Building Department FAQs

A. A building permit is required for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal or demolition of all buildings and structures; or to change the use and occupancy of a building or structure; or to install or alter any equipment for which provisions are made or the installation of which is regulated by 780 CMR (Massachusetts State Building Code); for all temporary structures unless exempted by section 110.3; and for all review of zoning compliance.

A. Construction control is required for all structures except for the following:
1). Any building containing less than 35000 cubic feet of enclosed area 
2). Any single or two family dwelling and accessory buildings
3). Any building used exclusively for farm purposes
4). Retaining walls less than ten feet in height
Note that although some structures are exempt from building code review, a building permit is still required for zoning review (see above).

A. Projects that require the services of a professional architect or engineer throughout the entire project.

A. Yes provided conventional drawing methods are used. Each application shall be accompanied by three (3) sets of construction documents. All documents shall be of reproducible quality, unfolded, drawn to scale, and void of any markings i.e.: pencil, pen, markers, etc. Unclean drawings shall be grounds for rejection.

Drawing size shall be 11" x 17" , 18" x 24 " or 24" x 26" only. Smaller and larger sizes will be considered for unique projects.

Standard Architectural Scale shall be used as follows:
1/8" = 1'-0" 1/4" = 1'-0" 1/2" = 1'-0" Sections and details should be drawn to architectural scales of sufficient size to show required detail.

Construction drawings must be site specific . Generic plans will not be accepted. Cut & paste or photo reduction of plans will not be accepted.

A. Professional engineering service:
1). Is required for all steel beams, engineered lumber, floor or roof truss system, vaulted or cathedral ceilings, post & beam framing, or any other unusual construction.
2). The engineer design professional must be certified in the discipline to perform the engineering analysis or system certification.
3). System analysis shall include but not be limited to design live and dead loads, calculations, free body diagrams, sketches, connection details and specifications. Each certification shall be site specific.
4). All submitted documents shall bear an original seal and signature of the engineer of record. Fax and Photo copied seals and signatures will not be accepted.

A.  Booklets cost $15.00 and are available at the Building Department Office, 3rd floor of the Shattuck Street Municipal Building, during business hours.