Helpful Contacts INSPECTIONAL

SERVICES DEPARTMENT PERMIT FEES Conservation Commission 508-495-7470

(508) 495-7445 Fences– Any fence with a height in excess of 7 feet requires a permit with a minimum fee of $50.00.

Sheds– Any shed 200 square feet or larger required a Health Department permit with a minimum fee of $50.00. (508) 495-7485 Fences, Greenhouses– Fees for those which require a permit, as described within, are based on the cost of construc- tion with a minimum fee of $50.00. Planning Department Sheds

(508) 495-7440 helpful hints… and

*Be sure to locate your septic or sewer lines and other Zoning Board of Appeals underground utilities prior to installation. For assis- Greenhouses tance call DIG SAFE at 1-888-344-7233. (508) 495-7460

*Permit applications are available at the Inspectional Services Department or available for downloading and printing on-line at www.falmouthmass.us. Once sub- Department mitted, applicants will be notified as soon as applica- tions are approved. (508) 495-7470

ENSURING PUBLIC SAFETY THROUGH PROFESSIONALISM 04/18

SHEDS: Replacing existing sheds...

conservation and historic districts… If the existing shed does not meet the current set- back and lot coverage requirements, replacement FENCES: It should be noted that although a shed may not be of the shed requires approval from the Inspectional large enough to require a building permit the - Services Department. The Town of Falmouth Building Commissioner/Zoning owner should confirm whether or not their property falls Enforcement Officer in the Inspectional Services De- within a historic or conservation district and if so re- GREENHOUSES: partment will answer questions about zoning or build- quires an application prior to installation. ing codes. zoning issues... zoning issues.. conservation and historic districts... Greenhouses or hoop structures used for agricultur- Residential Sheds: al purposes only are allowed by right. All other us- Owners shall confirm whether or not their property Set backs: A shed 100 square feet or less it must al- es, such as the parking of vehicles or the storage of falls within a historic or conservation area prior to low at least 3 feet from the side and rear of the proper- items unrelated to agricultural purposes, erecting a fence. If this is the case an application shall ty lines. A shed greater than100 square feet must be require a building permit. Additionally, a special be filed with the relevant department. To ensure prop- located at least 10 feet from the side and rear property permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals may also er placement of the fence, owners shall have their lines. No shed can be located in the of the be required. property surveyed by a certified land surveyor before property without a special permit from the Zoning a fence is installed. Board of Appeals. permitting issues... zoning issues... Lot Coverage: All sheds are considered structures and contribute to lot coverage not to exceed 20% without A permit is not required for greenhouses construct- With the exception of property within a historic district benefit of a Special Permit ed of metal hoop frames covered in plastic, which there are no zoning regulations regarding the style of are considered temporary in nature and are not fence a property owner may install or which side of height regulations… the fence should face any abutters. required to meet guidelines. Greenhouses The maximum constructed of a combination of metal or wood and According to the town bylaws, fences are allowed to height of all sheds, glass are considered accessory structures and be located on the property line, however, it is highly regardless of size, need to meet the same requirements as a shed. recommended that enough space is left between the is 22 feet, meas- fence and the property line for maintenance without ured from the natu- the need to trespass on abutting property. ral grade, or ground level, prior

Fences shall not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular visi- to construction. bility on a public way. Fences shall be lowered to pre- The interior of the shed can not exceed 1 1/2 stories. vent blocking the line of sight at the end of a driveway, The area of the shed may not exceed half of the sidewalk or public way. space of the main shed . height regulations... permitting issues…

Fences that are greater than 7 feet in height require a Sheds for residential use exceeding 200 square feet or permit from the Inspectional Services Department commercial use exceeding 120 square feet in area prior to installation. Applications must include a certi- require a permit. Permit applications must include a fied site plan and details regarding structural supports. certified plot plan showing the location of the shed and a framing plan may also be required.