On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Waltham
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: Waltham does not publish a municipality-specific extended exemption list; the statewide 780 CMR Section 105.2 governs. Confirm all edge cases with the Building Department.
Required documents
- Building permit application (paper form)
- Plans and supporting documentation on thumb drive or CD (PDF format only) for projects requiring drawings
- All signatures required at time of submission
- Building code
- 780 CMR 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
- All work must comply with 780 CMR (10th Edition as of July 1, 2025). CSL required for all licensed contractor work; HIC registration required for residential work on owner-occupied 1-4 unit properties.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not published; contact department at (781) 314-3275.
- 01 Complete the building permit application on paper (regular paper accepted; all signatures required at time of drop-off).
- 02 Submit application in person at the Building Department counter, 119 School Street, Room 25.
- 03 Plans and supporting documentation may be submitted on thumb drive or CD (PDF format only) for projects requiring drawings.
- 04 Do not leave blank checks with applications.
- 05 Fees for small projects (roofing, siding, insulation, kitchen/bath remodel) may be paid upfront at time of submission.
- 06 Permit issued upon review and approval.
- 07 Post permit card at job site.
- 08 Schedule inspections by contacting the Building Department.
Typical processing time: Not published; contact department at (781) 314-3275.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Current schedule
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee
02
Permit fee formula
Residential building permit: $12.00 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost
03
Trade permit fee
Residential plumbing: $25.00 for first fixture; $10.00 for each additional fixture. Residential gas: $30.00 for first fixture; $15.00 for each additional fixture.
Trench permit (residential, single): $50.00; residential multi-trench: $100.00 maximum. A proposal to increase gas and plumbing permit fees was under review by the City Council Ordinances and Rules Committee as of April 2025. Verify current rates with department before relying on figures above.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Current schedule) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (781) 314-3275 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact Building Department for scheduling.
- Inspection hours
- Contact department for current hours.
Typical sequence: Typical inspection sequence: Foundation / footing; Framing; Insulation (where applicable); Final building inspection. Trade inspections (electrical, plumbing, gas) are handled by separate trade inspectors and must be scheduled with the respective department.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Waltham permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Waltham, 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 Waltham, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Waltham, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Residential building permit: $12.00 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Waltham, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Waltham, MA, follow these steps: 1. Complete the building permit application on paper (regular paper accepted; all signatures required at time of drop-off). 2. Submit application in person at the Building Department counter, 119 School Street, Room 25. 3. Plans and supporting documentation may be submitted on thumb drive or CD (PDF format only) for projects requiring drawings. 4. Do not leave blank checks with applications. 5. Fees for small projects (roofing, siding, insulation, kitchen/bath remodel) may be paid upfront at time of submission. 6. Permit issued upon review and approval. 7. Post permit card at job site. 8. Schedule inspections by contacting the Building Department.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Waltham, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Waltham, MA typically run Not published; contact department at (781) 314-3275.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Waltham, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Waltham, 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: Waltham does not publish a municipality-specific extended exemption list; the statewide 780 CMR Section 105.2 governs. 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 Waltham, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Waltham, MA via: (781) 314-3275. Contact Building Department for scheduling..
last verified April 2026
source Building Department ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/middlesex/waltham
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.