Building permits, zoning and land rules in Nantucket County, Massachusetts
57Index Score / 100 #5 of 14 in Massachusetts
Nantucket County, Massachusetts requires building permits through the Town of Nantucket; the consolidated Town and County applies Chapter 139 zoning, with zoning review before building-permit issuance.123 Septic permits come separately from Health & Human Services, and applicable septic approval must precede building-permit review.45 Start with Planning & Land Use Services for building and zoning questions.6
At a glance
Building permit
Required; issued by the Town of Nantucket through Planning & Land Use Services7
Zoning
Chapter 139 zoning applies across the consolidated Town and County; district and overlay rules vary28
Septic
Septic permits come from Health & Human Services, before building-permit review when the project requires septic approval45
RV living
Not confirmed; ask Planning & Land Use Services before relying on RV occupancy9
Secondary dwelling
Separate zoning application; $150 fee includes three inspections, including one before the certificate of occupancy101112
Owner-builder
State home-improvement-contractor registration exemption for building your own home or personally renovating; building permits still apply131
Private well
A well construction permit is required; the permit is valid for two years14
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Do you need a building permit in Nantucket County, Massachusetts?
Yes. The Town of Nantucket administers required building permits, although the available rule does not list every project-specific exception.7 Zoning also applies across the consolidated Town and County, so a building permit does not replace district or overlay review.15
Massachusetts exempts people building their own home or personally renovating from home-improvement-contractor registration; that exemption does not waive building permits, inspections or other applicable licensing requirements.13 Ask the Building division which affidavit, trade licenses and inspections apply before planning self-performed work.6 Nantucket's general process includes rough and final inspections followed by final approvals for a certificate of occupancy.1617 New residential dwellings and large commercial project applications must also comply with Nantucket's Stretch Energy Code, which currently enforces the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code with Massachusetts amendments.18
Who issues building permits in Nantucket County?
Nantucket's Planning & Land Use Services department includes Building, Planning, Zoning and the Historic District Commission, creating one point of contact for permit matters.6 The office is at 2 Fairgrounds Road, Nantucket, MA 02554, and its main number is 508-325-7587.6
The Citizen Self Service portal accepts permit and plan applications and shows their status; call PLUS with code questions.19 The Town of Nantucket issues building permits through its Building Commissioner or Local Inspector; on-site septic approval comes from the Nantucket Board of Health through the separate Health & Human Services process.20214 Applicants must initiate the applicable prerequisite reviews and collect their documentation before building-permit review.22 Planning Board fees depend on the application type rather than one flat charge.23 Health Department fees are published separately and vary by permit type and, for septic work, system capacity.24
Does Nantucket County have zoning?
Yes. Chapter 139 supplies zoning for the consolidated Town and County of Nantucket, with parcel rules determined by the applicable district and overlays.28 The Town publishes district lists by density and land area, while its maps show commercial, residential and overlay areas.2526
Minimum lot area varies under the zoning framework, but the available material does not provide the district measurements, setbacks, lot coverage or height limits.27 Ask Planning & Land Use Services to identify every controlling district and overlay; Nantucket requires zoning review before building-permit issuance.93 Massachusetts zoning bylaws may not regulate the interior area of a single-family home, though building-code requirements still apply.28 Ask PLUS which dwelling category applies: Nantucket's secondary-dwelling application has a size condition to clarify before design, and a tertiary dwelling over 650 square feet requires a special permit.29309
How do septic permits work in Nantucket County?
The Nantucket Health & Human Services Department issues septic permits, and projects that use or change an on-site system must complete applicable septic approval before beginning the building-permit process.5 Health & Human Services publishes local septic regulations, and the approving authority may be the Nantucket Board of Health or MassDEP depending on the system and circumstances.431
A required Title 5 inspection is not a voluntary assessment; an approved inspector must submit the report to the Board of Health or MassDEP within 30 days.32 The available rule does not establish an inspection for every system or transaction.33 USDA soil data rate 0% of county soils as free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so budget for site evaluation rather than assuming a conventional layout will work.34 Where the Town provides both drain and sewer along a public way, abutting parcels must connect as directed by the sewer authority.35
Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Nantucket County?
