FAQs • Yarmouth • CivicEngage

I want to add a bedroom/addition to my house. What is required?: The Health Department, through our office records, will help you determine if your existing septic system is large enough to accommodate your proposed renovations, in addition to meeting the required setbacks. Our office will also determine if your house lot is located within the Town of Yarmouth Zone II Areas of Wellhead Contribution. In general, properties located within this Zone II are limited to 1 bedroom per 10,000 square feet of land area. For example, a vacant lot of 20,000 square feet that is located within the Zone II is limited to 2 bedrooms with the installation of a standard Title V septic system. If your existing house and lot do not meet the minimum standard, you may be required to record a Deed Restriction on your property deed, which limits the total number of bedrooms, at the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds. Don’t forget to check with the Building Department at (508) 398-2231 ext. 261 to address any zoning issues.
MassDEP Zone II Areas of Wellhead Contribution

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Building

1. Are shed permits required?: All sheds require zoning permits. Click the link below to download an express permit:
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2. Do all swimming pools need fences?: Any in-ground pool more than two feet deep requires a fence. Any doors from the house that access the pool directly require alarms.
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3. I want to add a bedroom/addition to my house. What is required?: The Health Department, through our office records, will help you determine if your existing septic system is large enough to accommodate your proposed renovations, in addition to meeting the required setbacks. Our office will also determine if your house lot is located within the Town of Yarmouth Zone II Areas of Wellhead Contribution. In general, properties located within this Zone II are limited to 1 bedroom per 10,000 square feet of land area. For example, a vacant lot of 20,000 square feet that is located within the Zone II is limited to 2 bedrooms with the installation of a standard Title V septic system. If your existing house and lot do not meet the minimum standard, you may be required to record a Deed Restriction on your property deed, which limits the total number of bedrooms, at the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds. Don’t forget to check with the Building Department at (508) 398-2231 ext. 261 to address any zoning issues.
MassDEP Zone II Areas of Wellhead Contribution

4. My septic has failed; what do I do?: Contact a design engineer who will design a new septic system based on the total number of bedrooms for residential properties. The design of the septic system is a multi-step process that usually involves a survey of your property, a soil and percolation test, and a sketch of your house floor plan all of which can take up to 2- 3 months depending on your engineer’s schedule, the backlog of scheduled soil tests, and the review of the final septic plan by the Health Department. The Health Department is available to guide you through this process. Health Department

5. Where is my septic system?: As-built location cards are available from the Health Division Office. Health Division

6. When is a Building Permit required?: A Building Permit is required whenever a project includes construction, reconstruction, alterations, repair, removal or demolition of a structure. Also a permit is required for any change of use of a building or structure and /or the installation or alteration of any equipment that is regulated by the State Building Code.

7. Do I need a Plot Plan as part of my building application?: Yes, A Plot Plan is required if the proposed construction involves a new structure, an addition to an existing structure, or reconstruction.

8. How long are permits good for?: Any building permit issued shall be deemed abandoned and invalid unless the work authorized by it shall have commenced within six months after issuance.

9. What about the issuance of plumbing, gas or wiring permits?: These permits are only issued to Massachusetts licensed plumbing, gas fitters and electrical.