Building Permit Information & Instructions

When Required
It shall be unlawful to construct, reconstruct, alter, repair or demolish a structure, change the use or occupancy of a building or structure or install or alter any equipment that is regulated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code without first obtaining a building permit.

Application
Application must be made by the owner or his/her authorized agent. Forms must be thoroughly and accurately completed. Accuracy and completeness will directly affect the time required to process the application. Please allow at least 7-10 days for review. Review, in some cases may take up to 30 days. This limit may be extended if plans and applications are not clear or complete.

Plans and Specifications
Every application must be accompanied by two copies of specifications and plans drawn to scale with sufficient clarity, detail and dimensions to show the nature and character of the work to be performed signed and stamped and one full set of 11' x17' plans also signed and stamped. This information will be thoroughly reviewed to determine code compliance. Again, the degree of completeness and accuracy will have a bearing on the time required for review and approval. Plans should include but not be limited to:

Site Plan
There shall also be filed prior to a permit being granted for the excavation or for the erection of any new building or structure a site plan drawn and stamped by a Registered Land Surveyor, showing to scale the size and location of all new construction and all existing structures on the site, distances from lot lines, the established street grades if they exist and proposed finished grades. In the case of demolition, the site plan shall show all structures to be demolished and the location and size of all existing structures and construction that are to remain on the site or plot. The site plan shall not be changed except as specified in Sections 107.25 and 106.2 of the State Building Code.

Foundation Plan with anchor bolt locations and clearly showing wall and footing dimensions and depth (minimum 4 feet below grade).

Structural (inc. framing and foundation plans), Architectural (inc. floor plans and elevations), Mechanical and Electrical Plans in sufficient detail to determine code compliance. Include exterior building envelope component materials, either MA res-check or com-check report for energy code compliance.

Stamped Plans
Plans and specifications for any building containing more than 35,000 cubic feet of enclosed space must be stamped and signed by a qualified Registered Professional Engineer or Architect (see State Building Code for exceptions). See Board of Building regulations and Standards webpage for "Control Constructions Forms".

Posting Permit
The building permit must be posted at the site in clear view and protected from the weather at all times until the completion of the job.

Inspections
See "Building Inspection Information and Instructions" for information regarding inspections.

Occupancy
Upon satisfactory completion of the work a Certificate of Use/Occupancy will be issued by this department. Occupancy prior to issuance of this certificate is illegal and is subject to the same penalties listed below for work without a permit.

Compliance With Permit
All work shall conform to the approved plans for which the permit has been issued and any approved amendments thereto.

Compliance With Code
The permit shall be a license to proceed with the work and shall not be construed as authority to violate, set aside, or cancel any of the provisions of applicable codes or regulations, except as specifically stipulated by modification or a legally granted variance in accordance with State Building Code Section 113.0 and MGL, 143 Section 100.

Changes
Any changes or modifications to the approved plans must be submitted in writing on an application and plans provided by the Building Department for approval prior to construction of the change.

Expiration
A building permit expires if the work authorized by it is not commenced within six (6) months of issuance and continued through in good faith to completion, unless a renewal is requested and granted prior to expiration.

Revocation of Permits
The Building Inspector may revoke a permit or approval issued under the provisions of the State Building Code in the case of any false statement or misrepresentation of fact in the application or the plans on which the permit or approval was based.

Penalty
Failure to obtain a building permit or starting work before a permit is issued will result in a double fee.

Violation of Code Provisions
A person who shall violate a provision of the Building Code shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, for each violation. Each day during which any portion of a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.