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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Malden
Building permit required for all construction, alteration, repair, demolition, or change of occupancy per 780 CMR.
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
- 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: Malden 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 Department.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Supporting documents as required per permit type
- Plans where required
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not published; contact the department.
- 01 Register for an account at https://maldenma-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/SelfService.
- 02 Select permit type and complete application online.
- 03 Upload supporting documents.
- 04 Submit application and pay fees online.
- 05 Application reviewed; permit card issued upon approval.
- 06 Post permit card at job site.
- 07 Schedule inspections through the online portal or by calling 781-397-7000 ext. 2030.
Typical processing time: Not published; contact the department.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Current schedule
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$40
02
Plan check fee
Three-family and above: Up to $500,000: $75; $500,000 to $1,000,000: $150; Over $1,000,000: $250
03
Permit fee formula
Single- and two-family new construction: $13.00 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost; Three-family and above new construction: $16.00 per $1,000
04
Trade permit fee
Varies by trade permit type
Preliminary permits: $15.00 per $1,000; $75.00 minimum. Certificate of Occupancy: single-family $75; two-family $95; three-family $115; four-family and above $75 per unit. Certificate of Inspection (three-family): $115; four-family and above: $135 plus $20 per unit exceeding four. Temporary Certificate of Occupancy: $75 per month.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Current schedule) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 781-397-7000 ext. 2030 (phone)
- EnerGov self-service portal (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact inspector through portal or phone.
- Inspection hours
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Tuesday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM; Friday closed
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation / footing; Framing; Insulation (where applicable); Final building inspection. Trade inspections (plumbing/gas, electrical) are coordinated with the respective trade inspectors via their dedicated extensions.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Malden permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Malden, MA? ▸
Building permit required for all construction, alteration, repair, demolition, or change of occupancy per 780 CMR.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Malden, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Malden, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $40. Fees are calculated as: Single- and two-family new construction: $13.00 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost; Three-family and above new construction: $16.00 per $1,000. Plan check fee: Three-family and above: Up to $500,000: $75; $500,000 to $1,000,000: $150; Over $1,000,000: $250.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Malden, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Malden, MA, follow these steps: 1. Register for an account at https://maldenma-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/SelfService. 2. Select permit type and complete application online. 3. Upload supporting documents. 4. Submit application and pay fees online. 5. Application reviewed; permit card issued upon approval. 6. Post permit card at job site. 7. Schedule inspections through the online portal or by calling 781-397-7000 ext. 2030.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Malden, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Malden, MA typically run Not published; contact the department.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Malden, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Malden, 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: Malden 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 Department. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Malden, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Malden, MA via: 781-397-7000 ext. 2030, EnerGov self-service portal. Contact inspector through portal or phone..
last verified April 2026
source Inspectional Services Department ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/middlesex/malden
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Inspectional Services Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.