Building Department
The Building Department reports to the Town Administrator who reports to the Board of Selectmen. The Building Department is responsible for reviewing applications and plans to construct, alter or demolish any building or structure in the Town of Dover for compliance with applicable Town of Dover Zoning Bylaws and Massachusetts State Gas, Plumbing, Electrical, Building Codes and Chapter 40A and General Laws.
The Inspectors have to make field inspections at various stages of construction, as well as making inspections of all public buildings, churches and both private and public schools.
The Building Department must also respond to inquiries from attorneys, land surveyors, banks and the general public regarding zoning and building code problems or direct their calls to the proper authorities if it is not a building or zoning code matter.
The Board of Building Regulations and Standards strongly cautions building owners against applying for their own building permit. Reputable contractors will apply for the permit, acting as the owner’s agent and with the owner’s written authority. Your contractor may need to be both a licensed Construction Supervisor and a registered Home Improvement Contractor. If a contractor is reluctant to apply for the building permit on your behalf, it may be an indication that the contractor does not possess a license or a registration. Remember, for home improvement work covered by Chapter 142A of the General Laws you are EXCLUDED from reimbursement of up to $10,000 from the guaranty fund if you apply for your own building permit or if you do business with an unregistered contractor.
Contacting the Building Department
Applications can be found under Forms on the right side of this page or in the display case outside the office for your convenience. Completed applications with the correct check amount may be placed under the door.
Office Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 7:00am-12:00pm
Wednesday: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Thursday: 7:00am-12:00pm
Friday: 7:00am-12:00pm
Inspection Hours:
Tuesday/Thursday: 7:00am-2:00pm
Office Location: 1st floor of the Town House
Phone:
Office: 508-785-0032 ext. 225
Building Inspector: 508-785-0032 ext. 225
Wiring Inspector: 508-785-0032 ext. 245
Plumbing and Gas Inspector: 781-444-3392
Fax: 508-785-8114
Mailing Address:
Building Department
P.O. Box 250
Dover, MA 02030
| Position | Employee | |
| Inspector of Buildings/Admin. Asst | Walter Avallone | builddept@doverma.org |
| Wiring Inspector | Kevin Malloy | |
| Deputy Wiring Inspector | James Naughton | |
| Plumbing and Gas Inspector | Red Hauptman | |
| Deputy Gas Inspector | Raymond Grenier |
Dover Town Code Description of Responsibilities
Building Inspector and Deputy Building Inspector
There shall be a Building Inspector and a Deputy Building Inspector appointed annually by the Board of Selectmen. The duties and authority of the Building Inspector and the Deputy Building Inspector shall include, but shall not be limited to, those specified in M.G.L. ch. 143, § 3.
Gas and Plumbing Inspector
There shall be a Gas and Plumbing Inspector appointed annually by the Building Inspector. The Gas and Plumbing Inspector’s duties and authority shall include, but shall not be limited to, those specified in M.G.L. ch. 142, § 11.
Wiring Inspector and Deputy Wiring Inspectors
There shall be a Wiring Inspector and one or more Deputy Wiring Inspectors appointed annually by the Board of Selectmen. The duties and authority of the Wiring Inspectors and the Deputy Wiring Inspectors shall include, but shall not be limited to, those specified in M.G.L. ch. 166, §§ 32, 32A.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a building permit for my project?
You need a building permit for any project to your home that is not cosmetic. Click here for more information.
Do I need a permit for a fence?
You need a permit if the fence is over 6 feet in height.
Do I need a permit for a shed?
A permit is needed for one-story detached accessory buildings used as tool sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area exceeds 120 square feet.
How do I calculate the height of a roof?
Use the height of the highest point of the roof above the foundation plus the weighted average of the finished grade to the top of the foundation. This cannot exceed the Town of Dover Bylaw, Section 5.2 Schedule of Dimensional Requirements maximum of 35 feet.
What are the setbacks for any structure?
The Zoning Enforcing Officer will check the Schedule of Dimensional Requirements of the Town of Dover for you.
