inspection requests are handled through the Town’s PermitEyes portal. The current department page asks applicants to allow 48 hours for inspection requests.

If you are planning a renovation, addition, new home, deck, pool, shed, demolition, commercial alteration or major mechanical work in Fairhaven, the best approach is to check zoning first, prepare the correct documents, submit through PermitEyes and wait until the actual permit is issued before starting regulated work.

Department Fairhaven Building Department / Inspectional Services
Office Fairhaven Town Hall, 40 Center Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719
Building Commissioner Richard “Rick” Forand, Director of Inspectional Services / Building Commissioner
Main listed contact 508-979-4023 ext. 8117 · buildingcommissioner@fairhaven-ma.gov
Online permitting PermitEyes
2026 fee schedule New Building Department fees effective April 1, 2026
Open PermitEyes Official Building Department 2026 Fee Schedule

Fairhaven Building Department Contact and Office Hours

Need Current published information
Office address 40 Center Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719
Building Commissioner Richard Forand
Commissioner / administrative office 508-979-4023 ext. 8117
Email buildingcommissioner@fairhaven-ma.gov
Administrative Assistant Suzanne Vieira · 508-979-4023 ext. 8117
Plumbing / Gas Inspector Norman Lussier · 508-509-5537 · Town page says call Monday–Thursday between 7–8 a.m.
Electrical Inspector Paul Raposo · 508-979-4023 ext. 8117

The Town currently publishes Town Hall hours of Monday 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Tuesday–Thursday 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Inspector field schedules can be different, so call before visiting if you need to speak with a particular inspector.

Useful detail: The department page also lists 508-979-4023 ext. 9107 for shed-registration questions. If one extension does not route correctly, call the main Town number and ask for Building Department / Inspectional Services.

What the Fairhaven Building Department Handles

The department reviews construction for compliance with the Massachusetts State Building Code, Fairhaven zoning rules and other applicable local requirements. Its current service list covers:

  • Residential building permits.
  • Commercial building permits.
  • Additions, renovations and structural alterations.
  • Electrical permits and inspections.
  • Plumbing and gas permits and inspections.
  • Mechanical and sheet-metal work.
  • Demolition permits.
  • Decks, porches, pools and accessory structures.
  • Solar and certain renewable-energy installations.
  • Signs and temporary structures.
  • Certificates of occupancy and required building inspections.
  • Zoning administration connected with building permits.

Fairhaven’s zoning code gives the Building Commissioner responsibility for administering zoning in connection with construction and occupancy. A project may therefore pass building-code review but still be unable to proceed if its location, use, setbacks or other zoning conditions are not compliant.

Before You Apply: Check These Items First

A few minutes of preparation can prevent an application from sitting in the portal waiting for missing information.

Check Why it matters
Exact project scope State whether you are building, removing, enlarging, replacing or changing something. “Renovation” alone may not give the reviewer enough information.
Property zoning Setbacks, use, lot conditions and accessory-structure rules can affect whether the proposed work is allowed.
Plans / plot plan Projects affecting structure, location or setbacks may need scaled drawings or site information.
Contractor licenses The Town’s permit guide asks contractors to provide licenses needed for the job.
Certificate of Insurance The Town lists this as one of the items needed for preliminary administrative review when applicable.
Other department approvals Health, Conservation, Planning or another department may need to review certain properties and projects.
Flood / coastal conditions Fairhaven includes flood-prone and coastal areas. The Building Department lists a floodplain inspection among required residential and commercial inspection stages when applicable.

For projects near wetlands, flood areas, coastal land or other sensitive property, resolve those issues early. The Town’s own permitting guide specifically warns that involvement from departments such as the Board of Health or Conservation Commission can extend processing time.

If you are working in nearby Dartmouth rather than Fairhaven, use the separate Dartmouth Building Department guide; permit jurisdiction changes at the municipal boundary.

How to Apply for a Fairhaven Building Permit Online

Fairhaven uses PermitEyes rather than relying on a paper-first application process.

