Building

The Orleans Building Department functions to encourage and maintain public health and life safety through the administration and enforcement of various statutes and regulations, including the Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR 10th Edition, as well as the MA Electrical, Plumbing and Gas Codes. Links to these codes are provided elsewhere on this page.

In addition, the Building Department is responsible for enforcement of the Zoning Bylaws of the Town of Orleans, which are intended to regulate land use, protect Orleans’ inland and coastal waterways, wetlands and watersheds, and to preserve its unique resources and character as a historic coastal New England community. 

The Department also administers and enforces the regulations of the Old King's Highway Regional Historic District Commission, in conjunction with Orleans’ local Historical District Committee, as well as those of the Orleans Historic Commission regarding its demolition delay bylaw. Links to these codes and town web pages are provided elsewhere on this page.

INFO ON E-Permitting:

The Orleans Building Department utilizes the online permitting program called OpenGov.

This is a web-based permitting system that allows contractors and homeowners to create an OpenGov user account, apply for permits, upload required documents, communicate with reviewers, and pay permit fees all in a few easy steps. The system also sends out regular email notifications to registered applicants (and registered ‘guests’) for each step in the process, including approvals. Click HERE Online Permitting | Orleans, MA for more details about registration, online applications and permitting.

Info on Inspections & INSPECTION REQUESTS:

Please be advised that we DO NOT accept inspection requests via the Open Gov online permitting system.

The permit holder is responsible for requesting and making proper arrangements for all required inspections as applicable before proceeding with additional work. This includes ensuring that there is access to the site for the Inspectors. Failure to do so may result in delays, re-inspection fees, having to expose concealed work, or issuance of a Stop Work Order.  

Building Permit Inspections must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance by emailing the Building Department, or by calling (508) 240-3700 x2342. Building Inspections are generally performed Monday through Friday, typically between 1pm & 4pm.  

Electrical Inspections May be requested in by phone, in person or in writing on an Inspection Request Form.  A link to this form is provided below.  Completed Inspection Request Forms should be brought to the Building Department during office hours or emailed directly to the Wiring Inspector at dmessier@town.orleans.ma.us. Request forms can be submitted at any time throughout the week, but again, please ensure that the work is accessible and ready for inspection; otherwise, a re-inspection fee will be assessed.  

The Electrical Inspector is part-time, and his office hours are Tuesdays, Wednesday & Fridays from 8:30am to 10:00am. He is also available during those times for counter visits and phone calls at (508) 240-3700 x2343. 

Plumbing and Gas Inspections may be requested by phone, in person or in writing. Inspectors are part-time and have office hours on Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:00pm to 2:00pm.  They are also available both by phone and at the counter during these times. Their office phone number is (508) 240-3700 x2348.

Gas and Plumbing Inspections are conducted on Wednesdays and Fridays only.  If you wish to know when an inspection is to take place, you may call and speak to the Inspectors directly during their office hours.

ZONING QUESTIONS:

Please email all zoning questions and complaints to the Building Department. The Building Commissioner will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.