Approvals for a deck or porch on a house in Massachusetts
This is the list ShovelCue builds for a deck or porch on a house in Massachusetts before it knows anything else about the site. It has 7 items in 4 groups.
Required the rules say soLikely usual for this kind of projectCheck locally depends on the site or the town
Design & Permit Documents
Plot Plan or Survey of the Work
LikelyA plot plan or survey shows where the deck sits against the property lines.
- State rule
- Shows where the work sits against the property lines, so zoning and the building department can check it.
- Source
- codes.iccsafe.org
Permit Drawings for the Work
LikelySimple drawings of the size, framing, footings and railings for the permit review.
- State rule
- Drawings of the size, structure and systems of the work for the permit review.
- Source
- codes.iccsafe.org
Permits & Construction Authorizations
Building Permit
RequiredIn Massachusetts a deck needs a permit unless it is 200 square feet or less, no more than 30 inches high, detached and not at a required exit.
- Agency
- Building commissioner or inspector of buildings
- State rule
- The building official must issue or deny the permit in writing within 30 days of filing under the state building code.
- Clock
- Set by law
- Source
- mass.gov
Final Inspection
RequiredThe inspector checks the footings, framing and railings and closes the permit. In Massachusetts the building official must make a requested inspection within two business days after notice.
- Agency
- Local building official
- Source
- mass.gov
Construction Readiness
Dig Safe Notice (811)
LikelyCall 811 before digging the footings so the utility lines are marked.
- Agency
- Dig Safe System (811)
- State rule
- Mark the dig area in white and notify Dig Safe at least 72 business hours before digging. A ticket lasts 30 days.
- Clock
- Set by law
- Source
- mass.gov
Land Use & Entitlements
Zoning Permit
LikelyThe zoning office checks the setbacks and lot coverage of a deck or porch. In Massachusetts the building inspector enforces zoning and must withhold a building permit that would violate it.
- Agency
- Building commissioner or inspector of buildings
- Source
- malegislature.gov
HOA or Architectural Review Approval
Check locallyAn HOA may need to approve the deck or porch before it is built.
Sources
- codes.iccsafe.orgPlot Plan or Survey of the Work
- mass.govBuilding Permit
- mass.govFinal Inspection
- mass.govDig Safe Notice (811)
- malegislature.govZoning Permit
Items with no source link come from the national list and are decided by the town or the site. Ask the local office.
Other project types in Massachusetts
This is general information from public sources. It is not legal advice. Confirm every item with your town and the agencies named before you rely on it.