1.   WHEN IS A PERMIT REQUIRED?

Building Permits are regulated by the Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR 110.1 which states:  “It shall be unlawful 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 provision is made or the installation of which is regulated by 780 CMR without first filing a written application with the building official and obtaining the required permit therefor.”
 

2.   APPLICATION FORM:

The applicant should obtain an application form from the Building Department.  Fill it out in ink, printing legibly.  The Building Department has up to thirty (30) days to review your application before issuing your permit or returning the application to you for more information or clarifications.  Don’t wait until the last minute to file your application.

THIS APPLICATION IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT AND MUST BE FILLED OUT COMPLETELY.

(Please see “RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS” or ”COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS” pages, of this website, that will explain which documents are needed for your particular project.)


3.  OTHER FORMS OR INFORMATION WHICH MAY BE REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION.

You may be required to provide some of the following information, depending on the particular issues involved with your project.  If you are in doubt as to any of these issues, ask us, and we will advise you when you submit the application.

RECORDED Special Permit or Variance or Finding from Zoning Board of Appeals

RECORDED  SPSP & USP from Planning Board

SIGNED Lot Release or recorded ANR plan from Planning Board

APPROVED Site Plan from Planning Board


4.   REQUIRED BUILDING PLANS

The application must be accompanied by 2 sets of plans and specifications.

Most residential, enclosed additions, new houses and all commercial work will require an additional set and Fire Department approval. Applicant is responsible to bring all 3 sets to the Fire Department for their approval and return 2 sets to the Building Department.

Plans should be drawn to scale (1/4” for residential, industry standards for larger commercial)

Residential plans SHOULD be submitted on 11x17 inch paper or smaller.

Must show EXACTLY what is being built.  No ‘optional’, ‘future use’, ‘mirrored’ plans.

The plans will become part of a legal document.  No ‘mark-ups’ are allowed because they may affect the outcome of any legal proceeding.

Remember that the plans and other documents submitted must be of sufficient clarity, that the building official has a clear understanding of your proposal and that all requirements of the building code are addressed.

Use the following guidelines as they may apply to your project, to insure completeness of your plans:

A.    Floor Plans:

1.     Show location, dimensions and uses of all spaces (bedroom, closet hall, etc.)

2.     Means of egress (doors, stairs, halls, etc.)

3.     Window locations and sizes.

4.     Natural Light and Ventilation of habitable rooms.  A chart showing minimum of 8% glass and 4% operable windows or doors per room.

5.     Emergency Escape window(s) in bedroom(s).

6.     Attic and/or crawl space ventilation and required access.
 

B.    Structural Framing Plans.

1.     Type and size of framing lumber.  Show grade and species.

2.     Dimensions on all elements, including spans of framing.

3.     Bearing and wall alignment.

4.     Foundations and interior footings.

5.     Certifications required on TJI’s, LVL’s, Trusses etc.

6.     Beams and header sizes.
 

C.    Elevations.

1.     Show facades and finishes.

2.     Window & door locations.  Include headers and span dimensions.

3.     Building height

4.     Chimney heights and clearances.
 

D.   Sections.

1.     Fire separation walls and/or floors showing materials and ratings.

2.     Hand and guard rail heights and spacing.

3.     Foundations wall thickness and footings, reinforcing, anchoring, damp/water proofing, concrete strength.

4.     Attic and/or crawl space ventilation.

5.     Insulation locations, type and ‘R’ values, vapor barriers, venting.

6.     Finished ceiling and floor heights.

7.     Grade elevations at exterior.

8.     Stairway clearance for head height and rise/run dimensions.
 

E.    Miscellaneous.

1.     Firestopping and/or draftstopping.

2.     Flame spread ratings for finish materials (if needed for code compliance)

3.     All fireplace details and dimensions, sized and materials.

4.     Type of heating system with efficiency rating AND load calculations.

5.     Fire/smoke detector locations(s). (Need Fire Dept. Approval)

6.     Anchor bolts and bulkheads.
 

F.   Energy Compliance Reports are REQUIRED on most residential additions and all new residences. DO NOT EXPECT US TO DO COMPLIANCE REPORTS FOR YOU.


G.  Plot Plan - ‘Instrument Survey’

1.     Instrument survey is the only legal means of measuring lot lines and determining where buildings or structures are set on lots.  ‘Mortgage’ surveys are typically not accurate enough to correctly measure lot lines and setbacks.  They are often marked with a disclaimer instructing the user NOT to use them for construction.

2.     Plan should show all dimensions and setbacks of all buildings or structures existing and proposed.

3.     Include any Flood Plain or Conservation delineation’s.

4.     A certified ‘As-Built’ plot plan showing new foundations must be submitted prior to frame permit being issued.

Buildings under “Controlled Construction” requires Final Certifications from all of the design and engineering professionals involved in the project.  Final Affidavits must be received prior to issuance of Occupancy Permit.