On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Fall River
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 (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), unless supporting a surcharge or impounding liquids
Water tanks supported directly on grade, capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons
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, walls above grade, water depth not exceeding 24 inches)
Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes
Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
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 (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), unless supporting a surcharge or impounding liquids
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade, capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons
- 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, walls above grade, water depth not exceeding 24 inches)
- Exempt Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
- 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: Fall River's Building Division specifies that roof shingle replacement, exterior siding replacement, window replacement, soffit/gutter work, and interior drywall replacement explicitly require permits. Wallpapering, staining, interior/exterior painting, and carpet installation are explicitly exempt (ordinary repairs).
Required documents
- Completed application
- Construction plans and specifications (where required)
- Workers' compensation affidavit
- Proof of contractor license (CSL/HIC as applicable)
- Liability insurance certificate
- 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
- Owners of 1-2 family dwellings may obtain permits themselves; all other building types require a Massachusetts-licensed contractor.
- Contractor requirements
- CSL required for structures over 35,000 cubic feet. HIC required for residential alterations below the CSL threshold. Only Massachusetts-licensed electricians and plumbing/gas contractors may apply for those trade permits.
Source: Department of Inspectional Services -- Building Division ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 30 days standard review per 780 CMR 105.3.1
- 01 Determine whether work requires a building permit and/or trade permits (electrical, plumbing, gas, signage).
- 02 Register for an account on the OpenGov portal (https://fallriverma.portal.opengov.com/) or visit Room 524 in person.
- 03 Complete the appropriate permit application checklist (available on the department website).
- 04 Submit application with: construction plans/specifications (where required), workers' compensation affidavit, proof of contractor license (CSL/HIC as applicable), liability insurance certificate.
- 05 Pay required fees (see Fees section).
- 06 Application is reviewed; the Building Official must act within 30 days per 780 CMR 105.3.1.
- 07 Post permit at job site upon approval.
- 08 Schedule inspections at each required phase.
- 09 Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy.
Typical processing time: 30 days standard review per 780 CMR 105.3.1
Source: Department of Inspectional Services -- Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2024-09-10
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$46
02
Permit fee formula
Tiered flat rates for maintenance/renovation; per-sq-ft for new construction
03
Trade permit fee
Varies by trade
04
Reinspection fee
$37
05
Penalty (no permit)
Double fees for work without a permit
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2024-09-10) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- OpenGov portal (online)
- 508-324-2500 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- As required by department
- Inspection hours
- Not published; confirm by phone at 508-324-2500 or email buildings@fallriverma.gov. Typical MA municipal hours Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/footing (before concrete pour), Framing (rough structural, before insulation or covering), Rough trade inspections (electrical, plumbing, gas), Insulation (before covering), Final building inspection, Certificate of Occupancy.
Source: Department of Inspectional Services -- Building Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Fall River permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Fall River, 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 Fall River, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Fall River, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $46. Fees are calculated as: Tiered flat rates for maintenance/renovation; per-sq-ft for new construction.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Fall River, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Fall River, MA, follow these steps: 1. Determine whether work requires a building permit and/or trade permits (electrical, plumbing, gas, signage). 2. Register for an account on the OpenGov portal (https://fallriverma.portal.opengov.com/) or visit Room 524 in person. 3. Complete the appropriate permit application checklist (available on the department website). 4. Submit application with: construction plans/specifications (where required), workers' compensation affidavit, proof of contractor license (CSL/HIC as applicable), liability insurance certificate. 5. Pay required fees (see Fees section). 6. Application is reviewed; the Building Official must act within 30 days per 780 CMR 105.3.1. 7. Post permit at job site upon approval. 8. Schedule inspections at each required phase. 9. Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Fall River, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Fall River, MA typically run 30 days standard review per 780 CMR 105.3.1. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Fall River, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Fall River, 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 (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), unless supporting a surcharge or impounding liquids; Water tanks supported directly on grade, capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons; 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, walls above grade, water depth not exceeding 24 inches); Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes; Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings; 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: Fall River's Building Division specifies that roof shingle replacement, exterior siding replacement, window replacement, soffit/gutter work, and interior drywall replacement explicitly require permits. Wallpapering, staining, interior/exterior painting, and carpet installation are explicitly exempt (ordinary repairs). When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Fall River, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Fall River, MA via: OpenGov portal, 508-324-2500. As required by department.
last verified April 2026
source Department of Inspectional Services -- Building Division ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/bristol/fall-river
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Department of Inspectional Services -- Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.