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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Beverly
All construction within the City of Beverly requires a building permit.
Ordinary repairs to structures (no structural, egress, fire, energy, plumbing, or utility impact)
One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 120 sq ft floor area
Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured footing to top), unless supporting a surcharge
Water tanks 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
Interior finish work: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools under 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons
Play equipment accessory to one- and two-family residences
Window awnings in residential and utility occupancies projecting less than 54 inches
- Exempt Ordinary repairs to structures (no structural, egress, fire, energy, plumbing, or utility impact)
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 120 sq ft floor area
- Exempt Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured footing to top), unless supporting a surcharge
- Exempt Water tanks 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
- Exempt Interior finish work: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
- Exempt Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools under 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons
- Exempt Play equipment accessory to one- and two-family residences
- Exempt Window awnings in residential and utility occupancies projecting less than 54 inches
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from trade permits (electrical, plumbing, gas) or zoning and planning requirements. Properties in flood hazard areas require a Flood Hazard Area Notice for alterations to existing buildings. Beverly has adopted the Stretch Energy Code, which imposes stricter energy efficiency standards than base 780 CMR.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- 3 sets of construction plans
- 3 copies of certified plot plan (for applicable projects)
- Stretch Energy Code Compliance Checklist (required for all building permits)
- Worker's Compensation Insurance Affidavit (required for all building permits)
- Building code
- Massachusetts Building Code 780 CMR and Stretch Energy Code; 10th Edition effective for applications filed after June 30, 2025.
- Owner-builder
- Licensed CSL required; owner-builder exception applies to owner-occupied one- or two-family residences under 780 CMR 110.R5.1.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractor must provide valid HIC registration for residential work. Worker's Compensation Insurance Affidavit required for all permit applications. Working without a permit incurs double fees (capped at $1,000 additional) plus potential fines of up to $1,000 per day under 780 CMR.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 30-day maximum review period; simple projects may be 1 day
- 01 Register once on the Online Permit Center (one-time; takes approximately 5 minutes).
- 02 Complete the permit application; upload 3 sets of construction plans and 3 copies of certified plot plan for applicable projects.
- 03 Include the Stretch Energy Code Compliance Checklist (required for all building permit applications).
- 04 Submit Worker's Compensation Insurance Affidavit (required for all building permits).
- 05 Pay fees online.
- 06 Department has 30 days maximum to issue or deny. Simple projects may be processed in 1 day; new construction typically approaches the full 30-day window.
- 07 Permit notification by phone; pick up in person at 8 Dane Street.
- 08 Post permit at job site; work cannot begin until permit is officially issued.
Typical processing time: 30-day maximum review period; simple projects may be 1 day
§ 04
Fee schedule
Beverly building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$65 (all building permits)
02
Permit fee formula
$15.00 per $1,000 of construction value (rounded up to next $1,000)
03
Trade permit fee
$25.00 per $1,000 of estimated cost (electrical; minimum $65); $10.00 per fixture (plumbing and gas; minimum $65)
04
Reinspection fee
$50.00 flat (plumbing); $65.00 flat (electrical); $65.00 flat (work incomplete)
Paper application surcharge $25.00 flat for electrical, plumbing, gas (effective December 1, 2024)
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 978-921-6025 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Mon-Wed 7:00 AM-3:00 PM; Thu 7:00 AM-6:00 PM; Fri 7:00 AM-11:30 AM
- Time windows
- Mon-Wed 7:30 AM-8:30 AM and 2:00 PM-3:00 PM (Inspector Counter); Thu 7:30 AM-8:30 AM and 5:00 PM-6:00 PM; Fri 7:30 AM-8:30 AM and 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Typical sequence: Department enforces the State Building Code, State Electrical Code, and local Zoning Ordinance. Standard 780 CMR milestone inspections apply. Failed inspections require reinspection fee paid in advance.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Beverly permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Beverly, MA? ▸
All construction within the City of Beverly requires a building permit.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Beverly, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Beverly, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $65 (all building permits). Fees are calculated as: $15.00 per $1,000 of construction value (rounded up to next $1,000).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Beverly, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Beverly, MA, follow these steps: 1. Register once on the Online Permit Center (one-time; takes approximately 5 minutes). 2. Complete the permit application; upload 3 sets of construction plans and 3 copies of certified plot plan for applicable projects. 3. Include the Stretch Energy Code Compliance Checklist (required for all building permit applications). 4. Submit Worker's Compensation Insurance Affidavit (required for all building permits). 5. Pay fees online. 6. Department has 30 days maximum to issue or deny. Simple projects may be processed in 1 day; new construction typically approaches the full 30-day window. 7. Permit notification by phone; pick up in person at 8 Dane Street. 8. Post permit at job site; work cannot begin until permit is officially issued.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Beverly, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Beverly, MA typically run 30-day maximum review period; simple projects may be 1 day. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Beverly, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Beverly, MA. The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs to structures (no structural, egress, fire, energy, plumbing, or utility impact); One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 120 sq ft floor area; Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured footing to top), unless supporting a surcharge; Water tanks 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; Interior finish work: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops; Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools under 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons; Play equipment accessory to one- and two-family residences; Window awnings in residential and utility occupancies projecting less than 54 inches. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from trade permits (electrical, plumbing, gas) or zoning and planning requirements. Properties in flood hazard areas require a Flood Hazard Area Notice for alterations to existing buildings. Beverly has adopted the Stretch Energy Code, which imposes stricter energy efficiency standards than base 780 CMR. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Beverly, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Beverly, MA via: 978-921-6025.
last verified April 2026
source Department of Municipal Inspections ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/essex/beverly
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Department of Municipal Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.