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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Salem
All construction within the City of Salem 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. CRITICAL: Properties in local historic districts require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Salem Historical Commission before a building permit will be issued for any exterior change visible from a public way.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Construction plans
- Contractor licenses
- Construction cost estimates
- Building code
- Massachusetts Building Code 780 CMR (10th Edition effective for applications filed after June 30, 2025; 9th Edition concurrent through 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
- Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration required for residential contractors. Licensed CSL required for commercial work and non-owner-occupied residential properties.
Source: Inspectional Services Department (Building Department / Public Property) ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 30-day statutory review period; historic district properties require additional 2-4 weeks for Historical Commission review.
- 01 Create or log in to the ViewPoint Cloud account.
- 02 Complete the permit record; upload plans, contractor licenses, and construction cost estimates.
- 03 For properties in a local historic district: obtain Certificate of Appropriateness from the Salem Historical Commission before the building permit is issued (application deadline 16 days before the meeting; meetings held 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM via Zoom).
- 04 Submit and pay fees online via Stripe (secure payment by credit card or check).
- 05 Department conducts plan review; 30-day statutory period.
- 06 Permit issued electronically; download and post at job site.
- 07 Schedule inspections at required construction milestones (Mon-Fri 9:00 AM-12:00 PM; Mon-Thu 1:00 PM-4:00 PM).
Typical processing time: 30-day statutory review period; historic district properties require additional 2-4 weeks for Historical Commission review.
Source: Inspectional Services Department (Building Department / Public Property) ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective July 1, 2024
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
$75.00 base + $15.00 per $1,000 of total project cost (residential 1-2 units); $75.00 base + $20.00 per $1,000 (commercial 3+ units, large complexes)
02
Trade permit fee
Plumbing and gas permits granted to licensed tradespeople; residential plumbing fixtures start at $50 initial + $10 each additional
03
Reinspection fee
$75.00, paid in advance for failed inspection
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- ViewPoint Cloud portal (online)
- Inspection hours
- Mon-Fri 9:00 AM-12:00 PM; Mon-Thu 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Typical sequence: Standard 780 CMR milestone inspections apply. Reinspection fee of $75 charged if work is not ready or fails inspection.
Source: Inspectional Services Department (Building Department / Public Property) ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Salem permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Salem, MA? ▸
All construction within the City of Salem requires a building permit.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Salem, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Salem, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: $75.00 base + $15.00 per $1,000 of total project cost (residential 1-2 units); $75.00 base + $20.00 per $1,000 (commercial 3+ units, large complexes).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Salem, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Salem, MA, follow these steps: 1. Create or log in to the ViewPoint Cloud account. 2. Complete the permit record; upload plans, contractor licenses, and construction cost estimates. 3. For properties in a local historic district: obtain Certificate of Appropriateness from the Salem Historical Commission before the building permit is issued (application deadline 16 days before the meeting; meetings held 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM via Zoom). 4. Submit and pay fees online via Stripe (secure payment by credit card or check). 5. Department conducts plan review; 30-day statutory period. 6. Permit issued electronically; download and post at job site. 7. Schedule inspections at required construction milestones (Mon-Fri 9:00 AM-12:00 PM; Mon-Thu 1:00 PM-4:00 PM).
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Salem, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Salem, MA typically run 30-day statutory review period; historic district properties require additional 2-4 weeks for Historical Commission review.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Salem, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Salem, 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. CRITICAL: Properties in local historic districts require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Salem Historical Commission before a building permit will be issued for any exterior change visible from a public way. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Salem, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Salem, MA via: ViewPoint Cloud portal.
last verified April 2026
source Inspectional Services Department (Building Department / Public Property) ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/essex/salem
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Inspectional Services Department (Building Department / Public Property) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.