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STATE BUILDING CODE NOW REQUIRES ANNUAL INSPECTIONS FOR SHORT-TERM RENTAL PROPERTIES 


As of October 11, 2024, Massachusetts has adopted the 10th edition of the State Building Code. This update mandates annual inspections for short-term rental properties, as defined in 780 CMR Chapter 2, and Residential Use Groups as determined under Section 310 of the BBRS 10th edition 780 CMR building code. 

The Town of Dennis has improved its inspection scheduling process to better accommodate these new requirements and integrate them with existing building permit inspections. Residents can request morning or afternoon inspections through the application portal, and inspectors will try to meet specific time requests when possible. The Town is committed to conducting all inspections as efficiently as possible. 
Tax Work off
Hazardous Waste Collection

TOWN OF DENNIS 

CHILDCARE SUBSIDY PROGRAM

Funding was approved at the Dennis May 2, 2023 Annual Town Meeting to pay the costs of funding and administering a childcare subsidy program for birth through 5‐year‐old children of Dennis residents to attend a state‐licensed childcare program.

The Town of Dennis Childcare Subsidy Program was funded to provide financial assistance for 50 local families with children who are under five years old as of August 31, 2024, for the program period September 1, 2024 -August 31, 2025.

A subsidy in the form of direct payment of $200 per month to State licensed childcare providers for up to 50 full time, year-round residents of Dennis (maximum of $2,400 per household) will be provided for one eligible child and meets a threshold of 81% to 150% Average Median Income parameter. Child must be enrolled a minimum of two days per week for eligibility.

Included below are a Childcare Subsidy Program Overview, an Application Form, and a Required Documents List. The Application Form (PDF)includes questions to obtain information for verification of eligibility.

Documents can be found here.

Applications and required documents must be completed fully and returned to:

  • Dennis Town Hall
  • Attention: Childcare Voucher Program
  • 685 Route 134
  • South Dennis, MA 02660

Or may be scanned and emailed to DennisCSP@town.dennis.ma.us with the subject line “CSP.”
July 4 Beach Restrictions

July 4th Beach Safety Measures

Town Administrator Elizabeth Sullivan and Police Chief John Brady announce the return of enhanced safety measures at Dennis beaches on July 4, including expanded restrictions at West Dennis Beach and the addition of a second police command post.

The restrictions will be put in place at Mayflower Beach, Chapin Memorial Beach, Bayview Beach and West Dennis Beach on July 4 only.

From 2019 to 2023, police saw a dramatic increase in unsafe and dangerous conduct, fighting, assaults, vandalism, binge drinking, drug use, loud music and other concerning behavior, particularly at Mayflower Beach. Beach-related calls for emergency services doubled at Mayflower, Chapin Memorial and Bayview beaches, which are connected.

 In 2023, police responded to 459 calls for service at those three beaches.

 The Town of Dennis and the Dennis Police Department implemented new regulations on July 4, 2024, to address this public safety concern. Calls for service decreased 75% year over year, to 115, and arrests dropped from 13 in 2023 to zero in 2024.

 The following restrictions will return on the Fourth of July this year, and extend to the Southside at West Dennis Beach:

•    Daily parking passes will not be sold or accepted on July 4 at Mayflower Beach, Chapin Beach, Bayview Beach or West Dennis Beach. Only those who have a residential, seasonal or weekly parking sticker will be allowed entrance to the beach parking lots.

•    A parking ban will be in full effect in neighborhoods and businesses adjacent to the beaches. Vehicles found in violation will be subject to being ticketed and/or towed.

•    There will be zero tolerance for alcohol consumption, drug use, overly loud music and unsafe behavior at the beaches. Officers will be out in full numbers, and Dennis Police will bring in additional resources.

The Dennis Police Department will have two command posts this year, a primary on the Northside at Mayflower Beach and a new post at West Dennis Beach.

The goal of the expansion to West Dennis Beach is to establish a more consistent policy and experience at the Town's most popular beaches on July 4.

 "Last year's Fourth of July measures made a tremendous difference," said Chief Brady. "Families were able to relax and enjoy the holiday without disruption, and we heard overwhelmingly positive feedback. That's why this year, we're not only bringing the regulations back — we're extending them to West Dennis Beach to ensure the same safe, family-friendly environment community-wide."

 Vehicle Checkpoints, Parking and Rideshares

All drivers traveling to Mayflower Beach or Chapin Memorial Beach from Main Street (Route 6A) will be stopped at a checkpoint at New Boston Road and Beach Street. Those who have a proper parking sticker will be allowed to continue on (along with neighborhood residents and their visitors). Those who do not will be asked to turn around and will not be permitted to enter the beach parking lot.

 There will be additional checkpoints, including at the parking lot entrances, and officers will be posted on side streets to direct traffic.

