Painting a home in Chatham, MA

Do you need approval to paint a house in Chatham?

Before you hire a painter in Chatham, ask the town about the Historic Business District: repainting the same color is exempt there, but the town still asks for an application.

Sources: Chatham HBDC Design Guidelines and Procedures (approved 2015-10-07)

• The Historic Business District is made of the GB-1, GB-2, GB-3, LB-1 and RB zones in effect on September 9, 1985, residential properties inside them included. Source: Chatham HBDC Design Guidelines and Procedures (approved 2015-10-07), p. 23
• An exterior feature includes the color of paint; routine repainting that does not change the color is exempt, but an application is still required. Source: Chatham HBDC Design Guidelines and Procedures (approved 2015-10-07), p. 2-3
• For post-1930 buildings the guidelines point to unpainted wood shingles or white clapboard, white trim and dark doors. Source: Chatham HBDC Design Guidelines and Procedures (approved 2015-10-07), p. 7
• If the commission does not vote within 60 days, the application is approved; a certificate is valid for 2 years. Source: Chatham HBDC Design Guidelines and Procedures (approved 2015-10-07), p. 24, 26
• Part of Chatham is in the Cape Cod National Seashore; the federal rule covers use and setbacks, not color. Source: 36 CFR 27.3 Cape Cod National Seashore, Seashore District

Read more: Historic districts outside the Old King's Highway · Lead paint rules for pre-1978 homes