On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Medford
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: Medford does not publish municipality-specific additions to the exempt work list beyond 780 CMR Section 105.2. Confirm all edge cases with the Building Department.
Required documents
- Three sets of plans typically required (may be adjusted based on scope)
- Workers' compensation insurance affidavit
- Final cost affidavit
- Other documents per permit type
- 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. Workers' compensation insurance affidavit required. No work may commence before permit card is issued.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Statutory maximum of 30 days; many straightforward permits processed faster.
- 01 Submit application online via CitizenServe at https://www2.citizenserve.com/Portal/?installationid=315.
- 02 Upload required documents (three sets of plans typically required, though scope-dependent; workers' compensation insurance affidavit; final cost affidavit).
- 03 Application reviewed; Building Official has 30 days to review. Many permits processed faster depending on project scope.
- 04 Major projects reviewed at weekly development meetings held on Tuesdays.
- 05 Permit card issued upon approval and fee payment.
- 06 Post permit card at job site before work begins.
- 07 Schedule inspections during inspector office hours.
Typical processing time: Statutory maximum of 30 days; many straightforward permits processed faster.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Current schedule
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee
02
Permit fee formula
Medford uses the International Code Council (ICC) Building Valuation Data table (published April of each year). Residential construction valuation is calculated by multiplying the applicable ICC Building Valuation Data figure by square footage. Carports, decks, covered porches, covered patios, garage conversions to habitable space: 50% of R-3 Residential valuation. Alterations and repairs: 20% of R-3 Residential valuation.
03
Trade permit fee
Varies by trade permit type
Specific per-thousand-dollar residential fee rates were not available through public web sources at time of research. Contact the Building Department directly at (781) 393-2509 or svandewalle@medford-ma.gov for current rates.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Current schedule) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (781) 393-2509 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact Building Department during inspector hours.
- Inspection hours
- Inspector hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM; Wednesday 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM - 7:30 PM; Friday 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Typical sequence: Typical inspection sequence: Foundation / footing; Framing; Insulation (where applicable); Final building inspection. Trade inspections (plumbing, gas, electrical, mechanical) coordinated with respective trade inspectors.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Medford permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Medford, 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 Medford, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Medford, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Medford uses the International Code Council (ICC) Building Valuation Data table (published April of each year). Residential construction valuation is calculated by multiplying the applicable ICC Building Valuation Data figure by square footage. Carports, decks, covered porches, covered patios, garage conversions to habitable space: 50% of R-3 Residential valuation. Alterations and repairs: 20% of R-3 Residential valuation.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Medford, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Medford, MA, follow these steps: 1. Submit application online via CitizenServe at https://www2.citizenserve.com/Portal/?installationid=315. 2. Upload required documents (three sets of plans typically required, though scope-dependent; workers' compensation insurance affidavit; final cost affidavit). 3. Application reviewed; Building Official has 30 days to review. Many permits processed faster depending on project scope. 4. Major projects reviewed at weekly development meetings held on Tuesdays. 5. Permit card issued upon approval and fee payment. 6. Post permit card at job site before work begins. 7. Schedule inspections during inspector office hours.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Medford, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Medford, MA typically run Statutory maximum of 30 days; many straightforward permits processed faster.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Medford, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Medford, 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: Medford does not publish municipality-specific additions to the exempt work list beyond 780 CMR Section 105.2. Confirm all edge cases with the Building Department. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Medford, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Medford, MA via: (781) 393-2509. Contact Building Department during inspector hours..
last verified April 2026
source Building Department ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/middlesex/medford
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.