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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Haverhill
All construction within the City of Haverhill 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
Nonstructural repairs costing $1,000 or less in labor and materials (prior notification to Building Inspection Department required by phone or mail)
- 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
- Exempt Nonstructural repairs costing $1,000 or less in labor and materials (prior notification to Building Inspection Department required by phone or mail)
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from trade permits (electrical, plumbing, gas) or zoning and planning requirements. Nonstructural repairs under $1,000 require prior notification to the Building Inspection Department; failure to notify may result in compliance issues.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Construction plans
- Plot plans (required for pools, decks, sheds, and fences)
- Building code
- Massachusetts Building Code 780 CMR; 10th Edition effective for applications filed after June 30, 2025.
- Permit validity
- 6 months from date of issuance; renewable for $25.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-occupants of 1- or 2-family dwellings may self-apply under 780 CMR 110.R5.1.
- Contractor requirements
- Multi-family properties, commercial properties, and any non-owner-occupied property require a licensed CSL holder to pull the permit. Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration required for residential contractors.
Source: Inspectional Services Division (Health and Inspections Department) ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 30-day statutory review period under 780 CMR
- 01 Create an account on the OpenGov portal.
- 02 Submit permit application online; include required documentation (plot plans required for pools, decks, sheds, and fences).
- 03 Pay fees online at time of submission (PayPal or credit card accepted).
- 04 Department reviews; permit card issued upon approval.
- 05 Post permit card at job site before any work begins.
- 06 Permit valid for 6 months from date of issuance; renewable for $25.
- 07 Schedule inspections as required by scope.
Typical processing time: 30-day statutory review period under 780 CMR
Source: Inspectional Services Division (Health and Inspections Department) ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Haverhill building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
$50.00 application + $14.00 per $1,000 above first $2,000 of project cost (new construction and renovation/alteration)
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 978-358-1311 or 311 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Typical sequence: All inspections by appointment. Standard 780 CMR milestone inspections apply: footing/foundation, framing, insulation, rough trades, and final occupancy. Permit card must be on site and work must not proceed past a required inspection point without the inspector sign-off.
Source: Inspectional Services Division (Health and Inspections Department) ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Haverhill permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Haverhill, MA? ▸
All construction within the City of Haverhill requires a building permit.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Haverhill, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Haverhill, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: $50.00 application + $14.00 per $1,000 above first $2,000 of project cost (new construction and renovation/alteration).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Haverhill, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Haverhill, MA, follow these steps: 1. Create an account on the OpenGov portal. 2. Submit permit application online; include required documentation (plot plans required for pools, decks, sheds, and fences). 3. Pay fees online at time of submission (PayPal or credit card accepted). 4. Department reviews; permit card issued upon approval. 5. Post permit card at job site before any work begins. 6. Permit valid for 6 months from date of issuance; renewable for $25. 7. Schedule inspections as required by scope.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Haverhill, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Haverhill, MA typically run 30-day statutory review period under 780 CMR. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Haverhill, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Haverhill, 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; Nonstructural repairs costing $1,000 or less in labor and materials (prior notification to Building Inspection Department required by phone or mail). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from trade permits (electrical, plumbing, gas) or zoning and planning requirements. Nonstructural repairs under $1,000 require prior notification to the Building Inspection Department; failure to notify may result in compliance issues. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Haverhill, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Haverhill, MA via: 978-358-1311 or 311.
last verified April 2026
source Inspectional Services Division (Health and Inspections Department) ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/essex/haverhill
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Inspectional Services Division (Health and Inspections Department) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.