Tewksbury Building Department
 RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS

 

The following informational listing is a guideline of requirements to obtain a building permit for specific residential projects. Please be advised that while we have made this list as comprehensive as possible, there may be modifications specific to your project.

In order to clarify some of the terminology, please be aware of the following:


“Completed Application”  A copy of the required application is contained elsewhere on this website, however, you must submit an original 3-part form as part of your package.

“Certified Plot Plan”  Generally you will need a current certified plot plan (not a mortgage survey) for most permits, however,  we would encourage you to check with one of our staff if you do not have a current certified plot for clarification.

*“Construction Supervisor License” The Massachusetts State Building Code requires that a Construction Supervisor Licensee be responsible to supervise the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal or demolition involving any activity regulated by any provision of the Building Code.  While we encourage the use of Construction Supervisors on all projects, homeowners are allowed to assume that responsibility for projects on their own homes. An affidavit to waive this requirement is required and is available at the building department.

*“ Home Improvement Registration” This is a program wherein a contractor who offers to undertake, or submits a bid for residential contracting as defined in 780 CMR (Massachusetts State Building Code) §R6 and MGL 142A and such work for each project is in a total amount in excess of $1000 is required to be registered in accordance with the above MGL. This program was started to provide some level of comfort and protection for the homeowner in case of default or breach of contract. Again, while we strongly encourage the use of registered contractors, affidavit’s to waive this requirement are available.

When is a building permit required?  Building Permits are regulated by the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR), 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; 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.”

How long does it take to obtain a building permit? Once all of the required documents are submitted, the building official has 30 days to review and issue a permit or return for more information. The goal of the Tewksbury Building Department is to issue residential permits within 7 days of a complete package being submitted.


The following is a listing of information needed for specific residential projects:


 
To construct an addition on my house:

-          Completed application

-          Certified Plot Plan

-          Board of Health (if septic)

-          Conservation Approval

-          Fire Department  (smoke alarms)

-          *Construction Supervisor License

-          *Home Improvement Registration

-          Insurance Affidavit

-          Trash Disposal Form

-          3 Sets Construction Plans

-          Energy Compliance Calculations 

To renovate the interior of my house:

-          Completed Application

-          Board of Health (if bedrooms)

-          Fire Department (if bedrooms)

-          *Construction Supervisor License

-          *Home Improvement Registration

-          Insurance Affidavit

-          Trash Disposal Form

-          3 Sets Construction Plans

To install new siding:

-          Completed Application

-          *Home Improvement Registration

-          Insurance Affidavit

-          Trash disposal form

-          Electrical Permit (to remove and replace electrical meter socket)

To replace or “go over” roof shingles:

-          Completed Application

-          *Home Improvement Registration

-          Insurance Affidavit

-          Trash disposal form

To install an open deck:

-          Completed Application

-          Certified Plot Plan

-          Board of Health (if septic)

-          Conservation Approval

-          *Construction Supervisor License

-          *Home Improvement Registration

-          Insurance Affidavit

-          Trash Disposal Form

-          2 Sets Construction Plans

To install a wood stove:

-          Completed Application

-          Insurance Affidavit

-          Manufacture’s instructions

 

 To install an above ground pool:

-          Completed Application

-          Certified Plot Plan

-          Brochure from the manufacturer

-          Security fencing plan

-          Board of Health (if septic)

-          Conservation Approval

-          Insurance Affidavit

-          Electrical permit

To install an in-ground pool:

-          Completed Application

-          Certified Plot Plan

-          Construction plans

-          Security fencing plan

-          Board of Health (if septic)

-          Conservation Approval

-          *Construction Supervisor License

-          Insurance Affidavit

-          Electrical Permit

-          As-built certified plot plan required prior to final inspection.

To Build a New House:

-          Completed application

-          Certified Plot Plan

-          Assessors’ sign off (address)

-          Water Department Approval

-          Sewer Connection Approval

-          Board of Health (if septic)

-          Planning Board Lot Release  (if part of subdivision)

-          Conservation Approval

-          Fire Department  (smoke alarms)

-          *Construction Supervisor License

-          Insurance Affidavit

-          Trash Disposal Form

-          3 Sets Construction Plans

-          Energy Compliance Calculations

-          Electrical, Plumbing & Gas Permits.

To construct or install a shed:

-          Complete Application

-          Certified Plot Plan

-          Plans or Brochure

-          Conservation Approval

-          Board of Health (if septic)

-          Insurance Affidavit

 

 

NOTE: The above information is a guideline. Additional information may be required specific to your project.

 

 

© 2002 Town of Tewksbury