When adding a privacy fence around the perimeter of the house, are the fencing contractors required to have a permit and if so, is that cost absorbed by me or the fencing contractor?
In most cases, any type of construction work where alterations are made would require a permit. I recommend a permit from anyone you hire if nothing else just to verify they are legit.
I recommend looking into your local regulations. Here in Philadelphia, for example, fencing up to 6’ high in between lots does not require a permit. If you have an HOA you might have additional restrictions on the type and placement of fence above and beyond what your local municipality requires. As for the cost, it all depends on how your agreement with the contractor is worded. You can always save some money by dealing with the permitting yourself, but sometimes the time involved is not worth the savings and it is easier to let the contractor do that.
Yes, you do. In Mass, you will need to contact your property owners that surround your property lines. And they must be notified with registered letters, and copy of those notified must be brought to the attention of the building department. As so if anyone has a question about the kind of work to be done, type fence for example, and property line is the proper placement? So a meeting can be set up to address all parties. Then a date will be set forth of when the work can be preformed. End of story. Thanks.
In most townships. Check online with your local building department.
Per our local codes under 6’ no permit is required. Permit costs are usually added into the job.
At most county’s at the bay-area you need permit for any job that is above $500