  1. Start with the official Building Department page.
    Open Fairhaven Building Department and confirm that the permit type, fees or instructions have not changed.
  2. Open PermitEyes.
    Use the Town’s official Fairhaven PermitEyes portal.
  3. Sign in or create a profile.
    Existing users enter their username/email and password. New applicants select the registration option and create an account.
  4. Prepare your supporting records.
    Contractors should have applicable license information, insurance documentation and project files ready before submission.
  5. Select the correct permit and enter the project information.
    Use the actual project type and provide a clear description, property address, applicant information and contractor details.
  6. Upload required documents and complete payment.
    Follow the PermitEyes prompts and the payment process displayed by the Town.
  7. Submit and monitor the application.
    Watch your account and email for requests from the inspector or Building Department. Respond quickly if additional plans, licenses or documents are requested.
  8. Wait for the permit to be issued.
    A submitted application is not permission to start work. Begin regulated construction only after the permit has actually been approved and issued.
Fairhaven’s official online permitting flow chart says an application containing the required administrative items is generally reviewed within 2–5 business days before being sent to the appropriate inspector. This is a review target, not a guaranteed permit-issuance date.

You can also open the Town’s official online permitting guide if you want the Town’s original flow chart.

How Long Does a Fairhaven Building Permit Take?

The clearest published local guidance is the Town’s PermitEyes flow chart: when the required preliminary items are present, the permit request is reviewed within approximately 2–5 business days and then routed to the appropriate inspector.

That does not mean every building permit will be issued in 2–5 days. Review can take longer when:

  • Plans or insurance information are missing.
  • A contractor license cannot be verified.
  • The project has a zoning problem.
  • The property requires Conservation review.
  • Board of Health involvement is required.
  • Floodplain or coastal requirements apply.
  • Plans need revisions.
  • A commercial project requires broader departmental review.

If the portal shows no progress after you have supplied everything requested, contact the Building Department with the property address and application number rather than submitting a duplicate application.

Fairhaven Building Permit Fees for 2026

The Town’s current Building Department page identifies its revised fee schedule as effective April 1, 2026. The following amounts come from that current published schedule.

Residential building fees

Residential permit / service 2026 published fee
New one- or two-family dwelling $50 application fee + $12 per $1,000 of total cost
Addition, alteration, renovation, garage, dock / pier $50 + $10 per $1,000 of total cost
Accessory structure over 350 sq. ft. $200
Accessory structure under 350 sq. ft. $100
Certificate of Occupancy $150
Deck / porch $150 per story
Demolition of house $750; asbestos survey required
Fireplace, chimney, siding, roofing or doors $100 each
Kitchen, bath or basement interior alteration $200 each
Mechanical / sheet metal $100
Permit renewal $100
Above-ground pool / spa / hot tub $100
In-ground pool $150
First reinspection $75
Second and later reinspection $125
Solid-fuel appliance $75
Temporary structure / tent $100
Trench permit $55
Wind turbine / solar panels $50 + $10 per $1,000 of cost
Windows $75 for up to 5; then $10 each
Zoning determination letter $150

Commercial building fees

Commercial permit / service 2026 published fee
New construction $100 application fee + $15 per $1,000 of construction cost
Accessory structure, interior/exterior alteration, dock / pier $100 + $12 per $1,000 of total cost
Certificate of Occupancy $150
Certificate of Inspection $100
Change of Occupancy / new tenant $150; inspection required
Demolition $100 + $10 per $1,000 of total cost
Mechanical / sheet metal $100 + $10 per $1,000 of total cost
Reinspection $100
Sign $150 each
Solar roof or ground system $100 + $15 per $1,000 of construction cost
Sprinkler $100 + $10 per $1,000 of total cost
Temporary structure / tent $250
Trench permit $100
Zoning determination letter $250

Electrical, plumbing and gas fee examples

Trade Examples from current schedule
Electrical — new single-family $270 with overhead service; $360 with underground service
Electrical — existing dwelling addition / remodel $135
Electrical — generator $100 without trench; $150 with trench
Electrical — roof solar $135
Electrical — commercial $100 application fee + $14 per $1,000
Residential plumbing / gas $75 application fee + $15 per fixture
Residential plumbing / gas reinspection $75; second and later reinspection $125
Commercial plumbing / gas $100 application fee + $20 per fixture
Commercial plumbing / gas reinspection $125
Fee warning: The current schedule says fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, can change without notice, and work performed without the required permit may result in doubled fees and/or fines. Always use the amount assessed by the Town for your actual application.

How Fairhaven Building Inspections Work

Inspection requests must be submitted using the online permitting system. The current Building Department webpage says:

  • Plumbing and gas inspections: generally completed in the morning.
  • Electrical and building inspections: generally completed in the afternoon.
  • Notice: allow 48 hours when requesting an inspection.
Important 2026 scheduling detail: Some pages of Fairhaven’s fee schedule still print “24 hour notice required,” while the live Building Department webpage specifically says to allow 48 hours. For practical scheduling, follow the current webpage and submit the request at least 48 hours ahead.