We could not confirm a Nantucket rule that allows or prohibits living in an RV on private land or temporary camping there. Ask Planning & Land Use Services about the parcel's zoning and proposed duration before buying for that use.9
Massachusetts requires designated seasonal communities, including Nantucket, to adopt local bylaws before qualifying tiny houses can be built; a qualifying unit is detached, no larger than 400 square feet excluding lofts, intended for year-round housing and compliant with state and local building codes.36 We could not confirm Nantucket's parcel-level permission for that use, so bring PLUS the proposed site plan and structure details.9 Nantucket's secondary-dwelling zoning application does not replace building or health approvals; its $150 fee includes three inspections: site viewing, a check before building-permit conditions, and a check before the certificate of occupancy.101112 Renting a dwelling for 31 consecutive days or less generally requires a certificate and annual fee, with an exclusion for rentals totaling 14 days or less in a calendar year.37
Building a home in Nantucket County: what are the steps?
Identify the parcel's zoning district and overlays, then ask Planning & Land Use Services to confirm the use and dimensional rules.259
If dividing land, contact the Planning Board about residential subdivision review and whether a Subdivision Lot Release Form (Form J) is a building-permit prerequisite.3839
Determine whether the site will use sewer or septic, complete any required septic approval before building review, and obtain a well construction permit if the project needs a private well.54014
If the parcel lies in the floodplain overlay district, obtain and document every necessary local, state and federal permit for the proposed development.41
Complete the applicable prerequisite reviews, then submit the building and trade applications through the Town's process.122
Plan the project for Nantucket's Stretch Energy Code, then schedule required rough and final inspections; the certificate of occupancy follows successful final approvals.181617
What should you check before buying land in Nantucket County?
Confirm zoning before closing: Nantucket publishes commercial, residential and overlay districts, while minimum lot area varies by district.2527 Ask PLUS for the controlling setbacks, lot coverage, height and Historic District Commission review.9 Development in the floodplain overlay requires all necessary local, state and federal permits, including for structures, paving and other work that could affect flood risk.41
Treat wastewater feasibility as an early design constraint because USDA data rate 0% of county soils as free of severe limitations for conventional drain fields.34 Confirm sewer availability or septic feasibility, the applicable permit fee, and whether a private well belongs in the permit plan.42244014 If rental income matters, account for Nantucket's short-term-rental certificate and annual fee.37
Watch-outs
Do not assume a small, secondary or tertiary dwelling bypasses review: Nantucket requires building permits, and new residential dwellings must comply with the Town's Stretch Energy Code.718
RV occupancy and temporary camping on private land remain unconfirmed; ask Planning & Land Use Services about the exact parcel and intended duration.9
Conventional septic feasibility is a major due-diligence issue because 0% of county soils are rated free of severe drain-field limitations.34
A floodplain-overlay parcel needs all applicable local, state and federal permits even for work such as paving, fences or sheds.41
Written October 12, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.
Nantucket County highlighted among the Massachusetts counties · colored by Index score
How Nantucket County scores
Seclusion50100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency5499% ev.
Admin Boringness42100% ev.
Durability58100% ev.
Property Autonomy44100% ev.
Carry Cost32100% ev.
Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
$3172kTypical home
0.2%Property tax
$14,302Land / acre
43.7"Annual rain
2.7% of yrsSevere drought
0 / yr (+0)Mid-century 100°F days
13.1 daysMid-century dry spell
2.26" (+9.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.25×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$15,638Home insurance / yr
4.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.4%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
12,493People within 30 min
13,021Radius comparison (15 mi)
312.7People / sq mi
0%Federal land
96.3%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Nantucket County
Inside a city, town or township here, that government usually sets zoning and may issue its own building permits; the county’s rules above cover land outside them.