 Bayview Beach is for residents only, and officers will be checking for parking stickers there as well.

Rideshare drivers without a proper parking sticker will be stopped at the intersection of Beach Street and New Boston Road, where passengers may be unloaded. For those considering walking from that intersection, it is approximately 1.2 miles to Mayflower Beach and 2.2 miles to Chapin Memorial Beach.

Zero Tolerance for Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol is not permitted at any Dennis beaches, including on July 4. Anyone found to be drinking alcohol on a Dennis beach will be issued a written citation, receive a fine of $50 and have their alcohol confiscated. Those who do not comply after receiving a citation may be subject to arrest.

In addition to alcohol, drug use, vandalism, overly loud music and other unruly or rowdy behavior will not be tolerated.

Dennis Police will be out in full numbers on the beaches and will be bringing in additional resources to assist with keeping the beaches safe.

 Parking Ban in Place

There is no street parking in the neighborhoods near the beaches. Additionally, a parking ban will be in full effect on July 4 in the neighborhoods and businesses adjacent to the beaches. Vehicles found in violation will be subject to being ticketed and/or towed.

Residents should be aware of the general parking restrictions in place. We understand that residents may have guests for Fourth of July festivities. Parking enforcement officers will make every effort to contact residents about vehicles parked in front of their homes before issuing tickets and/or towing vehicles.
Plovers

DEPARTMENT OF 

NATURAL RESOURCES

PLOVER UPDATE


Crowes Pasture currently has 7 pairs of birds with 5 active nests with eggs. Vehicle escort for the east side shellfish grants was started but then ceased due to a failure of the nest. Another pair has nested in an area that may require another future escort for this area if it is successful.

The two nests near the recreational ORV access on the west side, if hatched, will require a closure of that access point around the end of June/early July. An escort plan for the aquaculture access on this west side will not be possible due to the nest’s proximity to the road.

South Village Landing pair has renested with an anticipated hatch date in early July.

Chapin Beach had their first nest of chicks hatch over the weekend. Two more nests are due to hatch next week. Police Department and Beaches have been notified to cease ATV/vehicular patrols on this beach. Only access allowed is lifeguard access directly out to the low tide line.

Cold Storage Beach has two active pairs and one active nest. With coordination from Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program and Mass Audubon, movie filming activities were conditionally allowed in this area for this week.

West Dennis Beach has 11 pairs of birds. Currently there are 6 active nests. The barricades to close the western end of the parking lot will remain in place until chicks from these nests have fledged (flown) Reminder that any closures typically remain in effect until chicks fledge (fly) at approximately 35 days of age. Given the number and location of nests at West Dennis, the west parking area closure could be lengthy since the timing is extended each time a new nest with chicks hatches.
Committee Openings
Town of Dennis Select Board

Select Board Meeting Dates

The Dennis Select Board will meet on July 8, 2025 for regularly scheduled business. Upcoming meeting dates of the Select Board can be found on the Town of Dennis website here.

All are welcome to attend and participate in our open and public meetings. The agenda for each meeting is posted 48 business hours prior to the scheduled meeting time and can be accessed through the Select Board’s webpage or the Town calendar webpage.   

Attend in-person at the Town Hall, Stone Meeting Room. Or for alternative public access join the meeting online via zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8780036813 or participate by phone by dialing 1-646-558-8656 and entering Meeting ID 878 003 6813 #.

The Town of Dennis Select Board members are eager to hear from residents – You can contact all five members of the Select Board by emailing the following addresses:

  • Christopher Lambton, Chair – clambton@town.dennis.ma.us 
  • Paul McCormick, Vice Chair – pmccormick@town.dennis.ma.us 
  • John Terrio, Clerk – jterrio@town.dennis.ma.us
  • James Plath, Licensing Chair – jplath@town.dennis.ma.us 
  • Carlyn Carey, Member – ccarey@town.dennis.ma.us
Join Our Team

Join the Team!

The Town of Dennis has several full and part-time positions available. Current open positions include:

  • Assistant Town Planner
  • Seasonal Laborer II DPW
  • Firefighter/EMT

Seasonal

  • Beach Monitor
  • Tennis Instructor
  • Golf Cart person
  • Seasonal Laborer – Golf
  • Seasonal Laborer- DPW

New Team Members! 

  • Janet Stolzer – new Office Manager DCAL 06/02/2025
  • Sherrie Jones – formerly the Officer Manager at DCAL moves to Program Coordinator, DCAL  07/01/2025 
  • Jill Brown – new Asst. Library Director 06/09/2025
  • Keith Hutchings – new Inspector, Building 06/09/2025

Apply for  and view current job openings here.
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Town of Dennis, MA
685 Route 134 S. Dennis, MA 02660
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