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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Peabody
All construction within the City of Peabody 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. 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.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Construction plans
- Required documentation
- Building code
- Massachusetts Building Code 780 CMR; 10th Edition effective for applications filed after June 30, 2025.
- Permit validity
- Work must commence within 6 months of permit issuance.
- 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.
Source: Building Inspectors / Inspectional Services Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 30-day statutory review period under 780 CMR
- 01 Create an account on the OpenGov portal.
- 02 Complete the permit application; upload required plans and documentation.
- 03 Submit and pay fees online.
- 04 Department reviews; 30-day statutory review period.
- 05 Permit issued; post at job site before work begins.
- 06 Work must commence within 6 months of permit issuance.
- 07 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Peabody building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50 (residential); $100 (commercial)
02
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based; contact department for current per-thousand rate
03
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
Source: Building Inspectors / Inspectional Services Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Peabody permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Peabody, MA? ▸
All construction within the City of Peabody requires a building permit.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Peabody, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Peabody, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $50 (residential); $100 (commercial). Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; contact department for current per-thousand rate.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Peabody, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Peabody, MA, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Peabody, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Peabody, 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 Peabody, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Peabody, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Peabody, MA via: 978-538-5786, Kelly.Rydzewski@peabody-ma.gov.
last verified April 2026
source Building Inspectors / Inspectional Services Department ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/essex/peabody
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Inspectors / Inspectional Services Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.