Please note that for review of any Building Department files, kindly call the office at (781) 631-2220 to schedule an appointment.
The Building Inspection Department is responsible for assuring secure safety to life and property from all hazards incident to the design, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, demolition, removal and change in use or occupancy as it relates to buildings and structures or associated utilities.
The Department works with several other Boards and Commissions to oversee the administration of Town Regulations and Bylaws. These include the Board of Health, the Conservation Commission, the Old and Historic Districts Commission, the Planning Board, the Town Clerk, and the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The Building Department reviews and inspects construction and improvement projects for compliance with State Building Codes, Architectural Access Codes, local zoning bylaws and all other relevant state statutes and local bylaws.
Brad Smith, Plumbing & Gas Inspector – (781) 631-1475
Gas Fitting Permits
Gas permits are available to licensed gas fitters. Apply Online. Failure to obtain a required permit prior to commencement of work will result in a fee of three times the applicable fee.
Gas Fitting Fees
- Boilers: $50.00
- Hot Water Tank: $50.00
- Other Miscellaneous: $50.00
- Remodel: $50.00
- Return Inspection: $60.00
Plumbing Applications
Plumbing permits are issued to licensed plumbers. Apply Online. Failure to obtain a required permit prior to commencement of work will result in a fee of three times the applicable fee.
Plumbing Permit Fees
Fees when a building permit is required: A building permit fee is $15.00 per $1,000, which includes plumbing, electric, and mechanical. The fee is paid by the general contractor or homeowner when a building permit is issued.
Fees when a building permit is not required:
- Hot Water Tank: $50.00
- Other Miscellaneous: $50.00
- Remodel Kitchen or Bath: $50.00 plus $5.00 per fixture
- Replace Pipes: $50.00
- Return Inspection: $60.00
Eric Chisholm, Wire Inspector – (781) 639-9151
The Wire Inspector issues permits to licensed electricians, conducts required inspections and maintains the fire and police signal systems.
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 7:30 am to 9:30 am
Wednesday Afternoons: 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Eletric Permit
Eletric permits may be filed online:. Apply Online. Failure to obtain a required permit prior to commencement of work will result in a fee of three times the applicable fee.
Electric
Fees when a building permit is required: A building permit fee is $15.00 per $1,000, which includes plumbing, electric, and mechanical. The fee is paid by the general contractor or homeowner when a building permit is issued.
Fees when a building permit is not required:
- Boilers: $50.00
- Burglar Alarm: $50.00
- Fire Alarm: $50.00
- Fire/Burglar Alarm: $50.00
- Furnaces: $50.00
- Hot Tubs: $50.00
- Initial Timing & Connection of Privately-Owned Fire Alarm Master Box: $320.00
- Interior Low Voltage Fire Alarm System: $50.00
- Minimum Fee: $50.00
- Motors (each): $35.00
- New Service: $50.00
- Pools: $50.00
- Re-Inspection Fee: $60.00
- Repairs: $50.00
- Standard Current Consuming Outlets: 1-25: $50.00; 26-50: $60.00; 51-100: $65.00
- Temporary Service: $50.00
Do Sheds Require a Building Permit?
Yes, a building permit is required for the installation/construction of a shed. The proposed shed must conform to zoning by-law setback requirements. If the floor area of the shed is to exceed 50 square feet and is to be located within the Historic District, the application is also subject to review by the Old and Historic District Commission.
If I am a homeowner working on my home, can I apply for a building permit?
A homeowner may apply for a building permit to perform work on his/her single or two-family owner-occupied home by applying for a permit and filling out the Homeowner Exemption and Homeowner Permit Guidelines documents.
Can I place heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units in my attic?
Yes, but certain requirements must be met. Click here to see the specific code requirements for placing HVAC units in an attic.
How do I install an emergency generator in my home?
A mechanical permit application, along with a gas, electrical, and/or fire permit, including the manufacturer’s installation instructions, a drawing of the location, and (if necessary) a plot plan indicating the placement of the generator is required before installing an emergency generator. Please click here to access a checklist of all the requirements for the installation of an emergency generator.