Skip to content

Industry Action: Harwich & Bourne Permitting Updates

January 1st, the Town of Harwich implemented a new building permit fee structure that significantly changed how permit fees were calculated and how applications were processed.

Under the new approach, permit fees for residential projects shifted to a valuation-based model at a rate of $12 per $1,000 of project cost, in addition to other fees such as a technology fee. Members began reporting a number of related implementation changes, including:

  • Requests for full construction contracts containing proprietary pricing information
  • Inclusion of costs not directly tied to the scope of work being reviewed or inspected
  • Duplication between subcontractor permit fees and overall project valuation
  • Procedural hurdles related to permit timing and ZBA applications
  • Uncertainty around what constituted a “complete” application
  • Questions regarding solar permit fee calculations and methodology

In some cases, members reported substantial fee increases compared to prior projects of similar size and scope. A permit for a similarly valued home that had cost approximately $400 under the previous structure was reported at roughly $6,000 under the new system; another increased from approximately $3,000 to $12,000. In one instance, a large single-family home project resulted in a permit fee of approximately $38,000.

As concerns surfaced, HBRACC staff, along with the Government Affairs and Code Committees, began gathering examples from members, reviewing how neighboring municipalities handle similar issues, and identifying where implementation in Harwich differed from practices commonly used across Cape Cod and the broader region. HBRACC also engaged directly with Town administration to better understand the goals and application of the new system.

While the Select Board establishes the fee structure, implementation is handled administratively. HBRACC’s focus was ensuring that:

  • Fees are applied consistently
  • Applicants understand what is required
  • Project costs align with the scope of work the Town is actually reviewing and inspecting
  • Builders and homeowners can better anticipate costs and timelines
  • Proprietary business information is appropriately protected

Over the course of numerous meetings and ongoing discussions with Town staff and administration, HBRACC advocated for a more standardized, transparent, and predictable approach.

As a result, several significant changes and clarifications were discussed and agreed to in concept:

  • Revising the ZBA process so applicants no longer need to first receive a formal permit denial before applying
  • Moving away from requiring full construction contracts in most cases and instead utilizing itemized cost breakdowns
  • Developing clearer guidance regarding what costs are and are not included in permit valuation
  • Considering a more defined “complete application” checklist to improve predictability during review
  • Reviewing the technology fee and solar fee structure
  • Providing greater clarity around how fee calculations relate to the scope of work being reviewed and inspected

Since these discussions began, Harwich’s Building Commissioner has departed the position and accepted the role of Building Commissioner for the Town of Bourne.

As Harwich moves forward with new leadership and continues evaluating implementation of its permit fee structure, Bourne builders should be aware that they may see a more detailed and rigorous approach to code administration and permit review. Building officials bring their own professional experience, priorities, and interpretations to the role, and members working in Bourne may notice changes in permitting processes, documentation requirements, or code enforcement practices as the transition unfolds.

This remains an evolving situation and not every issue has been fully resolved. However, meaningful progress has been made through direct member engagement, constructive advocacy, and ongoing dialogue with local officials.

This is exactly why HBRACC’s Industry Action efforts matter.

Whether the issue is permitting, zoning, energy code implementation, local regulations, or administrative process, individual member concerns often reveal broader patterns impacting the industry as a whole. By gathering information, identifying trends, and engaging directly with decision-makers, HBRACC is able to advocate for clearer, fairer, and more workable policies on behalf of the building community.

If you encounter permitting or regulatory issues in your town—whether related to fees, process, inspections, timelines, or code interpretation—please reach out to Executive Director Stefanie Coxe. The earlier we identify patterns and engage constructively, the more effective we can be in improving outcomes for our members and the homeowners they serve.