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1. When is a building permit necessary?

Any person seeking to construct, reconstruct, alter ,repair, remove or demolish a building or structure; or to change the use or occupancy of a building or structure; or to install or alter any equipment for which provisions are made or is regulated by the 780 CMR Massachusetts State Building Code must first obtain a building permit from the Building Department. For more specific information see 780 CMR Section 105 Permits.

2. What are the fees for building, wiring, plumbing, gas permits, and other building department functions?

Please visit the Building Permit Fee Schedule, Plumbing And Gas Fee Schedule, Electrical Permit Fee Schedule pages for more information.

3. What is the process for applying for a building permit?

The process varies, depending on the scope of work for the project. At a minimum a completed online application, copy of required licenses, permit fee, insurance certificate, and accompanying plans are required to be submitted; in addition any supporting documentation required by the building code and/or town department approvals (e.g., Fire, Engineering, water, affidavits, reports, etc.) Please visit the Permit Application Requirements pages for more information.

4. How long does it take to process a permit application?

Building Permit Applications generally take 7 to 10 days to review and approve. Larger commercial projects and new one and two family dwelling may take the full 30 days for review as allowed under 780 CMR 105.3.1 Action on Application.

Wiring, plumbing, and gas permit applications takes approximately 3-4 days to review and approve.

5. Who can apply for a permit?

An application for a permit shall be made by the owner or lessee of the building or structure, or agent of either. If application is made by other than by the owner, the written authorization of the owner shall accompany the application.

6. Who can be issued a building permit?

A building permit can be issued to individuals that possess a valid construction supervisors license (780 CMR R5) and are registered as a Home Improvement Contractor (M.G.L. Chapter 142A). An unrestricted construction supervisor license is valid for buildings and structures containing less than 35,000 cubic feet. A home improvement contractor registration is generally required for any individual or corporation involved in the improvement of any existing building or structure containing one to four residential dwelling units. 

7. Can a homeowner apply for and be issued a building permit?

Building permits are typically issued to construction supervisors licensed by the state. As an exception to this requirement, building permits can also be issued to homeowners doing work on One and Two family dwellings where they reside or intend to reside.

Please note that when homeowners are issued building permits, they may be liable for contractors working on their property and they are not eligible for protection under the provisions of the Homeowners Improvement Contractor Law.

8. Can a homeowner apply for any Wiring, Plumbing, or Gas permits?

No. All work associated with wiring, plumbing, or gas fitting must be performed by individuals licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

9. Does a building permit expire?

Any building permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized is commenced within 180 days after its issuance. The building official, upon written request, may issue extensions not exceeding 180 days each for a building permit.

Work under such a permit, in the opinion of the building official, must proceed in good faith continuously to completion so far as reasonably practicable under the circumstances. If the work on the site authorized is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced the permit shall become invalid.