How much does a building permit cost in Peabody, MA?

The minimum permit fee is $50 (residential); $100 (commercial). Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; contact department for current per-thousand rate.

How do I apply for a building permit in Peabody, MA?

1. Create an account on the OpenGov portal. 2. Complete the permit application; upload required plans and documentation. 3. Submit and pay fees online. 4. Department reviews; 30-day statutory review period. 5. Permit issued; post at job site before work begins. 6. Work must commence within 6 months of permit issuance. 7. Schedule inspections by email or phone with the individual inspector.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Peabody, MA?

Typical processing time is 30-day statutory review period under 780 CMR.

What work is exempt from building permits in Peabody, 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. Construction hours restricted by city noise ordinance: 7:00 AM-6:00 PM weekdays; 9:00 AM-6:00 PM Saturdays and holidays; no Sunday construction. Maximum of two roof layers permitted when re-roofing; third layer requires tear-off.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Peabody, MA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 978-538-5786, Kelly.Rydzewski@peabody-ma.gov.

City Building Permits

Peabody, MA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Peabody, Massachusetts. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Massachusetts Essex County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Peabody.

Department: Building Inspectors / Inspectional Services Department
Address: 24 Lowell Street, Peabody, MA 01960
Phone: 978-538-5786
Email: Kelly.Rydzewski@peabody-ma.gov
Website: https://www.peabody-ma.gov/inspectors.html

Online Permit Portal

Open OpenGov

Platform: OpenGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

Create an account on the OpenGov portal.
Complete the permit application; upload required plans and documentation.
Submit and pay fees online.
Department reviews; 30-day statutory review period.
Permit issued; post at job site before work begins.
Work must commence within 6 months of permit issuance.
Schedule inspections by email or phone with the individual inspector.

Typical processing time: 30-day statutory review period under 780 CMR

Source: Building Inspectors / Inspectional Services Department

General Requirements

All construction within the City of Peabody requires a building permit.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Construction plans
Required documentation

Permit validity: Work must commence within 6 months of permit issuance.
Building code: Massachusetts Building Code 780 CMR; 10th Edition effective for applications filed after June 30, 2025.
Owner-builder: Owner-builder exception applies to owner-occupied one- or two-family residences under 780 CMR 110.R5.1.
Contractor requirements: Licensed CSL required for all commercial work and residential work on structures over 35,000 cubic feet or not owner-occupied. Permit card must be prominently posted at the job site. Work must progress continuously once started.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $50 (residential); $100 (commercial)
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based; contact department for current per-thousand rate
Trade permit fee: $35.00 per $1,000 of estimated electrical construction cost (minimum $125); $250.00 per quarter or per-fixture basis for plumbing/gas (contact department for current schedule)

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Inspectors / Inspectional Services Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

978-538-5786 (phone)
Kelly.Rydzewski@peabody-ma.gov (email)

Inspection hours: Mon-Wed 8:30 AM-10:00 AM and 3:00 PM-4:00 PM; Thu 8:30 AM-10:00 AM and 5:30 PM-7:00 PM; Fri 8:30 AM-10:00 AM and 12:00 PM-12:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections scheduled by email or phone with the individual inspector. Same-day or next-business-day response typical. Standard 780 CMR milestone inspections apply.

Additional Resources

Building code: Massachusetts Building Code 780 CMR; 10th Edition effective for applications filed after June 30, 2025.
Verify contractor license: Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License Lookup
Permit Fee Schedule (PDF)
License lookup guide: Massachusetts Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Massachusetts Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Massachusetts hub: Massachusetts Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Inspectors / Inspectional Services Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Peabody Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Peabody, MA?: All construction within the City of Peabody requires a building permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Peabody, MA?: The minimum permit fee is $50 (residential); $100 (commercial). Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; contact department for current per-thousand rate.
How do I apply for a building permit in Peabody, MA?: 1. Create an account on the OpenGov portal. 2. Complete the permit application; upload required plans and documentation. 3. Submit and pay fees online. 4. Department reviews; 30-day statutory review period. 5. Permit issued; post at job site before work begins. 6. Work must commence within 6 months of permit issuance. 7. Schedule inspections by email or phone with the individual inspector.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Peabody, MA?: Typical processing time is 30-day statutory review period under 780 CMR.
What work is exempt from building permits in Peabody, 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. Construction hours restricted by city noise ordinance: 7:00 AM-6:00 PM weekdays; 9:00 AM-6:00 PM Saturdays and holidays; no Sunday construction. Maximum of two roof layers permitted when re-roofing; third layer requires tear-off.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Peabody, MA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 978-538-5786, Kelly.Rydzewski@peabody-ma.gov.

Need help with your project?

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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