Navigating the Permitting Process for Your Cape Cod Custom Home
Building or remodeling on Cape Cod is an exciting journey, but permitting can be daunting and confusing. Do you need a permit? Where do you start? How long will it take?
At Fitzgerald Custom Homes, we’ve been through this process countless times, and we’re here to make it as straightforward as possible. Since permitting plays a major role in your project’s timeline, we’ve put together a few notes to help you understand what to expect along the way.
What Permits Do You Need?
The permits you’ll need depend on the type, size, and location of your project. Some of the common ones are:
Building Permit: The big one. This permit covers the core of your project and usually requires clearance from zoning, health, conservation, and other town departments before approval.
Plumbing Permit: Required for major plumbing work like moving water lines or installing new drainage. Replacing a faucet? No permit needed.
Septic Permit: If your home isn’t on a town sewer system, you’ll need one to ensure your septic system meets regulations.
Gas Permit: Necessary for installing or modifying gas lines and gas-powered appliances.
Electrical Permit: Covers any electrical work—wiring, outlets, lighting, and more.
Zoning Permit: Ensures your project follows local rules regarding property use, setbacks, and building height.
Conservation Permit: Cape Cod’s natural beauty comes with strict environmental regulations. If your project is near wetlands, the waterfront, or protected areas, expect to go through conservation approvals.
Historic Permit: Many Cape Cod towns have historic districts with specific rules on materials and design. If your home is in one, expect extra steps in the process.
Express Permits: Some towns offer these for smaller projects like roofing, siding, and window replacements. They move faster but are limited in scope.
Other Miscellaneous Permits: Chimneys, pools, accessory buildings, etc. Specific projects may have their own permit requirements.
How Long Does Permitting Take?
The timeline generally varies based on your project’s complexity and the town’s process. Here’s a rough estimate:
New Builds: 4-6 weeks (after zoning, conservation, and historic reviews)
Additions & Remodels: 4-6 weeks
Express Permits: 1-3 weeks
However, some approvals—especially conservation, historic, and zoning—can add months to the process. If you’re building near wetlands or in a historic district, factor in extra time for hearings and plan reviews. Having preliminary schematics early on will help move things along. For example, historic commissions will want to see detailed exterior drawings, while conservation may need landscaping drawings.
Permit Fees – What to Expect
Permit fees aren’t one-size-fits-all. They’re based on your project’s cost, square footage, and the town’s regulations. Here are a few examples showing the variability:
Provincetown: $15.30 per $1,000 of project cost
Barnstable: $5.10 per $1,000 of project cost
Harwich: $0.55 per square foot
Expect total permit costs to range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on your project’s scale and town.
How We Help
With 25+ years of experience in Cape Cod custom home building and remodeling, we are constantly keeping up with the changes and regulations. Here’s how we can make your life easier:
We handle the paperwork – Applying for permits, gathering approvals, and keeping everything on track.
We navigate the hearings – Attending zoning, conservation, and historic commission meetings on your behalf.
We coordinate with experts – Working with local attorneys, surveyors, and engineers as needed.
We keep you informed – Providing realistic timelines and updates so there are no surprises.
We ensure all permits are secured before work begins – So your project moves forward smoothly.
Ready to Build? Let’s Talk.
If you’re thinking about building or remodeling on Cape Cod, let’s start the conversation. We’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help bring your vision to life—without the permitting headaches.
Schedule a consultation today and let’s get started!