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Nantucket County rules
Building permitRequired
Building work subject to Nantucket permitting.
The Town permit page describes building permits as required permits; applicable zoning, health, sewer, well, conservation, subdivision, driveway, and fire approvals may be required before the building-permit process.
“This page provides a comprehensive resource for residents, contractors, and businesses to access various permits required by the Town of Nantucket, including building, health, and event permits, ensuring compliance with local regulations and facilitating a streamlined application process.”
InspectionsRequired
Nantucket secondary dwelling applications.
The $150 application fee includes three inspections: site viewing, inspection prior to Building Permit conditions, and inspection prior to the Certificate of Occupancy.
“$150.00 Application Fee Payable to the Town of Nantucket, this includes three (3) inspections; 1. To view site; 2. Prior to Building Permit conditions; and 3. Prior to the Certificate of Occupancy”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Building projects requiring Nantucket PLUS review.
“Inspections include footing, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, frame, and insulation”
Certificate of occupancyRequired
Secondary dwelling applications in Nantucket.
The application process includes an inspection prior to the Certificate of Occupancy.
The source does not establish a universal certificate-of-occupancy rule for every occupancy type.
“$150.00 Application Fee Payable to the Town of Nantucket, this includes three (3) inspections; 1. To view site; 2. Prior to Building Permit conditions; and 3. Prior to the Certificate of Occupancy”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Projects requiring a Nantucket building permit and final approval.
“Once an applicant has passed all the appropriate inspections, a Certificate of Occupancy is issued for the property.”
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
The consolidated Town and County of Nantucket zoning framework.
The official Town and County site identifies Chapter 139 as the Town of Nantucket Zoning chapter; Nantucket is a consolidated town-county jurisdiction.
Specific zoning permissions and dimensional controls depend on the applicable zoning district and overlay.
“The code of the Town of Nantucket (including Chapter 139 Zoning, Chapter 136 Wetlands, Chapter 137 Wharves and Waterways)”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Present (with conditions) — Land development in the consolidated Town and County of Nantucket.
“The code of the Town of Nantucket (including Chapter 139 Zoning, Chapter 136 Wetlands, Chapter 137 Wharves and Waterways) as adopted and amended at Town Meeting is available online by clicking the above link.”
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Local zoning in the consolidated Town and County of Nantucket.
The Town code includes Chapter 139 Zoning; district-specific rules and overlays apply.
“Island Zoning Districts (PDF) -Shows the commercial and residential zones of Nantucket”
Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)
Nantucket zoning districts and overlay districts shown in official Town GIS materials.
The official GIS page provides maps; parcel-specific applicability must be determined from the zoning map and code.
The page identifies commercial and residential zoning areas and multiple overlay districts.
“Island Zoning Districts (PDF) -Shows the commercial and residential zones of Nantucket”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published (with conditions) — Nantucket zoning districts.
“A list of Nantucket's zoning districts classified by density.”
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Lots subject to Nantucket zoning and subdivision review.
The subdivision rules refer to minimum area requirements under the Nantucket Zoning Bylaw; the exact dimensional limits vary by district and were not extracted here.
“minimum area requirements applicable under such Bylaw.”
Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)
Secondary dwellings and garage apartments in Nantucket.
Secondary-dwelling approval is limited to the Nantucket Zoning Bylaw and does not replace other permits, building-code, health, or governmental requirements.
The application identifies primary and secondary occupancy and requires supporting plans.
“APPLICATION FOR A SECONDARY DWELLING PERMIT”
Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
On-site sewage systems in Nantucket.
The Nantucket Health & Human Services Department issues septic permits and the Nantucket Board of Health administers local inspections; Massachusetts Title 5 and DEP approval-authority provisions also apply.
The applicable approving authority may be the Board of Health or DEP depending on the system and circumstances.
“Approving Authority (Board of Health or DEP)”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Mixed (with conditions) — On-site sewage systems in Nantucket County.
