On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Attleboro
Any construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, change of use or occupancy, or installation of regulated equipment requires a permit before work begins (780 CMR 105.1).
One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 120 sq ft
Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
Oil derricks
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height
Water tanks supported directly on grade
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
Temporary stage sets and scenery
Prefabricated swimming pools (Group R-3)
Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes
Swings and playground equipment
Window awnings in Group R-3 and Group U occupancies
Movable cases, counters, and partitions
Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film
Routine maintenance and repairs to fire protection systems
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 120 sq ft
- Exempt Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
- Exempt Oil derricks
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Temporary stage sets and scenery
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools (Group R-3)
- Exempt Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment
- Exempt Window awnings in Group R-3 and Group U occupancies
- Exempt Movable cases, counters, and partitions
- Exempt Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film
- Exempt Routine maintenance and repairs to fire protection systems
Note: Attleboro specifies that the following DO require permits: accessory structures exceeding 200 sq ft (including detached garages), re-siding, re-roofing, window replacement, swimming pools, fences, decks, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, mechanical systems, fire suppression/detection systems, fireplaces, wood stoves, power vents, asbestos removal, prefabricated/manufactured homes, temporary structures, signs, and banners.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Construction documents/plans drawn to scale
- Professional engineer/architect stamp for structures exceeding 35,000 cubic feet
- Proof of contractor license (CSL/HIC/trade license)
- Workers' compensation affidavit
- Certificate of liability insurance
- Building code
- Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR (9th Edition, effective January 1, 2018; 10th Edition effective July 1, 2025)
- Permit validity
- Work must commence within 6 months (180 days) of issuance. Abandonment or suspension exceeding 180 days voids the permit. Extensions are available in writing.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-occupants of 1-2 family primary residences may obtain building permits but NOT electrical permits.
- Contractor requirements
- CSL required for structures over 35,000 cubic feet. HIC required for residential alterations below the CSL threshold. CRITICAL: Homeowners may NOT obtain electrical permits (effective March 1, 2022). Only Massachusetts-licensed electricians may receive electrical permits in Attleboro.
Source: Building Inspection Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 30 days standard review per 780 CMR 105.3.1 (may be longer due to multi-department routing)
- 01 Create an account on PermitEyes (https://permiteyes.us/attleboro/loginuser.php).
- 02 Complete the online application thoroughly and accurately; incomplete applications cause processing delays.
- 03 Attach all required construction documents -- plans drawn to scale with sufficient clarity and dimension to show the nature of work and compliance with 780 CMR.
- 04 Plans for alterations or construction of buildings exceeding 35,000 cubic feet must be stamped and signed by a qualified registered professional engineer or architect.
- 05 Submit application through PermitEyes (or in person for fence permits with separate packet).
- 06 The permit is not considered filed until other departments (Engineering, Planning, Conservation, Health) have reviewed it and returned it to the Building Department.
- 07 Building Department reviews within 30 days per 780 CMR 105.3.1.
- 08 Upon approval, post permit at construction site in clear view, protected from weather, available for inspector initials.
- 09 Notify each inspector at least 24 hours in advance of each required inspection phase.
- 10 Obtain final inspection sign-off and Certificate of Occupancy.
Typical processing time: 30 days standard review per 780 CMR 105.3.1 (may be longer due to multi-department routing)
Source: Building Inspection Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Not published
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$30
02
Plan check fee
$150 minimum for amended plans with substantial changes
03
Permit fee formula
Value-based: $10 per $1,000 of construction value (residential); $15 per $1,000 (other uses). Flat-rate option: $0.60/sq ft residential; $1.00/sq ft other uses.
04
Trade permit fee
Varies by trade
05
Reinspection fee
$25 first re-inspection; $50 each additional
06
Penalty (no permit)
Fines ($50 first offense, $100+ subsequent offenses) for work without permit
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Not published) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 508-223-2222, ext. 3251 (phone)
- PermitEyes portal (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- At least 24 hours advance notice required
- Inspection hours
- Monday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Tuesday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Wednesday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Friday 8:00 AM - noon
Typical sequence: Attleboro operates a six-step model: Consultation, Submission, Review, Decision, Inspections (call before you cover), Final Inspection (occupancy permit). Electrical, plumbing, gas, mechanical, and fire department approvals must be obtained before rough inspections sign-off.
Source: Building Inspection Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Attleboro permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Attleboro, MA? ▸
Any construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, change of use or occupancy, or installation of regulated equipment requires a permit before work begins (780 CMR 105.1).
02 How much does a building permit cost in Attleboro, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Attleboro, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $30. Fees are calculated as: Value-based: $10 per $1,000 of construction value (residential); $15 per $1,000 (other uses). Flat-rate option: $0.60/sq ft residential; $1.00/sq ft other uses.. Plan check fee: $150 minimum for amended plans with substantial changes.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Attleboro, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Attleboro, MA, follow these steps: 1. Create an account on PermitEyes (https://permiteyes.us/attleboro/loginuser.php). 2. Complete the online application thoroughly and accurately; incomplete applications cause processing delays. 3. Attach all required construction documents -- plans drawn to scale with sufficient clarity and dimension to show the nature of work and compliance with 780 CMR. 4. Plans for alterations or construction of buildings exceeding 35,000 cubic feet must be stamped and signed by a qualified registered professional engineer or architect. 5. Submit application through PermitEyes (or in person for fence permits with separate packet). 6. The permit is not considered filed until other departments (Engineering, Planning, Conservation, Health) have reviewed it and returned it to the Building Department. 7. Building Department reviews within 30 days per 780 CMR 105.3.1. 8. Upon approval, post permit at construction site in clear view, protected from weather, available for inspector initials. 9. Notify each inspector at least 24 hours in advance of each required inspection phase. 10. Obtain final inspection sign-off and Certificate of Occupancy.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Attleboro, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Attleboro, MA typically run 30 days standard review per 780 CMR 105.3.1 (may be longer due to multi-department routing). Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Attleboro, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Attleboro, MA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 120 sq ft; Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height; Oil derricks; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height; Water tanks supported directly on grade; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work; Temporary stage sets and scenery; Prefabricated swimming pools (Group R-3); Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes; Swings and playground equipment; Window awnings in Group R-3 and Group U occupancies; Movable cases, counters, and partitions; Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film; Routine maintenance and repairs to fire protection systems. Note: Attleboro specifies that the following DO require permits: accessory structures exceeding 200 sq ft (including detached garages), re-siding, re-roofing, window replacement, swimming pools, fences, decks, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, mechanical systems, fire suppression/detection systems, fireplaces, wood stoves, power vents, asbestos removal, prefabricated/manufactured homes, temporary structures, signs, and banners. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Attleboro, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Attleboro, MA via: 508-223-2222, ext. 3251, PermitEyes portal. At least 24 hours advance notice required.
last verified April 2026
source Building Inspection Department ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/bristol/attleboro
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Inspection Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.