Building & Inspections

The Town of Cohasset Building Department has converted to Electronic Permitting.  If you have not already set up an account, please click on the following link to read more information and to set up your own account.  Electronic Permitting.  Please contact the building department for all inspections. 

Click here for a video demonstrating how to access the electronic permitting system. 

Responsibilities & Services


The Building Department is focused on enhancing, maintaining, and protecting the economic and social quality of life in Cohasset by creating and implementing appropriate building and inspection initiatives for the betterment of the Town. The Building Department is responsible, but not limited to, the following - please contact the Building and Inspection Office for more information:

   

  • Administering and enforcing the Massachusetts State Building Code and Zoning Bylaws
  • Conduct annual inspections of various buildings and establishments in Cohasset
  • Issues Certificates of Occupancy for new and change of use properties


Zoning, Building, Electrical, Plumbing & Gas Inspections


The objective of our inspectors is to ensure that the Town of Cohasset Zoning Ordinance and the State Building Code is strictly, yet fairly, enforced in order that projects may be completed and functioning properly and safely in a timely manner through the following:


  • Customer service that is responsive and helpful at initial contact and all the way throughout the process
  • Reviews plans and applications for building, electrical, plumbing, gas, or zoning compliance
  • Issuance of proper permits
  • Thorough professional completion of all field inspections
  • Inspection Occupancy Permits
  • Maintenance of accurate and complete records

Description & Mission


The Building and Inspection Department administers and enforces the Massachusetts State Building Code, Electrical, Plumbing, and Architectural Access Codes, Cohasset Zoning Bylaws, and Cohasset General Bylaws. The Building Department is to ensure the public safety, health, and welfare of Cohasset's Community through the administration and enforcement of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Town of Cohasset Bylaws as they relate to land use and the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures. The Mission of the Building Inspector/Commissioner, whom is appointed by the Town Manager, issues all necessary notices or orders to remove illegal or unsafe conditions, and will ensure compliance with all requirements of the State Building Code.


Additional Contact Information

The Building Department's office is generally attended during normal Town Hall operating times, however, inspectors are frequently in the field conducting inspections so it is recommended that contacting the Building Office before coming in if a particular inspector is needed. Voice mail is checked continually throughout the day and calls are returned promptly.


Affidavit For Final Cost of Construction

  1. Affidavit for Final Cost of Construction - Permitting and Inspections (PDF).pdf

Building & Inspections Pre-Permitting Procedure Guide

  1. Building & Inspections_Pre Permitting Procedure_06.02.21

Request for Enforcement Form

  1. REQUEST FOR ENFORCEMENT FORM 7.22.22

Documents & Applications

All Building Permits should be filed for online.  Link to the left.

  1. Application to Construct or Build a Chimney or Install a Wood or Coal Stove Permit (PDF)
  2. Building Permit Fee Schedule (PDF)
  3. Change of Construction Supervisor by Property Owner (PDF)
  4. Electrical Permit Fee Schedule (PDF)
  1. Historic Commission Application for Certification and Certificate of Appropriateness (PDF)
  2. Licensed Construction Supervisor Assumption of Responsibility (PDF)
  3. Massachusetts Application for Permit to do Gas Fitting (PDF)
  4. Massachusetts Application for Permit to Perform Electrical Work (PDF)
  1. Massachusetts Uniform Application to do Plumbing Work (PDF)
  2. Plumbing and Gas Fee Schedule (PDF)
  3. Withdrawal of Licensed Construction Supervisor from Project (PDF)
  4. Affidavit - Home Improvement Contractor Law - Supplement to Permit

Height Definition and Diagram

  1. Measurement of Height Policy and Procedure
  1. Height Measurement Example Diagram

Cohasset Zoning Bylaw Article 11 Land Alteration as amended by Special Town Meeting 2021 

  1. Article 11 as amended by STM 2021 full article language