Typical required residential inspections

The Town currently lists the following residential stages under 780 CMR. Your permit may not require every item.

  1. Excavation / frost protection.
  2. Footing before concrete placement.
  3. Foundation and waterproofing.
  4. Mechanical rough and final.
  5. Electrical rough and final.
  6. Plumbing rough and final.
  7. Gas rough and final.
  8. Floodplain inspection before vertical construction where applicable.
  9. Frame inspection.
  10. Energy / insulation inspection.
  11. Fire-rated assembly review where applicable.
  12. Final inspection after required trade and Fire Department sign-offs.

Do not cover wiring, piping, framing, insulation-related work or another regulated component until the required inspection has occurred. The Town states that permit work must remain accessible and exposed for inspection.

Commercial inspection sequence

Commercial projects can include excavation, footing and foundation, slab / under-floor work, floodplain review, rough and final mechanical/electrical/plumbing inspections, framing, lath and gypsum, fire/smoke-resistant penetrations, energy-efficiency inspections, special inspections and final inspection.

For a Certificate of Occupancy, Fairhaven states that required reports, as-built or elevation documentation where applicable, and relevant departmental sign-offs must be completed before occupancy approval.

Another Massachusetts town can use a different inspection workflow even when it uses PermitEyes. For comparison, see our Attleboro Building Department guide.

Fairhaven Shed Registration and Accessory Structure Rules

Fairhaven publishes unusually specific local guidance for small sheds.

Shed 200 sq. ft. or smaller: Fairhaven uses a shed-registration process with a published $50 fee.
Shed over 200 sq. ft.: the Town states that a building permit is required.

For a small shed registration, the Town asks applicants to use the online system and attach a scaled plot plan showing the proposed shed location and setbacks.

Current zoning rules for accessory buildings also provide useful limits:

  • Keep the accessory structure at least 5 feet from a lot line.
  • Do not build it over an easement.
  • Do not place it in the required front yard or prohibited area in front of the principal structure.
  • The general accessory-building rule limits floor area to 700 square feet.
  • The general height limit is 20 feet or the height of the principal building, whichever is lower.

Registration does not override Health, Conservation, zoning or other property restrictions. Check the current Fairhaven Zoning Bylaw before fixing the shed location.

What Building Code Does Fairhaven Use in 2026?

Fairhaven enforces the Massachusetts State Building Code. In 2026, the statewide code is the 10th Edition of 780 CMR. Massachusetts ended the transition period for the previous edition on June 30, 2025, so current applications are under the 10th Edition framework.

The state code separates residential requirements for qualifying one- and two-family buildings and townhouses from the base provisions used for other buildings. Use the Massachusetts 780 CMR code page for current state documents.

Fairhaven energy code

Massachusetts lists Fairhaven as a Stretch Energy Code community, with an adoption effective date of July 1, 2018. That means covered work may have energy requirements beyond the statewide base-energy code.

For a new house, substantial addition, major renovation or commercial construction, determine the applicable energy documentation before completing your plans. Insulation, air sealing, mechanical systems, windows and other components can affect compliance.

Should the Homeowner or Contractor Pull the Permit?

Massachusetts makes an important distinction between a homeowner exemption and work performed by licensed contractors.

For many one- and two-family projects, a qualifying homeowner may be able to obtain a building permit under the state homeowner exemption. But doing so can make the homeowner responsible for supervision and code compliance.

If you hired a contractor: Massachusetts consumer guidance warns homeowners against pulling the building permit simply because a contractor asks them to do it. When a homeowner pulls the permit, the homeowner can take on responsibilities normally carried by the contractor and may lose certain Home Improvement Contractor program protections.

Massachusetts also distinguishes a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) from a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration. They are not interchangeable. Existing owner-occupied one- to four-family residential contracting can require HIC registration, while many structural projects also require appropriate CSL supervision.

Electrical, plumbing and gas work has separate professional licensing requirements. Do not assume a homeowner building permit authorizes unlicensed trade work.

Common Reasons Fairhaven Permit Applications Get Delayed

Problem Practical fix
Missing insurance or license information Upload the requested contractor credentials before expecting preliminary review to move forward.
Incomplete plans Use readable drawings showing dimensions, proposed work and relevant structural/site information.
Zoning conflict Check permitted use, setbacks and lot restrictions before finalizing the design.
Wetland / Conservation issue Resolve Conservation requirements early rather than waiting for Building review to identify them.
Floodplain condition Prepare required elevation or flood-related documentation when applicable.
Wrong permit type Select the application that matches the actual scope instead of choosing a general category simply because it appears faster.
Starting before issuance Wait for the actual permit. A submitted application is not authorization to begin regulated work.
Work covered before inspection Leave required work visible until the relevant inspector approves it.

