Where should someaone apply for a building permit?
Building Department, 484 Broadway Room 29, Everett, MA 02149-3694

When is a building permit required?
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code states that “it shall be unlawful to construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, remove or demolish a building or structure; or to change the use or occupancy or 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 (State Building Code) without first filing a written application with the building official and obtaining the required permit therefore.”

Are there any exemptions to the permit requirements?
Yes, the State Building Code allows the following work to be done without a building permit:
1. One story detached accessory buildings used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.
2. Retaining walls which, in the opinion of the building official, are not a threat to the public safety, health or welfare and which retain less than four feet of unbalanced fill.
3. Ordinary repairs such as any maintenance which does not affect the structure, egress, fire protection systems, fire ratings, energy conversation provisions, plumbing, sanitary, gas, electrical or other utilities. A building permit is not required for ordinary repairs.

Who can take out a permit?
Any homeowner may take out a permit for work on his residence. Anyone can do building work on his home (1 or 2 family) without being registered with the City or Licensed with the State or City. However, all work must conform to City codes and ordinances. For work on buildings over 35,000 cubic feet architectural or engineered drawings must be submitted and a licensed contractor must do the work. If you, the homeowner, contract with someone who is supposed to be a professional, you need to find out different things about the builder.

Some questions you may want to ask:
1. Who is to get the permit, the homeowner or contractor? If the contractor secures the permit, require him to post it on the job.
2. Is the contractor licensed with the State of Massachusetts?
3. Ask for references of jobs the contractor has done, and call the homeowner and ask if he is satisfied with the work.

What is needed to apply for a permit?
The information that you need is:
1. Identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit for which application is being made.
2. Describe the Land on which the proposed work is to be done by legal description, street address or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the proposed building work.
3. Indicate the use and occupancy for which the proposed work is intended.
4. Be accompanied by plans, plot plan, diagrams, computations and specifications.
5. State the value of any new building or structure or any addition, remodeling or alterations to an existing building.
6. Be signed by the permittee or his authorized agent.
7. Give such other data and information as may be required by the building official.

Can I do my own electrical and plumbing/gas work?
No, state law requires anyone performing electrical, plumbing or gas work to be licensed.

How long is my building permit good for?
The Massachusetts State Building Code stipulates that any permit issued shall be deemed abandoned and invalid unless the work authorized by it shall have been commenced within six months after its issuance ;however , for cause, and upon written request of the owner, one or more extensions of time, for periods not exceeding six months each, may be granted in writing by the building commissioner. Work under such a permit in the opinion of the building commissioner, must proceed in good faith continuously to completion so far as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.