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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for New Bedford
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, height-to-diameter ratio not exceeding 2:1
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
Temporary stage sets and scenery for motion picture, television, and theater production
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy (walls entirely above grade, water depth not exceeding 24 inches, capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons)
Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes
Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
Window awnings in Group R-3 and Group U occupancies (projecting not more than 54 inches, not requiring additional support)
Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height
Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film
Routine maintenance and repairs to fire protection systems that do not affect system performance capability
- 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, height-to-diameter ratio not exceeding 2:1
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Temporary stage sets and scenery for motion picture, television, and theater production
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy (walls entirely above grade, water depth not exceeding 24 inches, capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons)
- Exempt Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes
- Exempt Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
- Exempt Window awnings in Group R-3 and Group U occupancies (projecting not more than 54 inches, not requiring additional support)
- Exempt Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height
- Exempt Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film
- Exempt Routine maintenance and repairs to fire protection systems that do not affect system performance capability
Note: Even for exempt work, trade permits (electrical, plumbing, gas) may still be required separately. Ordinary repairs (interior and exterior painting, wallpapering, staining, carpet installation) do not require a permit.
Required documents
- Completed application
- Copy of CSL or HIC license
- Workers' compensation affidavit
- Certificate of liability insurance
- Two sets of construction plans
- Plot plan/site plan where required by zoning
- Energy compliance documentation
- 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 without a CSL/HIC but assume full contractor liability.
- Contractor requirements
- CSL required for structures over 35,000 cubic feet. HIC required for residential work (1-6 unit dwellings) below the CSL threshold. Homeowners may not pull electrical permits.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 30 days standard review per 780 CMR 105.3.1
- 01 Download or access permit application forms through the OpenGov portal or in person at Room 308.
- 02 Complete the application (signed by the licensed contractor and reviewed/signed by the property owner).
- 03 Prepare two sets of construction plans, specifications, and technical certifications (plans must be stamped by registered architect/engineer for structures exceeding 35,000 cubic feet).
- 04 Submit application with plans, workers' compensation affidavit, proof of liability insurance, and copy of professional license.
- 05 Pay applicable fees at time of submission.
- 06 Building Department reviews application (standard review target: 30 days per 780 CMR 105.3.1).
- 07 Upon approval, post permit at job site, visible and protected from weather.
- 08 Schedule required inspections through the OpenGov portal or by phone.
- 09 Final inspection and issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or Certificate of Use and Occupancy as applicable.
Typical processing time: 30 days standard review per 780 CMR 105.3.1
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2018-09-24
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$30
02
Plan check fee
$125 (building)
03
Permit fee formula
Varies by work type and square footage
04
Trade permit fee
Varies by trade (electrical, plumbing, gas)
05
Reinspection fee
$25 (plumbing); $35 (electrical); varies by trade
06
Penalty (no permit)
Double fees for work without a permit
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2018-09-24) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- OpenGov portal (online)
- 508-979-1540 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- At least 24 hours advance notice required.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/footing (before concrete pour), Framing (before insulation or covering), Insulation (before covering), Rough trade inspections (electrical, plumbing, gas), Final building inspection, Certificate of Occupancy.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about New Bedford permits
01 Do I need a building permit in New Bedford, 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 New Bedford, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in New Bedford, 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: Varies by work type and square footage. Plan check fee: $125 (building).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in New Bedford, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in New Bedford, MA, follow these steps: 1. Download or access permit application forms through the OpenGov portal or in person at Room 308. 2. Complete the application (signed by the licensed contractor and reviewed/signed by the property owner). 3. Prepare two sets of construction plans, specifications, and technical certifications (plans must be stamped by registered architect/engineer for structures exceeding 35,000 cubic feet). 4. Submit application with plans, workers' compensation affidavit, proof of liability insurance, and copy of professional license. 5. Pay applicable fees at time of submission. 6. Building Department reviews application (standard review target: 30 days per 780 CMR 105.3.1). 7. Upon approval, post permit at job site, visible and protected from weather. 8. Schedule required inspections through the OpenGov portal or by phone. 9. Final inspection and issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or Certificate of Use and Occupancy as applicable.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in New Bedford, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in New Bedford, 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 New Bedford, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in New Bedford, 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, height-to-diameter ratio not exceeding 2:1; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work; Temporary stage sets and scenery for motion picture, television, and theater production; Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy (walls entirely above grade, water depth not exceeding 24 inches, capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons); Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes; Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings; Window awnings in Group R-3 and Group U occupancies (projecting not more than 54 inches, not requiring additional support); Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height; Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film; Routine maintenance and repairs to fire protection systems that do not affect system performance capability. Note: Even for exempt work, trade permits (electrical, plumbing, gas) may still be required separately. Ordinary repairs (interior and exterior painting, wallpapering, staining, carpet installation) do not require a permit. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in New Bedford, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in New Bedford, MA via: OpenGov portal, 508-979-1540. At least 24 hours advance notice required..
last verified April 2026
source Department of Inspectional Services (DIS) ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/bristol/new-bedford
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Department of Inspectional Services (DIS) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.