FAQ

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

STRETCH ENERGY

Please follow the link below for information regarding Residential Stretch Code Updates.

https://www.harwich-ma.gov/building/pages/residential-stretch-code-updates

SHEDS

• What are the setback requirements?

o Sheds ≤ 100 Sq. Ft. And ≤ 12’ In Height (Chapter §325-18. G) Setback Information Not Less Than Five Ft. (5’) From Side and Rear Lot Lines, Not Less Than Twenty-Five Ft. (25’) From All Front Lot Lines.

o Sheds > 100 Sq. Ft. ≤ 200 Sq. Ft. Setback Information Not Less Than Twenty Ft. (20’) From Side and Rear Lot Lines Not Less Than Twenty-Five Ft. (25’) From All Front Lot Lines.

• What are the required documents that need to be submitted along with the application?

o All applications must submit one (1) copy of an engineered site plan / septic plan showing size and location of all buildings with setbacks and location of proposed shed clearly marked.

 

RENTAL DENSITY REGISTRATIONS

• How long are the registrations good for?

o Rental Density Registrations expire 90 days after issuance, if you are renting to short term tenants year-round you will need renew your registration every 90 days.

• How do I know if I need a Rental Density Registration?

o Any owner or agent, who shall offer for rent or lease any building or portion thereof to be used for habitation, other than duly authorized or licensed premises, for a period of 90 days or less shall first register with the Building Official. §230-1

o If you are Renting to short term tenants for less than 90 days, or are renting to multiple short term tenants year round you will need a Rental Density Registration.

• Do I need an inspection?

o No Rental Inspections are conducted; however, the following items will need to be verified by the property owner to be in current working order and up to date with any current building code. 

o Smoke detectors & CO detectors (must be tested by the property owner prior to Rental Registration issuance)

o Decks, guardrails, handrails (if applicable), and egress from building.

• How is the Maximum Occupancy determined?

o Maximum Occupancy is determined by the number of bedrooms. 2 occupants per bedroom.

 

EXPRESS PERMITS

• What properties qualifies for an Express Permits?

o Only Residential properties may apply for Express Permits. 

• What scope of work qualifies for an Express Permit?

o Re-roofs

o Re-siding

o Weatherization (adding new insulation only, not replacing old insulation)

o Replacing doors and windows like for like (no structural changes)

 

SIGN PERMITS

• What are the by-laws pertaining to signage?

o All by-laws and regulations can be found in the Harwich Code Book § 325-23, at the following link. https://ecode360.com/12263231 

• What are the guidelines for signs in the Historic District?

o Signage guidelines for the Historical District can be found on page 32 of the Historic District Commission Guidelines Notebook, at the following link. Historic District Signs

 

FULL BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS

• What can I build?

o The Building Department does not determine “Buildability” for applicants. Please reference the Buildability hand out at the following link. Buildability Handout

• When is a Site Plan required?

o A Site Plan is required anytime there is an increase in site or building coverage, e.g.; 

Additions, Decks, Pools, Accessory structures, etc.

• When is a Workers Compensation Affidavit required?

o Workers Compensation Affidavits are always required.  

• When is a Home Owners Exemption form appropriate?

o Home Owners Exemption forms are used when a home owner is applying for their own Building Permit. These are for Residential projects only. 

o If the Contractor is doing the work and applying for the permit a Home Owners Exemption form is not required and will not be accepted along with the contractor’s application.

• Is my property in a Flood Zone?

o You can find out is a property is in a Flood Zone by searching your address at the following link. MassMapper

• What are the setback requirements?

o Please reference the Zoning Compliance Chart at the following link. https://www.harwich-ma.gov/building/pages/residential-zoning-chart

 

MECHANICAL PERMITS

• Who can apply for a Mechanical Permit?

o Per 271 CMR 9.02 “Permits shall be issued only to licensed Journeyperson and Master Sheet Metal Workers.”

• When is a permit required for sheet metal work?

o Per 271 CMR 9.02 “in general, a permit must be issued prior to any erection, installation, or dismantling of sheet metal work.”

• When are plans required to be submitted with an application?

o Per R403.7 Plans are required for new homes, additions in excess of 100sf., large scale alterations which involve substantial interior demolition, or a new system installed in an existing dwelling.

 

TENT PERMITS

• What are the requirements for obtaining a Tent Permit?

o An Engineered site plan showing size and location of all buildings with setbacks and location of proposed tent(s) clearly marked. (an old site plan with the tent drawn on may be used) 

o Workers Compensation Affidavit

o Fire Grading Certificates. (This is obtained by the Tent manufacturer/supplier)

o Must comply with all Zoning regulations

 

Commonly Required Regulation Links for Construction

American Wood Council: Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide

Department of Licensure

Building Energy Codes Program REScheck: Energy Compliance for New Construction

WFCM 110 MPH Exposure B High Wind Construction Checklist for One and Two Family Dwellings Note: Checklist begins on page 33