On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Lynn
All construction within the City of Lynn 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.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Construction plans
- Site plan/plot plan where required
- Building code
- Massachusetts Building Code 780 CMR and Lynn Zoning Ordinance; 10th Edition effective for applications filed after June 30, 2025.
- Owner-builder
- Licensed contractors are required to obtain permits except for owner-occupants of one- or two-family dwellings under 780 CMR 110.R5.1.
- Contractor requirements
- Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration required for residential contractors. Licensed CSL required for commercial work and non-owner-occupied residential properties.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 30-day statutory review period
- 01 Create an account at the SmartGov portal.
- 02 Submit permit application online, including required plans and documents.
- 03 Pay fees online; paper applicants pay in person and are charged the $25 paper processing surcharge (effective January 1, 2025).
- 04 Plan review conducted by department; 30-day statutory period under 780 CMR.
- 05 Inspectors review plans against 780 CMR and local zoning ordinance.
- 06 Permit issued; post at job site before commencing work.
- 07 Schedule inspections as required by scope of work.
Typical processing time: 30-day statutory review period
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective March 1, 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$100 (residential); $150 (commercial)
02
Permit fee formula
$18.00 per $1,000 of estimated construction value (residential); $22.00 per $1,000 (commercial)
03
Trade permit fee
$18.00-$22.00 per $1,000 estimated cost (electrical); tiered rates for plumbing, gas, mechanical
Paper application surcharge $25.00 (effective January 1, 2025)
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- SmartGov portal (online)
- Inspection hours
- Mon-Wed 8:30 AM-4:30 PM; Thu 8:30 AM-7:30 PM; Fri 8:30 AM-12:30 PM
Typical sequence: Trade inspectors review and issue permits for building, electrical, gas, plumbing, and mechanical. Permit card must remain posted at the job site throughout construction.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Lynn permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Lynn, MA? ▸
All construction within the City of Lynn requires a building permit.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Lynn, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Lynn, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $100 (residential); $150 (commercial). Fees are calculated as: $18.00 per $1,000 of estimated construction value (residential); $22.00 per $1,000 (commercial).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Lynn, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Lynn, MA, follow these steps: 1. Create an account at the SmartGov portal. 2. Submit permit application online, including required plans and documents. 3. Pay fees online; paper applicants pay in person and are charged the $25 paper processing surcharge (effective January 1, 2025). 4. Plan review conducted by department; 30-day statutory period under 780 CMR. 5. Inspectors review plans against 780 CMR and local zoning ordinance. 6. Permit issued; post at job site before commencing work. 7. Schedule inspections as required by scope of work.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Lynn, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Lynn, MA typically run 30-day statutory review period. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Lynn, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Lynn, 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Lynn, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Lynn, MA via: SmartGov portal.
last verified April 2026
source Inspectional Services Department ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/essex/lynn
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Inspectional Services Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.