What You Need to Know about Falmouth Building Department Fees
If you're planning a construction project, renovation, or any building-related work in Falmouth, MA, understanding the updated Falmouth, MA building fees is essential. Effective January 1, 2025, the Town of Falmouth has revised its fee schedule for the Building Department to reflect current costs and regulations. These Falmouth permit fees cover everything from new residential construction to electrical installations and plumbing work. In this post, we'll break down the key categories, highlight important changes, and provide tips to help you navigate the process smoothly.
Whether you're a homeowner adding a deck or a contractor handling commercial alterations, knowing these Falmouth, MA fees upfront can save you time and money. For general guidance on obtaining permits, visit https://www.falmouthma.gov/313/Online-Permitting.
Key Changes to Falmouth, MA Building Fees for 2025
The 2025 updates were approved by the Select Board on December 16, 2024, under Chapter 119, §2 of the Code of Falmouth. Notable points include non-refundable fees, doubled costs for starting work without a permit, and specific exemptions like no fee for handicapped ramps on residential properties. These Falmouth building department fees aim to support efficient town services while ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Building Fees in Falmouth, MA
Building fees form the core of Falmouth permit fees and apply to a wide range of projects. Here's a detailed breakdown:
| Category | Fee Details | Minimum Fee |
|---|---|---|
| New Residential and Commercial Construction (e.g., homes, hotels, storage) | $8 per thousand | $100 |
| Alterations/Additions (e.g., decks, porches, sheds, pools, demolitions) | $8 per thousand | $100 |
| Handicapped Ramp on Residential Property | No fee | N/A |
| Re-inspection Fee | $100 | N/A |
| Certificate of Inspection (COI) | $100 per establishment | N/A |
| COI Late Fee | $50 after expiration | N/A |
| Certificate of Commercial Use & Occupancy | $100 | N/A |
| Change of Use and Occupancy | $25 | N/A |
| Duplicate Permit | $25 | N/A |
| Sign Permit | $8 per thousand | $100 |
| Stoves (wood, coal, pellet) | $75 per stove | N/A |
| Temporary Structures (e.g., trailers, tents) | $150 per unit | N/A |
| Tent Permit | $150 per tent | N/A |
| Trenches | $25 to $45 | N/A |
| After Hours/Weekend Inspection (All Permits) | $225 per inspection | N/A |
| Consolidated Permit (includes sewer, trench, plumbing, septic abandonment) | $50 | N/A |
| Consolidated Permit with Electrical | $100 | N/A |
Remember, starting work before securing a permit doubles the fee. If you're unsure about your project's classification, visit https://www.falmouthma.gov/313/Online-Permitting for more details.
Electrical Fees for Falmouth Projects
Electrical work requires separate Falmouth, MA electrical fees to ensure safe installations. These cover new builds, alarms, and more:
| Category | Fee Details |
|---|---|
| Residential New Construction | $100 per unit |
| Residential Smoke/Fire/Burglar Alarm | $50 |
| Residential Alterations/Remodels/Additions | $75 |
| Residential Audio/Video Work | $75 |
| Residential Temporary/Change of Service | $100 |
| Commercial New Building | $175 plus $25 per room |
| Commercial Additions/Alterations/Remodels | $100 plus $25 per room |
| Commercial Audio/Video Work | $100 |
| Commercial Service Change/Services Only | $100 |
| Commercial Smoke/Fire/Burglar Alarm | $100 |
| Generators (Residential/Commercial) | $100 |
| Swimming Pools (In/Above Ground) | $150 |
| Carnival/Concession/Fair | $50 per day |
| Annual Maintenance Fee | $200 |
| After Hours/Weekend Inspection | $225 |
| Re-inspection Fee | $100 |
| Solar PV Systems | $10 per KW, $100 minimum |
Need help with permits and paperwork? Contact us for expert assistance.
Plumbing and Gas Fees in Falmouth, MA
Plumbing and gas permits are crucial for health and safety. The Falmouth plumbing fees are structured by fixture count:
| Category | Fee Details |
|---|---|
| Residential 1st Appliance/Fixture | $45 |
| Residential Additional Appliances/Fixtures | $12 each |
| Commercial 1st Appliance/Fixture | $70 |
| Commercial Additional Appliances/Fixtures | $18 each |
| Carnival/Concession/Fair | $50 per day |
| Re-inspection | $100 |
| After Hours/Weekend Inspections | $225 |
These Falmouth gas fees integrate with plumbing for streamlined permitting.
Sheet Metal and Mechanical Fees
For HVAC and related systems:
| Category | Fee Details |
|---|---|
| Residential and Commercial | $8 per thousand, minimum $100 |
This category ensures mechanical systems meet Falmouth building codes.
Planning a full remodel? Visit https://www.falmouthma.gov/313/Online-Permitting or check https://www.falmouthma.gov/310/Fees.
Save time and avoid delays with our expert permit services.
FAQs on Falmouth, MA Building Department Fees
For any additional questions, contact the Falmouth Building Department directly.
Note: Staying updated on Falmouth, MA building fees helps avoid surprises and ensures your projects comply with local regulations. Whether it's a simple addition or a major commercial build, these 2025 Falmouth permit fees provide transparency for planning. If you're ready to apply, head to https://www.falmouthma.gov/313/Online-Permitting to get started.
