On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Braintree
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Braintree.
One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, similar) with floor area 120 square feet or less
Fences 6 feet and under do not require a permit; fences over 7 feet require a permit and Fence Viewer approval
Retaining walls not more than 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing), unless retaining surcharge or impounding liquid
Water tanks supported directly on grade, not exceeding 5,000 gallons, with a height-to-diameter ratio of 2:1 or less
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Residential accessory above-ground swimming pools less than 24 inches deep, less than 5,000 gallons, and not permanently connected to any structure
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall projecting no more than 54 inches from the wall
Minor plumbing repairs (faucet leaks, valve replacements, clearing clogs) by homeowner (no permit or licensed plumber required)
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, similar) with floor area 120 square feet or less
- Exempt Fences 6 feet and under do not require a permit; fences over 7 feet require a permit and Fence Viewer approval
- Exempt Retaining walls not more than 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing), unless retaining surcharge or impounding liquid
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade, not exceeding 5,000 gallons, with a height-to-diameter ratio of 2:1 or less
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Residential accessory above-ground swimming pools less than 24 inches deep, less than 5,000 gallons, and not permanently connected to any structure
- Exempt Window awnings supported by an exterior wall projecting no more than 54 inches from the wall
- Exempt Minor plumbing repairs (faucet leaks, valve replacements, clearing clogs) by homeowner (no permit or licensed plumber required)
Note: Same statewide exemptions as 780 CMR 105.2. Fences 6 feet and under do not require a permit; fences over 7 feet require permit and Fence Viewer approval.
Required documents
- Completed permit application via PermitEyes
- Stamped plot plan (Registered Land Surveyor: linen or Mylar original plus two prints)
- Construction drawings (scale drawings for new construction or significant alterations)
- CSL and HIC license documentation
- Workers' compensation affidavit
- Written contract (required for residential projects exceeding $1,000)
- Building code
- 780 CMR (Massachusetts State Building Code)
- Permit validity
- Permit lapses if work does not commence within six months of issuance or if work is abandoned for six months.
- Owner-builder
- Under 780 CMR, it is the contractor's responsibility to obtain the building permit for owner-occupied 1--4 family residences. Homeowners may apply directly under the homeowner exemption.
- Contractor requirements
- CSL required; HIC registration required for home improvement contractors. Written contracts required for residential projects exceeding $1,000 (M.G.L. c. 142A).
Source: Building Division ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by project complexity; contact Building Division for estimate.
- 01 Access PermitEyes at permiteyes.us/braintree or navigate from braintreema.gov/621/Online-Permitting.
- 02 Register for an account or submit without registration for single submissions.
- 03 Complete the permit application: job address, project description, estimated construction value, owner and contractor information.
- 04 Upload required documents: stamped plot plan (Registered Land Surveyor, linen or Mylar), construction drawings, CSL and HIC licenses, workers' compensation affidavit.
- 05 Submit application and pay fees via PermitEyes.
- 06 Building Division reviews for zoning compliance and code requirements.
- 07 Once approved, permit is issued and available for download/printing.
- 08 Post permit prominently on site before work begins.
- 09 Schedule required inspections through PermitEyes or by calling 781-794-8070.
Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity; contact Building Division for estimate.
Source: Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective October 15, 2024
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
See current fee schedule
02
Plan check fee
See current fee schedule
03
Permit fee formula
Assessed per $1,000 of estimated construction cost; rates per October 15, 2024 schedule
04
Trade permit fee
Electrical, plumbing, and gas permits assessed separately per fixture or project value
05
Reinspection fee
Applies when work not ready, premises inaccessible, or incorrect information submitted
06
Penalty (no permit)
Double the applicable permit fee for work commenced without a permit
Payment processed through PermitEyes online
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective October 15, 2024) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- PermitEyes portal (online)
- 781-794-8070 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Schedule during office hours
- Inspection hours
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:30 AM--4:30 PM; Tuesday 8:30 AM--7:00 PM; Friday 8:30 AM--1:00 PM
- Time windows
- General office hours for inspection scheduling
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: foundation/footing, framing, rough electrical, rough plumbing, rough gas (coordinated with respective trade inspectors), insulation, final building, final electrical, final plumbing, final gas.
Not specified; contact Building Division for remote inspection eligibility
Source: Building Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Braintree permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Braintree, MA? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Braintree.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Braintree, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Braintree, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is See current fee schedule. Fees are calculated as: Assessed per $1,000 of estimated construction cost; rates per October 15, 2024 schedule. Plan check fee: See current fee schedule.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Braintree, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Braintree, MA, follow these steps: 1. Access PermitEyes at permiteyes.us/braintree or navigate from braintreema.gov/621/Online-Permitting. 2. Register for an account or submit without registration for single submissions. 3. Complete the permit application: job address, project description, estimated construction value, owner and contractor information. 4. Upload required documents: stamped plot plan (Registered Land Surveyor, linen or Mylar), construction drawings, CSL and HIC licenses, workers' compensation affidavit. 5. Submit application and pay fees via PermitEyes. 6. Building Division reviews for zoning compliance and code requirements. 7. Once approved, permit is issued and available for download/printing. 8. Post permit prominently on site before work begins. 9. Schedule required inspections through PermitEyes or by calling 781-794-8070.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Braintree, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Braintree, MA typically run Varies by project complexity; contact Building Division for estimate.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Braintree, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Braintree, MA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, similar) with floor area 120 square feet or less; Fences 6 feet and under do not require a permit; fences over 7 feet require a permit and Fence Viewer approval; Retaining walls not more than 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing), unless retaining surcharge or impounding liquid; Water tanks supported directly on grade, not exceeding 5,000 gallons, with a height-to-diameter ratio of 2:1 or less; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Residential accessory above-ground swimming pools less than 24 inches deep, less than 5,000 gallons, and not permanently connected to any structure; Window awnings supported by an exterior wall projecting no more than 54 inches from the wall; Minor plumbing repairs (faucet leaks, valve replacements, clearing clogs) by homeowner (no permit or licensed plumber required). Note: Same statewide exemptions as 780 CMR 105.2. Fences 6 feet and under do not require a permit; fences over 7 feet require permit and Fence Viewer approval. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Braintree, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Braintree, MA via: PermitEyes portal, 781-794-8070. Schedule during office hours.
last verified April 2026
source Building Division ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/norfolk/braintree
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.