FAQs • Hingham, MA • CivicEngage

I want to put a shed on my property, what are the rules for that?: In residential zoning districts you are allowed one shed that does not exceed sixty four (64) square feet in ground coverage and nine (9) feet in height (typically 8’x8’) that can be placed to the rear of the dwelling no closer than five (5) feet from side and rear lot lines. If the shed is larger than that it must meet the setbacks for the zone it is located in. In all instances a building permit must be applied for and issued before the shed can be installed.

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Building Department

1. Can I apply for a building permit online?: Yes, all of our permitting is done online. This would include residential and commercial building permits, plumbing, gas fitting, electrical, sheet metal, tent, sign, and solid fuel-burning appliances. To register or log in go to www.hingham-ma.gov/permitting
Register or Log In to Online Permitting

2. When do I need to apply for a building permit?: Generally any time you are opening walls you should be applying for a building permit. If the work includes electrical and/or plumbing or gas the licensed electrician and licensed plumber will apply for their own permits and pay a permit fee for their work. The estimated cost of their work should be included with the estimated construction costs on the building permit application.

3. As a homeowner can I apply for a building permit?: Yes you may, however a word of caution, some simple jobs may not be so simple. Here is an explanation of why homeowners should not obtain the building permit for construction projects.
Why Homeowners Should Not Obtain the Building Perm

This handy chart will guide you to determine the types of work that require the licenses your contractor shall have for your project.

5. I want to put a shed on my property, what are the rules for that?: In residential zoning districts you are allowed one shed that does not exceed sixty four (64) square feet in ground coverage and nine (9) feet in height (typically 8’x8’) that can be placed to the rear of the dwelling no closer than five (5) feet from side and rear lot lines. If the shed is larger than that it must meet the setbacks for the zone it is located in. In all instances a building permit must be applied for and issued before the shed can be installed.

6. Do I need a permit to erect a fence?: A fence 6’ and under does not require a permit. The Building Department strongly recommends that you erect a fence 12”-18” in from your property line for maintenance purposes. A fence over 6’ must meet the setbacks for the zone it is in or seek relief from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

7. How do I know what zone my property is in?: See the GIS (Graphic Information System) page the Town’s web site
GIS Mapping

8. What are the building dimensional requirements for the zone my property is in?: See Section IV-A of the Town of Hingham Zoning By-Law.
Zoning ByLaws

9. How do I check the status of a building permit or building permits that have been issued on a property?: You may search the Public Listing of Building Permits online. Please note that you will only find permits from 2010 to present. And you may not find all the information on line for permits issued between 2010 to 2016. Prior permits and other information will be found in the Building Departments street file(s) and will require you to come to the office during regular business hours. The Building Departments street files(s) go back to the early 1980’s. Anything prior to that may take some time on your part researching records in our office. And many older permits are archived and may take staff time to retrieve the information.
Search All Building Permits

10. How do I find information for a specific property?: You may search the Public Listing of Building Permits . Please note that you will only find permits from 2010 to present. And you may not find all the information on line for permits issued between 2010 to 2016. Prior permits and other information will be found in the Building Departments street file(s) and will require you to come to the office during regular business hours. The Building Departments street files go back to the early 1980’s. Anything prior to that may take some time on your part researching records in our office. And many older permits are archived and may take staff time to retrieve the information.