Danvers, MA · our home base
Danvers is home. We know the ground here.
Danvers is where we're based. From Danversport's salt marsh to the drumlins around Hathorne Hill, we've worked all over town and know the rules that come with each part of it.
- Based in
- Danvers, MA
- No-disturb zone
- 0–35 ft from wetlands
- No-build zone
- 0–50 ft from wetlands
- Local historic districts
- 2
Building in Danvers
Drumlins up north, marsh down south.
Northern and central Danvers is drumlins and bedrock. The town's own open space plan calls rock outcrops next to wetlands 'difficult hurdles for building in central Danvers'. The southern end drops to flat river and estuary ground along the Crane, Waters and Porter Rivers, with salt marsh on the banks.
The houses cover four centuries: First Period farmhouses, Georgian and Greek Revival homes near the old village, Victorians downtown, and the ranches and colonials that went up in the 1960s and '70s. A patio behind a 1700s house and one behind a 1970s colonial shouldn't look the same.
Being local means we can walk your yard on short notice, and we're around after the job is done.
Know before you build
Danvers has its own wetlands bylaw, with firm lines.
Wetlands are scattered all over Danvers, and the town's regulations are stricter than the state's. There are also two local historic districts and a seasonal watering system. Here's what matters for a backyard project.
No-disturb and no-build zones
The first 35 feet from a wetland is a no-disturb zone and the first 50 feet is a no-build zone. Only a small share of each zone on a lot can be altered (10% and 20%), and the Commission can't waive those limits.
Source: Danvers Wetlands Regulations ↗Salem Village & Putnam historic districts
In the Salem Village and James Putnam Jr. House historic districts, stone walls, fences, driveways and steps visible from the street need review. Plantings and at-grade walks and terraces are exempt. Driveways are not.
Source: Danvers Historic Districts Bylaw (2024) ↗Watering levels
From May to October, Danvers uses a six-level outdoor watering system tied to the Ipswich River, from no restrictions up to a full ban. New lawns and plantings need a watering plan that fits the current level. Check the town's page.
Source: Danvers Outdoor Water Use Restrictions ↗Fences
Fences under 7 feet don't need a building permit. In a historic district, approval may be required.
Source: Danvers fence permit guidance ↗Pool permits and fencing
A licensed electrician's permit comes before the pool permit, and the application needs a certified plot plan with the pool, fence and gates measured to the lot lines. The fence must be at least 48 inches, with gates that open out, self-close and self-latch, latch 54 inches or higher. Doors and low windows that open to the pool need alarms. A construction fence goes up once the hole is dug, and the permanent fence within 7 days of finishing.
Source: Danvers pool, spa & hot tub requirements ↗No pool filling at Levels 5 and 6
Danvers's watering system lists filling swimming pools as banned at Level 5 (hand watering only) and Level 6 (no outdoor water use). Check the town's page for the current level before a fill date is set.
Source: Danvers Outdoor Water Use Restrictions ↗
Our work in Danvers
A Danvers walkway, before and after.
Photographed by our crew.
Before & after
A Danvers job, before and after.
Drag the handle to compare. Photographed by our crew.
More before & afters →What we build here
Everything we do, in our own town.
Every service we offer is available in Danvers, usually with the shortest wait.
All over Danvers.
From Danversport to Hathorne Hill.
- Danversport
- Tapleyville
- Danvers Plains
- Putnamville
- Danvers Highlands
- Hathorne
- Salem Village
How close to a wetland can I build a patio in Danvers?
The first 50 feet from a wetland is a no-build zone and the first 35 is no-disturb, with only a small share of each allowed to be altered. We'll map where your lines fall on the first visit.
I'm in the Salem Village Historic District. Can I add a stone wall?
Yes, with review. Walls, fences, driveways and steps visible from the street need approval. At-grade walks and terraces are exempt.
Can you seed a lawn during a Danvers watering restriction?
It depends on the level. At the higher levels only hand watering is allowed, so we usually time seeding for late summer or early fall.
Where the local information on this page comes from
- Danvers Wetlands Regulations
- Danvers Conservation Commission
- Danvers Historic Districts Bylaw (2024)
- Danvers Preservation Commission
- Danvers Outdoor Water Use Restrictions
- Danvers fence permit guidance
- Danvers pool, spa & hot tub requirements
- Danvers Open Space & Recreation Plan (draft)
- Danvers Housing Production Plan (draft)
Rules change. Always confirm with the town before starting work. We check for every project.
Let's talk about your Danvers project.
Estimates are free. We'll call you back to set up a time to see the property.