Agawam, MA — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Building Department, Town of Agawam

Street address

Public Works Municipal Annex, 1000 Suffield Street, Agawam, MA 01001

Phone

(413) 821-0632

Coverage

All properties within the Town of Agawam.

Online portal

OpenGov

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Agawam

A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Agawam. No construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition may commence without a permit.

Scope of work

Permit?

One-story detached accessory structures under 120 sq. ft.

Exempt

Fences under 7 feet

Exempt

Interior finish work

Exempt

Above-ground pools under 24 inches / 5,000 gallons

Exempt

Exempt One-story detached accessory structures under 120 sq. ft.
Exempt Fences under 7 feet
Exempt Interior finish work
Exempt Above-ground pools under 24 inches / 5,000 gallons

Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Note: Beginning January 2, 2025, Agawam Fire Department issues all fire-related permits via OpenGov (agawamma.portal.opengov.com). Building permits remain with Building Department but use the same portal.

Required documents

All permits must be applied for by licensed contractor (building, plumbing, gas, electrical) unless homeowner exemption applies
Completed permit application
Workers' Compensation affidavit and proof of liability insurance
CSL and HIC numbers for contractors
Plot plan/site plan (required for new construction)
Construction drawings/plans
Homeowner affidavit for owner-occupant projects
Separate permits required for: building, electrical, plumbing, gas

Building code: Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR (10th Edition effective July 1, 2025; based on 2021 IBC/IRC)
Permit validity: Work must commence within 6 months of permit issuance or the permit lapses. An inactive permit also lapses if work is suspended for 6 months.
Owner-builder: Owner-occupants of 1- or 2-family dwellings may apply for the building permit themselves using the form labeled 'Building Permit Application for a One or Two Family Dwelling'. Homeowner assumes full contractor liability. Exemption does not extend to electrical, plumbing, or gas permits.
Contractor requirements: Contractors must hold valid Construction Supervisor License (CSL) and Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) licenses registered with OCABR. Both licenses required for residential work.

Source: Building Department, Town of Agawam ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: 30 days (statutory maximum per Massachusetts law).

01

Access the OpenGov portal at agawamma.portal.opengov.com, or download paper forms from agawam.ma.us/249/Building-Department.
02

Select the applicable permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, gas, certificate of use, etc.).
03

Complete the application and upload supporting documents.
04

Pay fees via portal (online) or by check/money order if submitting in person.
05

Department reviews and issues or denies permit within 30 days.
06

Post permit at job site and commence work within 6 months.
07

Schedule inspections via OpenGov portal.
08

Pass final inspection; obtain Certificate of Use and Occupancy.

Typical processing time: 30 days (statutory maximum per Massachusetts law).

Source: Building Department, Town of Agawam ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Effective 2025/2026

Fee type

Amount

Minimum permit fee

$50 (accessory buildings/minimum)

Permit fee formula

Residential new construction: $0.45/sq. ft. Additions: $0.30/sq. ft., min $100. Interior alterations: $0.30/sq. ft., min $100. Decks: $0.30/sq. ft., min $50. Solar: $75. In-ground pool: $100. Above-ground pool: $75.

Reinspection fee

$50 (all categories)

Penalty (no permit)

Double the permit fee for building without a permit

Check or money order for in-person submissions; online payment available through OpenGov. Fees are non-refundable.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2025/2026) before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

OpenGov Portal (online)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. -- 3:30 p.m. (except municipal holidays)

Typical sequence: Required inspection stages: foundation/footing, rough framing, rough trade inspections (electrical, plumbing, gas), insulation, final building inspection, final trade sign-offs.

Source: Building Department, Town of Agawam ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Agawam permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Agawam, MA? ▸

A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Agawam. No construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition may commence without a permit.

02 How much does a building permit cost in Agawam, MA? ▸

Building permit fees in Agawam, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $50 (accessory buildings/minimum). Fees are calculated as: Residential new construction: $0.45/sq. ft. Additions: $0.30/sq. ft., min $100. Interior alterations: $0.30/sq. ft., min $100. Decks: $0.30/sq. ft., min $50. Solar: $75. In-ground pool: $100. Above-ground pool: $75..

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Agawam, MA? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Agawam, MA, follow these steps: 1. Access the OpenGov portal at agawamma.portal.opengov.com, or download paper forms from agawam.ma.us/249/Building-Department. 2. Select the applicable permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, gas, certificate of use, etc.). 3. Complete the application and upload supporting documents. 4. Pay fees via portal (online) or by check/money order if submitting in person. 5. Department reviews and issues or denies permit within 30 days. 6. Post permit at job site and commence work within 6 months. 7. Schedule inspections via OpenGov portal. 8. Pass final inspection; obtain Certificate of Use and Occupancy.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Agawam, MA? ▸

Building permit processing times in Agawam, MA typically run 30 days (statutory maximum per Massachusetts law).. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Agawam, MA? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in Agawam, MA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures under 120 sq. ft.; Fences under 7 feet; Interior finish work; Above-ground pools under 24 inches / 5,000 gallons. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Note: Beginning January 2, 2025, Agawam Fire Department issues all fire-related permits via OpenGov (agawamma.portal.opengov.com). Building permits remain with Building Department but use the same portal. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Agawam, MA? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Agawam, MA via: OpenGov Portal.

last verified April 2026 source Building Department, Town of Agawam ↗ entry id permits/massachusetts/hampden/agawam

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department, Town of Agawam before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Town of Agawam

Other jurisdictions in Hampden County.