“The Health & Human Services Department issues permits related to food establishments, pools, septic systems, body art, and other regulated activities that help protect public health and safety.”
Septic permitRequired
New and repaired septic systems in Nantucket.
The official application list includes a Disposal System Construction Permit; the fee schedule lists septic system permits for new and repair work, with permit validity of two years and fees based on leaching capacity.
permit validity: 2 years · fee for total leaching capacity 0 to 499 gallons: 300 USD · fee for total leaching capacity 500 to 999 gallons: 400 USD · fee for total leaching capacity 1000 and over: 500 USD
“Septic System or Component Installed Without Permit | $500”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Projects requiring septic approval in Nantucket.
“The Health & Human Services Department issues permits related to food establishments, pools, septic systems”
Septic inspectionLimited
Title 5 system inspections when an inspection is conducted or required by applicable Title 5/local rules.
The official Title 5 form is not for voluntary assessments; an approved inspector must submit the report to the Board of Health or DEP within 30 days. Design flows of 10,000 gpd or greater also require submission to the appropriate DEP regional office.
report submission deadline: 30 days (after completing inspection) · DEP regional reporting threshold: >= 10000 gallons per day
“The system inspector shall submit a copy of this inspection report to the Approving Authority (Board of Health or DEP) within 30 days of completing this inspection. If the system has a design flow of 10,000 gpd or greater, the inspector and the system owner shall submit the report to the appropriate regional office of the DEP.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Title 5 and Nantucket Board of Health septic inspections when an inspection is required for the system or transaction.
“ALL INSPECTIONS SHALL BE WITNESSED BY AN AUTHORIZED AGENT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH”
Well permitRequired
Private well installation in Nantucket.
The official application list includes a Well Construction Permit Application; the fee schedule lists a Well Permit and states permits are good for two years.
permit validity: 2 years · well permit fee: 100 USD · well installation without current permit fee: 500 USD
“Well Installation Without Current Permit | $500”
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Sewer-system extension, connection, or industrial-wastewater connection in Nantucket County.
The Town Sewer Department provides an application for a permit for the identified sewer actions.
“Application for Permit for Sewer System Extension, Connection, or Industrial Wastewater (PDF)”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Residential subdivision and subdivision-related development in Nantucket.
The Planning Board reviews residential subdivisions.
A Subdivision Lot Release Form (Form J) from the Planning Board is listed among applicable prerequisites to the building-permit process.
The exact subdivision standards and deadlines may vary by application type.
“The Planning Board’s mission is to review residential subdivisions”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land in Nantucket.
“The Planning Board office has copies of Rules and Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land and Requirements and Guidelines for Major Commercial Developments available at this website or the publications may be purchased at their office.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Construction and other development in Nantucket's floodplain overlay district.
All local, state, and federal permits necessary for the proposed development must be obtained and demonstrated.
The rule includes new construction, changes to existing buildings, manufactured homes, agricultural facilities, fences, sheds, storage, drilling, mining, paving, and other development that might increase flooding or adversely impact flood risks.
“Nantucket requires a permit for all proposed construction or other development in the floodplain overlay district”
Short-term rentalsLimited
Short-term rentals in Nantucket.
Rentals of 31 consecutive days or less require a Short-Term Rental Certificate.
Rentals of 14 days or less in a calendar year are excluded from the short-term-rental definition.
Each dwelling unit requires a separate certificate and annual fee.
The annual registration fee is $250.
short-term rental threshold: <= 31 consecutive days (Rentals totaling 14 days or less per calendar year are not considered short-term rentals) · annual registration fee: 250 USD
“each short-term rental requires its own certificate and annual fee.”
Permit feesPublished
Nantucket Health Department, well, septic, and related permits.
