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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Shrewsbury
Permits required per 780 CMR for all regulated construction, alteration, installation, and demolition.
Accessory structures (sheds) not greater than 200 sq. ft.
Fences up to 7 feet tall
Retaining walls not greater than 4 feet tall (unless supporting surcharge)
Water tanks under 5,000 gallons directly on the ground
Interior finish work: painting, wallpaper, tile, carpet, cabinets, countertops
- Exempt Accessory structures (sheds) not greater than 200 sq. ft.
- Exempt Fences up to 7 feet tall
- Exempt Retaining walls not greater than 4 feet tall (unless supporting surcharge)
- Exempt Water tanks under 5,000 gallons directly on the ground
- Exempt Interior finish work: painting, wallpaper, tile, carpet, cabinets, countertops
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from other regulations. Confirm edge cases with the Building Inspector's Office before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed permit application per 780 CMR
- All supporting documents required under 780 CMR
- Contractor license information (if applicable)
- Workers' compensation documentation
- Homeowner CSL exemption affidavit (if using owner-builder status)
- Building code
- Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR 9th Edition
- Permit validity
- Work may not begin before permit issuance.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builder exemption available for occupied 1-2 family dwellings per 780 CMR 110.R5.1. Homeowner CSL exemption affidavit required when using owner-builder status.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractor license and workers' compensation required for contractor work.
Source: Building Inspector's Office ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by project complexity.
- 01 Apply online via the Shrewsbury permitting portal (shrewsburyma.portal.opengov.com); include all documents required under 780 CMR.
- 02 Paper applications may be submitted in person with a $15 manual entry surcharge.
- 03 Pay fees online, by check, or in cash at the Building Inspector's Office.
- 04 Track permit status by logging in to the online permitting system.
- 05 All documents required under 780 CMR must accompany the application.
- 06 Work may not begin before permit issuance.
Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity.
Source: Building Inspector's Office ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective May 19, 2025 (Town Meeting)
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Fee based on total project value as stated on the permit application (both residential and commercial). See fee schedule for current rates.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective May 19, 2025 (Town Meeting)) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Online permitting portal (online)
- 508-841-8512 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Appointment required to meet with Building Inspector during listed office hours
- Inspection hours
- Office Hours (appointments required): Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. General Office Hours: Monday through Tuesday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Thursday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Typical sequence: Standard 780 CMR inspection stages: footing, framing, rough MEP, final. Plumbing: underground, rough, and final inspections included in permit; reinspections $50 each.
Source: Building Inspector's Office ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Shrewsbury permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Shrewsbury, MA? ▸
Permits required per 780 CMR for all regulated construction, alteration, installation, and demolition.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Shrewsbury, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Shrewsbury, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Fee based on total project value as stated on the permit application (both residential and commercial). See fee schedule for current rates..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Shrewsbury, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Shrewsbury, MA, follow these steps: 1. Apply online via the Shrewsbury permitting portal (shrewsburyma.portal.opengov.com); include all documents required under 780 CMR. 2. Paper applications may be submitted in person with a $15 manual entry surcharge. 3. Pay fees online, by check, or in cash at the Building Inspector's Office. 4. Track permit status by logging in to the online permitting system. 5. All documents required under 780 CMR must accompany the application. 6. Work may not begin before permit issuance.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Shrewsbury, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Shrewsbury, MA typically run Varies by project complexity.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Shrewsbury, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Shrewsbury, MA. The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures (sheds) not greater than 200 sq. ft.; Fences up to 7 feet tall; Retaining walls not greater than 4 feet tall (unless supporting surcharge); Water tanks under 5,000 gallons directly on the ground; Interior finish work: painting, wallpaper, tile, carpet, cabinets, countertops. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from other regulations. Confirm edge cases with the Building Inspector's Office before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Shrewsbury, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Shrewsbury, MA via: Online permitting portal, 508-841-8512. Appointment required to meet with Building Inspector during listed office hours.
last verified April 2026
source Building Inspector's Office ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/worcester/shrewsbury
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Inspector's Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.