On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Revere
A building permit is required for any construction, alteration, demolition of a structure, installation of any sign, or any work affecting structure, systems, or occupancy.
One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 120 square feet without electrical, plumbing, or mechanical utilities
Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from footing bottom to wall top, not supporting a surcharge
Ground-supported water tanks under 5,000 gallons with height-to-diameter ratio not exceeding 2:1
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement
Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
Prefabricated swimming pools under 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons, accessory to residential use
Agricultural nursery cloth shade structures without service systems
Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached 1-2 family dwellings
Window awnings on Group R-3 and U occupancies projecting not more than 54 inches
Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height
Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film
Ordinary repairs not affecting structure, egress, fire protection, fire ratings, energy conservation, plumbing, sanitary, gas, electrical, or other utilities
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 120 square feet without electrical, plumbing, or mechanical utilities
- Exempt Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from footing bottom to wall top, not supporting a surcharge
- Exempt Ground-supported water tanks under 5,000 gallons with height-to-diameter ratio not exceeding 2:1
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement
- Exempt Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools under 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons, accessory to residential use
- Exempt Agricultural nursery cloth shade structures without service systems
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached 1-2 family dwellings
- Exempt Window awnings on Group R-3 and U occupancies projecting not more than 54 inches
- Exempt Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height
- Exempt Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film
- Exempt Ordinary repairs not affecting structure, egress, fire protection, fire ratings, energy conservation, plumbing, sanitary, gas, electrical, or other utilities
Note: Even when a building permit is not required, plumbing, electrical, gas, and mechanical work may still require trade-specific permits. Cosmetic work (painting, wallpapering, carpeting) is exempt. Consult the Building Inspector for direction on borderline cases.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Scope of work description
- Construction cost estimate
- Valid state contractor license (relevant to permit type), uploaded to portal
- Current Workers' Compensation Affidavit
- Owner's authorization (where applicable)
- Any past Building Investigation and Evaluation documentation per 780 CMR Chapter 34 (if applicable)
- Building code
- 780 CMR 9th Edition (2015 International Building Code with Massachusetts amendments) plus City of Revere building code ordinances (Chapter 17.48)
- Permit validity
- Permit card must be posted prominently at the job site from issuance through final inspection. Work must begin within six months of permit issuance.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builder exemption applies to owners of 1-2 family dwellings they reside in or intend to reside in. Homeowners must provide required affidavits and waivers.
- Contractor requirements
- Permits are issued to Massachusetts-licensed Construction Supervisors. Contractor license must be valid and current. Plumbing, gas, and electrical work requires separately licensed trade contractors.
Source: Building Division (Inspectional Services Department) ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies based on application completeness and plan review complexity. Initial inspector contact typically within approximately two weeks.
- 01 Visit www.revere.org/permitting and register/log in to CitizenServe.
- 02 Select permit type from the application menu.
- 03 Complete all required fields and upload all required documents (see general requirements).
- 04 Submit application through the portal.
- 05 A City Inspector reviews the application and notifies applicant by email of progress, questions, or issues.
- 06 Applicant can monitor status, add documents, or send messages to inspector through portal.
- 07 Upon approval, receive email requesting fee payment.
- 08 After payment, permit card is available to download.
- 09 Print and post permit card at job site before work begins.
- 10 Schedule required inspections through the CitizenServe portal.
- 11 For new construction or change of occupancy, apply for Certificate of Occupancy before occupying space.
Typical processing time: Varies based on application completeness and plan review complexity. Initial inspector contact typically within approximately two weeks.
Source: Building Division (Inspectional Services Department) ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Council Order 25-179
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50 application fee for all building permits
02
Permit fee formula
Residential 1-2 family renovations/additions/roofing/siding/pools/accessory: $50 + $12 per $1,000 of construction cost. Residential 1-2 family new construction: $50 + $12 per $1,000 (based on $85/sq ft valuation). Commercial (3+ family, non-residential): $50 + $15 per $1,000.
03
Trade permit fee
Electrical residential: $50 + $3 per $1,000. Electrical commercial: $50 + $4 per $1,000. Plumbing/Gas: $50 + $5 per fixture; water heaters $50; gas-fired boilers $100.
04
Penalty (no permit)
Working without permits doubles building permit fees and triples electrical permit fees.
Payment accepted online through CitizenServe.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Council Order 25-179) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- CitizenServe portal (online)
- 781-286-8196 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Schedule inspections through the CitizenServe portal at least 24 hours in advance.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Thursday: 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Friday: 8:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Typical sequence: Standard inspection stages: foundation (before pouring), framing (before closing walls), mechanical rough-ins (electrical, plumbing, gas, HVAC before covering), and final inspection (all work complete).
Source: Building Division (Inspectional Services Department) ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Revere permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Revere, MA? ▸
A building permit is required for any construction, alteration, demolition of a structure, installation of any sign, or any work affecting structure, systems, or occupancy.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Revere, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Revere, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $50 application fee for all building permits. Fees are calculated as: Residential 1-2 family renovations/additions/roofing/siding/pools/accessory: $50 + $12 per $1,000 of construction cost. Residential 1-2 family new construction: $50 + $12 per $1,000 (based on $85/sq ft valuation). Commercial (3+ family, non-residential): $50 + $15 per $1,000..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Revere, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Revere, MA, follow these steps: 1. Visit www.revere.org/permitting and register/log in to CitizenServe. 2. Select permit type from the application menu. 3. Complete all required fields and upload all required documents (see general requirements). 4. Submit application through the portal. 5. A City Inspector reviews the application and notifies applicant by email of progress, questions, or issues. 6. Applicant can monitor status, add documents, or send messages to inspector through portal. 7. Upon approval, receive email requesting fee payment. 8. After payment, permit card is available to download. 9. Print and post permit card at job site before work begins. 10. Schedule required inspections through the CitizenServe portal. 11. For new construction or change of occupancy, apply for Certificate of Occupancy before occupying space.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Revere, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Revere, MA typically run Varies based on application completeness and plan review complexity. Initial inspector contact typically within approximately two weeks.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Revere, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Revere, MA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 120 square feet without electrical, plumbing, or mechanical utilities; Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from footing bottom to wall top, not supporting a surcharge; Ground-supported water tanks under 5,000 gallons with height-to-diameter ratio not exceeding 2:1; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement; Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery; Prefabricated swimming pools under 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons, accessory to residential use; Agricultural nursery cloth shade structures without service systems; Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached 1-2 family dwellings; Window awnings on Group R-3 and U occupancies projecting not more than 54 inches; Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height; Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film; Ordinary repairs not affecting structure, egress, fire protection, fire ratings, energy conservation, plumbing, sanitary, gas, electrical, or other utilities. Note: Even when a building permit is not required, plumbing, electrical, gas, and mechanical work may still require trade-specific permits. Cosmetic work (painting, wallpapering, carpeting) is exempt. Consult the Building Inspector for direction on borderline cases. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Revere, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Revere, MA via: CitizenServe portal, 781-286-8196. Schedule inspections through the CitizenServe portal at least 24 hours in advance..
last verified April 2026
source Building Division (Inspectional Services Department) ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/suffolk/revere
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Division (Inspectional Services Department) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.