Fees vary by permit type and septic leaching capacity; reinspection, unauthorized installation, plan review, innovative/alternative, and witness-fee provisions also apply.
well permit: 100 USD · septic system or component installed without permit: 500 USD · witness fee first 3 hours: 200 USD (2 holes maximum) · witness fee after 3 hours: per 75 USD (hour)
“Well Permit | $100 [...] Septic System or Component Installed Without Permit | $500 [...] Witness Fee - First 3 hours | $200 (2 Holes Maximum) [...] Witness Fee - After 3 hours | $75 per hour”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Variable (with conditions) — Planning Board application fees in Nantucket.
“Fees are based upon the type of application you are presenting.”
Permit processPublished
Building, health, sewer, zoning, and related permit applications.
Applicants are responsible for initiating applicable prerequisite processes and gathering required documentation. Building-permit applications are described as reviewed and processed within 30 days of submittal.
building permit application review and processing: 30 days (from submittal)
“The Town of Nantucket Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal is an online platform for managing permits related to health, sewer, building, electrical, plumbing/gas, and zoning matters.”
Massachusetts rules that apply here
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable
Persons building their own home or personally doing renovations, regarding registration under Massachusetts home-improvement-contractor law, Chapter 142A.
This is an exemption from registration under Chapter 142A; it does not establish an exemption from building permits, inspections, certificates of occupancy, or other applicable licensing requirements.
The cited statutory provision contains additional exemptions and conditions for other categories of persons.
“The following persons are not required to be registered under this chapter: [...] persons building their own home or personally doing the renovations;”
Building code adoptedAdopted
The Massachusetts state building code applies to all buildings and structures within every Massachusetts city and town, subject to the statutory exceptions and historic-district conflict rule stated in the official source.
Local inspectors enforce the state building code within the city or town from which they are appointed.
A statute, ordinance, or bylaw regulating exterior architectural features within an historic district, regional historic district, or architecturally controlled district prevails in the event of a conflict with the code.
The Section 3A exception applies to bridges and appurtenant supporting structures constructed by or under the custody and control of the department of highways or the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, or for which that department or authority has maintenance responsibility.
Section 94 separately lists bridge and appurtenant supporting-structure exceptions involving the department of highways, Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, metropolitan district commission, or Massachusetts Port Authority, or structures for which those agencies have maintenance responsibility.
“Unless otherwise provided by the state building code, the local inspector shall enforce the state building code as to any building or structure within the city or town from which he is appointed, including any building or structure owned by any authority established by the general court but not owned in whole or in part by the commonwealth, and the state building code shall be the code for all buildings and structures within the city or town.”
Minimum dwelling sizeNone
Local zoning ordinances and bylaws statewide, as to the interior area of a single-family residential building.
This finding concerns zoning regulation; state building-code requirements are not eliminated.
The cited statute separately permits reasonable bulk and height, yard-size, lot-area, setback, open-space, parking, and building-coverage regulations for land or structures used for specified religious or educational purposes.
“No zoning ordinance or by-law shall regulate or restrict the interior area of a single family residential building”
Tiny homesLimited
Tiny-house dwelling occupancy in municipalities designated as Massachusetts seasonal communities.
A tiny house must be a detached structure containing a dwelling unit of 400 square feet or less, excluding lofts.
The seasonal community must adopt bylaws or zoning ordinances permitting construction of tiny houses.
Tiny houses must be designated for year-round housing and meet all state and local building-code requirements.
Any qualifying undersized-lot housing may not be used as a seasonal home or short-term rental of less than 6 months and must be used as year-round housing.
A movable tiny house must be registered with the Registry of Motor Vehicles, as applicable.
The municipality must be in a designated seasonal community; the statute requires designation for municipalities in Dukes and Nantucket counties and specified municipalities in Barnstable and Berkshire counties, and permits additional designations.
maximum floor area: <= 400 square feet excluding lofts · minimum year-round occupancy period: >= 10 months per year (The statute defines year-round housing as principal-residence occupancy for not less than 10 months a year.)
“A seasonal community shall: [...] adopt by-laws to permit the construction of tiny houses provided that such tiny houses are designated for use as year-round housing units”
Manufactured homesLimited
Placement and occupancy of a manufactured home on the site of a Massachusetts residence destroyed by fire or another natural holocaust while the residence is being rebuilt.
