Online Permitting
WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING ONLINE APPLICATIONS
Applicants are STRONGLY encouraged to apply online, as paper applications will take longer to process. There may also be a processing fee associated with paper submissions.
All building permit applications for new homes, additions, alterations, and renovations require 2 physical paper copies of the building plan and site plan be submitted to the Building Department, minimum size 18 x 24 unless otherwise approved in advance by the Building Inspector.
USER GUIDELINES
Registration:
Welcome! Regardless of the type of application you wish to use, if you are new to OpenGov, you must first become a registered user before applying through this system. This is true for ALL permit types. Once registered, you can log in to your OpenGov user account 24/7 to enter new applications, or check the status of existing applications. If you are already registered with OpenGov for other MA towns, you do NOT have to create a new user profile just for Orleans; you can use your existing log in here.
New Users: Please register ONLY ONCE (with one email address) to avoid confusion. There is no cost to register as a user.
New Users: Please register ONLY ONCE (with one email address) to avoid confusion. There is no cost to register as a user.
Things To Know About OpenGov Permit Applications:
The system will generate a Permit Number after your application has been successfully completed and entered, but this does not mean that a permit has been issued. Please await notice of permit issuance via the user email entered. Full payment must be made before your application can be reviewed. Draft, unpaid and incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Info On Calculation of Fees:
Many Orleans Building Department Fees are fixed, depending on the type of project. Others are based on the total square footage of the work proposed. This includes new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, decks, etc. Be sure that the plans submitted with your application have all dimensions clearly indicated, and that you enter an accurate square footage total. Otherwise, your application may be refused. Note that your answer in the 'Total Cost of the Project' field has NO bearing on the calculated permit fees; please be truthful when entering this information.
Payment of Fees:
Users can make payments online using a credit card or checking account withdrawal. If you are using this option, a convenience fee will be added to the total due. As an alternative, payment with cash or a check payable to ‘Town of Orleans’ can be made in person or mailed to: Building Department, 19 School Rd, Orleans, MA 02653. Please include the locus property address, owner's name, applicant's name, and permit number. No additional processing fees will be applied if paying by cash or written check. Please reference our fee schedule for more information on permit fees.
Please Also Note:
1) A separate permit is required for each structure being altered or proposed.
Example 1: for the demo/rebuild of an existing structure you will need 2 separate applications
Example 2: for addition to existing structure, and adding new detached garage, 2 permits are needed.
2) For Wiring licensees applying for Wiring permits, the licensee must be the applicant.
3) For Gas and Plumbing permits: the licensee must be the applicant.
4) All Gas, Plumbing, Wiring, Sheet Metal, Solar, and ESS work require separate applications.
5) Contact the Building Department or check the OBD web page if you have any questions about permit requirements.
6) Home Improvement Contractors are required by law to adhere to MGL 142A. Both CSL and HIC registrations must be current.
7) Approvals from other departments and associated regulations may be required prior to permit approval and issuance.
8) INSPECTION REQUESTS CANNOT BE MADE THROUGH THE ONLINE SYSTEM.
-Call, email, or stop by in person with inspection requests. -Wiring Inspection Requests must be made in writing or via email.
9) Permit Fees are non-refundable.