Framingham, MA — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Inspectional Services Division

Street address

150 Concord Street, Room 203, Framingham, MA 01702

Phone

508-532-5500

Inspectional.Services@framinghamma.gov

Coverage

All properties within the Town of Framingham.

Online portal

OpenGov

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Framingham

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

Scope of work

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

Exempt

One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, etc.) not exceeding 120 sq ft

Exempt

Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height measured from footing bottom to top

Exempt

Water tanks on grade with capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons and height-to-diameter ratio not exceeding 2:1

Exempt

Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over basement space, and not on an accessible route

Exempt

Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, and similar finish work

Exempt

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
Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, etc.) not exceeding 120 sq ft
Exempt Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height measured from footing bottom to top
Exempt Water tanks on grade with capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons and height-to-diameter ratio not exceeding 2:1
Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over basement space, and not on an accessible route
Exempt 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.

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

Building code: 780 CMR (transitioning to 10th Edition effective July 1, 2025)
Permit validity: Work must commence within 6 months of permit issuance; work must be completed within 2 years (standard Massachusetts provision; verify with department).
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.

Source: Inspectional Services Division ↗

§ 03

Application process

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

01

Create account at https://framinghamma.portal.opengov.com.
02

Browse available permit types; select appropriate permit and click 'Apply Online.'
03

Complete all required fields and upload necessary documents.
04

Submit application.
05

Application reviewed by Inspectional Services staff.
06

Permit issued and fees paid through OpenGov portal.
07

Post permit card at job site.
08

Schedule inspections by contacting inspectors during inspector hours.

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

Source: Inspectional Services Division ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Effective April 1, 2008 (approved February 19, 2008)

Fee type

Amount

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

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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective April 1, 2008 (approved February 19, 2008)) before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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 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).

Source: Inspectional Services Division ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Framingham permits

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

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

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

Building permit fees in Framingham, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.

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

To apply for a building permit in Framingham, MA, follow these steps: 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.

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

Building permit processing times in Framingham, MA typically run Not published; contact department at 508-532-5500.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

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

Not all construction work requires a permit in 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Framingham, MA via: 508-532-5500 or direct inspectors. Contact department for scheduling..

last verified April 2026 source Inspectional Services Division ↗ entry id permits/massachusetts/middlesex/framingham

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Inspectional Services Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Town of Framingham

Other jurisdictions in Middlesex County.