The person must be the owner and occupier of the destroyed residence.
The manufactured home must be placed on the site of that residence.
Occupancy may not exceed 12 months while the residence is being rebuilt.
The manufactured home remains subject to the Massachusetts state sanitary code.
maximum occupancy period: <= 12 months (While the residence is being rebuilt.)
“period not to exceed twelve months while the residence is being rebuilt.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Placement and occupancy of a manufactured home on the site of a residence destroyed by fire or other natural holocaust while that residence is being rebuilt.
“residing in such home for a period not to exceed twelve months while the residence is being rebuilt.”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Alternative or off-grid sewage handling on parcels abutting a public sewer in a Massachusetts town.
When a town has provided both a drain and a sewer in a public way, sewage must be connected to the sewer as directed by the responsible sewer authority.
This claim does not establish a statewide rule for parcels without access to a public sewer.
“When a town has provided both a drain for waters and a sewer for sewage in a public way, the owner of every parcel of land abutting on such way or connected with such drain or sewer shall arrange his plumbing so that the waters shall be kept separate from the sewage; and shall make such connections with the drain and sewer respectively that the waters shall pass into the drain and the sewage into the sewer in accordance with the directions of the board or officer having charge of the repair and maintenance of sewers in such town.”
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Commercial agriculture, aquaculture, silviculture, horticulture, floriculture, and viticulture land uses and related structures under Massachusetts local zoning law.
The statutory protection applies when, during June, July, August, and September or during the harvest season of the primary crop, 25 percent of products for sale based on gross sales dollars or volume were produced by the owner or lessee on the parcel; alternatively, 25 percent were produced on the parcel and at least an additional 50 percent were produced in Massachusetts on other qualifying land.
Activities may be limited to parcels of 5 acres or more, or to parcels of 2 acres or more in areas not zoned for the listed agricultural uses when annual sales generated from the use are at least $1,000 per acre based on gross sales dollars.
Land divided by a public or private way or waterway is construed as one parcel for this section.
The exemption does not exempt land or structures from floodplain or wetlands regulations established under the General Laws.
Agriculture has the meaning given in Chapter 128, Section 1A; horticulture includes growing and keeping nursery stock and its sale.
Agriculture, aquaculture, floriculture, and horticulture do not include marijuana-related growing, cultivation, distribution, or dispensation as described in the cited statutes, although a municipality may allow commercial marijuana growing and cultivation by zoning on land used for commercial agriculture, aquaculture, floriculture, or horticulture.
on-parcel production threshold: >= 25 percent (During June, July, August, September, or the primary crop’s harvest season; measured by gross sales dollars or volume.) · additional Massachusetts production threshold: >= 50 percent (Alternative test requiring at least 25 percent on-parcel production and additional production elsewhere in Massachusetts.) · minimum parcel size: >= 5 acres (Activities may be limited to parcels of 5 acres or more.) · alternative minimum parcel size: >= 2 acres (In areas not zoned for the listed agricultural uses, only if annual sales are at least $1,000 per acre based on gross sales dollars.) · annual sales threshold: >= 1000 USD per acre (Applies to the 2-acre alternative in areas not zoned for the listed agricultural uses.)
“nor shall any such ordinance or by-law prohibit, unreasonably regulate, or require a special permit for the use of land”
Campground & park staysLimited
Temporary camping at public recreational facilities operated in Massachusetts state parks, state forest recreation areas, and state reservations.
Camping is limited to areas operated as public recreational facilities by the commissioner; the statute does not authorize camping generally on all Massachusetts land.
Facilities must be consistent with the policy of the Commonwealth as set forth in section 2B.
The commissioner may impose and collect charges and fees for use of the lands, buildings, facilities, and equipment, and may revise those fees from time to time.
A disabled veteran, Purple Heart recipient, or handicapped person whose vehicle bears the specified distinctive type number plate is not required to pay charges or fees imposed under section 2D(2).
