How much does a building permit cost in Town of Framingham, MA?

The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Residential (1- and 2-family) building permit: $15.00 per $1,000 of actual construction cost; Residential demolition permit: $15.00 per $1,000 of actual demolition cost. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee.

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Framingham, MA?

1. Create account at https://framinghamma.portal.opengov.com. 2. Browse available permit types; select appropriate permit and click 'Apply Online.' 3. Complete all required fields and upload necessary documents. 4. Submit application. 5. Application reviewed by Inspectional Services staff. 6. Permit issued and fees paid through OpenGov portal. 7. Post permit card at job site. 8. Schedule inspections by contacting inspectors during inspector hours.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Framingham, MA?

Typical processing time is Not published; contact department at 508-532-5500..

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Framingham, MA?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs to structures that do not affect structural elements, egress, fire protection systems, fire ratings, energy conservation, plumbing, gas, electrical, or other utilities; One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, etc.) not exceeding 120 sq ft; Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height measured from footing bottom to top; Water tanks on grade with capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons and height-to-diameter ratio not exceeding 2:1; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over basement space, and not on an accessible route; Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, and similar finish work. Note: Framingham does not publish municipality-specific additions to the exempt work list beyond 780 CMR Section 105.2. Confirm all edge cases with the Inspectional Services Division.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Framingham, MA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 508-532-5500 or direct inspectors. Contact department for scheduling..

City Building Permits

Town of Framingham, MA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Massachusetts Middlesex County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Framingham.

Department: Inspectional Services Division
Address: 150 Concord Street, Room 203, Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: 508-532-5500
Email: Inspectional.Services@framinghamma.gov
Website: https://www.framinghamma.gov/127/Inspectional-Services

Online Permit Portal

Open OpenGov

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

Additional resources:

Application Process

Create account at https://framinghamma.portal.opengov.com.
Browse available permit types; select appropriate permit and click 'Apply Online.'
Complete all required fields and upload necessary documents.
Submit application.
Application reviewed by Inspectional Services staff.
Permit issued and fees paid through OpenGov portal.
Post permit card at job site.
Schedule inspections by contacting inspectors during inspector hours.

Typical processing time: Not published; contact department at 508-532-5500.

Source: Inspectional Services Division

General Requirements

Building permit required for all construction, alteration, repair, demolition, or change of use per 780 CMR.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Plans and supporting documents as required per permit type
Valuations based on actual cost or RS Means Square Foot cost estimates if necessary

Permit validity: Work must commence within 6 months of permit issuance; work must be completed within 2 years (standard Massachusetts provision; verify with department).
Building code: 780 CMR (transitioning to 10th Edition effective July 1, 2025)
Owner-builder: Owner-builders may obtain permits for own single-family residence.
Contractor requirements: 780 CMR compliance required. CSL required for all licensed contractor work; HIC registration required for residential contractor work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $50
Plan check fee: Included in permit fee
Permit fee formula: Residential (1- and 2-family) building permit: $15.00 per $1,000 of actual construction cost; Residential demolition permit: $15.00 per $1,000 of actual demolition cost
Trade permit fee: Varies by trade permit type
Penalty (no permit): Double the standard building permit fee for work commenced without permit
Payment note: Residential occupancy permit: $100.00 per dwelling unit. Tent permit: $50.00 minimum. Fee schedule has been in effect since April 1, 2008 (approved February 19, 2008). Verify that no subsequent amendments apply by contacting the department or checking the OpenGov portal.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective April 1, 2008 (approved February 19, 2008)).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Ordinary repairs to structures that do not affect structural elements, egress, fire protection systems, fire ratings, energy conservation, plumbing, gas, electrical, or other utilities
One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, etc.) not exceeding 120 sq ft
Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height measured from footing bottom to top
Water tanks on grade with capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons and height-to-diameter ratio not exceeding 2:1
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over basement space, and not on an accessible route
Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, and similar finish work

Important: Framingham does not publish municipality-specific additions to the exempt work list beyond 780 CMR Section 105.2. Confirm all edge cases with the Inspectional Services Division.

Inspections

How to Schedule

508-532-5500 or direct inspectors (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Contact department for scheduling.
Inspection hours: Inspector hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM; Friday 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation / footing; Framing; Insulation (where applicable); Final building inspection. Building inspections: Jim Murphy (508-532-6178) or Eric Chartier (508-532-6175). Plumbing inspections: Mark Shahood (508-532-6177). Electrical inspections: Michael Giargiari (508-532-6179).

Additional Resources

Building code: 780 CMR (transitioning to 10th Edition effective July 1, 2025)
Verify contractor license: Massachusetts CSL License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
Town of Framingham
Board of Building Regulations and Standards
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 Inspectional Services Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Framingham Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Framingham, MA?: Building permit required for all construction, alteration, repair, demolition, or change of use per 780 CMR.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Framingham, MA?: The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Residential (1- and 2-family) building permit: $15.00 per $1,000 of actual construction cost; Residential demolition permit: $15.00 per $1,000 of actual demolition cost. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Framingham, MA?: 1. Create account at https://framinghamma.portal.opengov.com. 2. Browse available permit types; select appropriate permit and click 'Apply Online.' 3. Complete all required fields and upload necessary documents. 4. Submit application. 5. Application reviewed by Inspectional Services staff. 6. Permit issued and fees paid through OpenGov portal. 7. Post permit card at job site. 8. Schedule inspections by contacting inspectors during inspector hours.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Framingham, MA?: Typical processing time is Not published; contact department at 508-532-5500..
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Framingham, MA?: The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs to structures that do not affect structural elements, egress, fire protection systems, fire ratings, energy conservation, plumbing, gas, electrical, or other utilities; One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, etc.) not exceeding 120 sq ft; Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height measured from footing bottom to top; Water tanks on grade with capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons and height-to-diameter ratio not exceeding 2:1; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over basement space, and not on an accessible route; Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, and similar finish work. Note: Framingham does not publish municipality-specific additions to the exempt work list beyond 780 CMR Section 105.2. Confirm all edge cases with the Inspectional Services Division.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Framingham, MA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 508-532-5500 or direct inspectors. Contact department for scheduling..

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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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