Permit Status and Existing Building Records

If you submitted an application through PermitEyes, sign in using the same account and review the application record, messages, requested documents and available status information.

  1. Open the Fairhaven PermitEyes login.
  2. Sign in with the account used for the application.
  3. Locate the project or permit.
  4. Check for fees, messages, missing documentation or inspection activity.
  5. If the information is unclear, contact the Building Department and provide the permit/application number and property address.

For older files or records that are not available through your account, contact Inspectional Services and ask what records are available for the property. Do not assume that “no result” in an online system proves that no older permit exists.

If you are comparing how Massachusetts cities make permit history available, our Boston building permit search guide explains a different municipal records system.

60-Second Checklist Before You Submit

  • Confirm the property is within the Town of Fairhaven.
  • Write a precise description of the proposed work.
  • Check zoning and setbacks before finalizing plans.
  • Identify floodplain, wetland or other site constraints.
  • Prepare scaled drawings or a plot plan where required.
  • Have contractor license information ready.
  • Prepare the Certificate of Insurance when applicable.
  • Create or sign into the correct PermitEyes account.
  • Pay the amount assessed through the current permit process.
  • Do not begin regulated work until the permit is issued.
  • Request inspections before work is concealed.
  • Use the current 48-hour inspection-request guidance.
  • Complete final inspections and required sign-offs before treating the project as closed.

Information reviewed November 2, 2026. Permit requirements, staff assignments, fees and procedures can change. USBuilding.org is an independent informational resource and is not operated by the Town of Fairhaven. The Town and applicable Massachusetts authorities make final permit, inspection, zoning and code decisions.

Fairhaven Building Department FAQs

1. Where is the Fairhaven Building Department?

The Building Department operates through Fairhaven Town Hall at 40 Center Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719. The current department page lists 508-979-4023 ext. 8117 for the Building Commissioner / administrative office.

2. Can I apply for a Fairhaven building permit online?

Yes. Fairhaven uses PermitEyes. Open the Town’s PermitEyes portal, sign in or create an account, select the applicable permit, upload the required documents, complete payment steps and monitor the application for reviewer messages.

3. How long does a Fairhaven building permit take?

The Town’s online permitting guide says permit requests containing the necessary preliminary items are generally reviewed within 2–5 business days before being routed to the appropriate inspector. Missing documents, zoning issues or reviews by other departments can make the process longer.

4. How do I schedule a Fairhaven building inspection?

Request the inspection through the online permitting system. The current Building Department page asks applicants to allow 48 hours. Plumbing and gas inspections are generally performed in the morning, while electrical and building inspections are generally performed in the afternoon.

5. Do I need a permit for a shed in Fairhaven?

Fairhaven states that a shed 200 square feet or smaller uses its shed-registration process, with a published $50 fee. A structure greater than 200 square feet requires a building permit. A scaled plot plan showing the location and setbacks is required for the small-shed registration.

6. How much is a Fairhaven building permit in 2026?

The amount depends on the project. For example, the April 1, 2026 residential schedule lists new one- or two-family homes at a $50 application fee plus $12 per $1,000 of cost, while additions and renovations are $50 plus $10 per $1,000. Use the Town’s current assessed amount because fees can change.

7. Can a Fairhaven homeowner pull their own building permit?

A qualifying homeowner may be able to use the Massachusetts homeowner exemption for certain building work, but doing so carries supervision and compliance responsibilities. If you hired a contractor, review Massachusetts consumer guidance before agreeing to pull the permit yourself.

8. What building code applies in Fairhaven in 2026?

Fairhaven enforces the Massachusetts State Building Code. In 2026, Massachusetts uses the 10th Edition of 780 CMR. Fairhaven is also listed as a Stretch Energy Code community.

9. Do zoning or flood rules affect a Fairhaven building permit?

Yes. Building approval does not override zoning, floodplain, wetlands or other property restrictions. Depending on the site and project, Planning, Conservation, Health or other Town reviews may be needed before the building permit can move forward.

10. When is a Fairhaven project considered complete?

A project is not complete simply because construction work stops. Required building and trade inspections must be passed, outstanding corrections resolved and, where applicable, a Certificate of Occupancy or other final approval must be issued. Keep the final permit and inspection records with the property records.

Official Fairhaven and Massachusetts Resources

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