“In the development and improvement of state parks, state forest recreation areas and state reservations, the commissioner is hereby authorized and empowered:—(1) To acquire, plan, construct, maintain and operate public recreational facilities, including roads, areas for parking, picknicking and camping, provisions for swimming, wading, boating, outdoor games, winter sports, horseback riding, bicycling and hiking trails, nature study, rest areas, outlooks, comfort stations, food accommodations and such other facilities as the commissioner deems necessary and desirable and consistent with the policy of the commonwealth, as set forth in section two B.”
Inside cities and towns in Nantucket County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Building permitRequired
Building permits administered by the Town of Nantucket.
The page describes permits required by the Town and includes building permits among the listed permit types.
“various permits required by the Town of Nantucket, including building, health, and event permits”
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
New residential dwellings and large commercial project applications in the Town of Nantucket, within Nantucket County.
The Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code was adopted by the Town of Nantucket on April 1, 2019 through Article 72 Bylaw Amendment, Chapter 141 of the Town Code.
Compliance is effective as of September 1, 2019.
The Town states that all new residential dwellings and large commercial project applications must comply.
Nantucket currently enforces IECC 2021 with key Massachusetts amendments: 225 CMR Chapter 22 for residential work and 225 CMR Chapter 23 for commercial work.
adoption date: April 1, 2019 · effective date: September 1, 2019 · maximum HERS index score: <= 55 (For the performance-based stretch energy code described by the Town.)
“The Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code was adopted by the Town of Nantucket on April 1, 2019”
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Town of Nantucket zoning under Chapter 139.
The official county site identifies the Town code and Chapter 139 Zoning; the permit process requires zoning review before building-permit issuance.
“The code of the Town of Nantucket (including Chapter 139 Zoning, Chapter 136 Wetlands, Chapter 137 Wharves and Waterways) as adopted and amended at Town Meeting is available online by clicking the above link.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Present (with conditions) — Town of Nantucket zoning, within Nantucket County.
“The code of the Town of Nantucket (including Chapter 139 Zoning, Chapter 136 Wetlands, Chapter 137 Wharves and Waterways)”
Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified
Secondary dwellings under the Nantucket Zoning Bylaw in the Town of Nantucket.
The secondary dwelling must contain over 900 square feet or one-half the gross floor area of the main dwelling, whichever is smaller.
Planning Board approval is limited to the secondary-dwelling zoning requirements and does not relieve the applicant from complying with other applicable federal, state, or local regulations, permits, licenses, approvals, building-code requirements, or health regulations.
All necessary permits and approvals must be obtained before construction or occupancy.
minimum gross floor area: over 900 or one-half of main dwelling gross floor area, whichever is smaller square feet
“Secondary Dwelling - Gross Floor Area (note, must contain over 900 square feet or ½ the gross floor area of the main dwelling, whichever is smaller): __________”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Specified — Tertiary (third) dwellings under the Nantucket Zoning Bylaw in the Town of Nantucket.
“Gross square feet of living area for Tertiary Dwelling (note that if over 650 square feet is proposed, a Special Permit will be required): ______________”
Set by your town or city, not the county
In Massachusetts, zoning is adopted by each town or city, so Nantucket County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your town or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.
Setbacks
Lot coverage
Building height
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Driveway access — Driveway access and curb cuts in Nantucket County.
Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.
Living off-grid in Nantucket County, Massachusetts
Is Nantucket County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Nantucket County scores 57/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Watch-outs: higher long-term carry cost.
Do you need a building permit in Nantucket County, Massachusetts?
Nantucket County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Nantucket Board of Health (Title 5 / 310 CMR 15, MassDEP State Environmental Code). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.
How much does land cost in Nantucket County, Massachusetts?
Land in Nantucket County runs about $14,302 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Nantucket County?
Nantucket County gets about 43.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.7% of years.
How remote is Nantucket County?
A typical private-land location has about 13,021 people within 15 miles and 7,462,034 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.
