On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Worcester
Permits are required for constructing, reconstructing, altering, repairing, removing, or demolishing any building or structure; changes in use or occupancy; and installation or alteration of equipment regulated by 780 CMR.
One-story detached accessory structures under 120 sq. ft. (commercial code) or 200 sq. ft. (residential code) without electrical, plumbing, or mechanical utilities
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height
Water tanks supported directly on grade, capacity not greater than 5,000 gallons
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
Ordinary repairs to structures (no structural changes, no change of use or occupancy)
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, and similar finish work
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures under 120 sq. ft. (commercial code) or 200 sq. ft. (residential code) without electrical, plumbing, or mechanical utilities
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade, capacity not greater than 5,000 gallons
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
- Exempt Ordinary repairs to structures (no structural changes, no change of use or occupancy)
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, and similar finish work
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other regulations. Confirm edge cases with the Department of Inspectional Services before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan
- Floor plans
- Elevations
- Structural or technical drawings
- Contractor license number (if applicable)
- Workers' compensation insurance documentation
- Building code
- Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR 9th Edition (based on the 2015 International Building Code with Massachusetts amendments)
- Permit validity
- Work may not begin before permit issuance.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowner CSL exemption available per 780 CMR 110.R5.1 for owner-occupied one- or two-family dwellings only.
- Contractor requirements
- Licensed contractor required for all regulated work unless homeowner qualifies for owner-builder exemption. Contractors must hold a valid Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL) and provide workers' compensation documentation.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by project complexity; typically 2-4 weeks for standard residential projects.
- 01 Create an account on the OpenGov online portal at worcesterma.portal.opengov.com.
- 02 Complete all required fields in the application, upload site plan, floor plans, elevations, and structural or technical drawings.
- 03 Provide contractor license number and workers' compensation insurance documentation if work is performed by a licensed contractor.
- 04 Electronically sign and submit the application.
- 05 City staff will review the application. The permit is not valid until approved, payment is made, and the permit is formally issued.
- 06 Work may not begin before permit issuance.
Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity; typically 2-4 weeks for standard residential projects.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective February 1, 2024
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$100
02
Permit fee formula
$12 per $1,000 of construction value
03
Reinspection fee
Contact department for current schedule
04
Penalty (no permit)
Up to triple the original fee; minimum $500 for residential, minimum $1,000 for commercial
Paper or in-person applications incur a $50 administrative surcharge (effective January 1, 2022). Online submission avoids this fee.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective February 1, 2024) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 508-799-1198 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact department for scheduling details
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Typical sequence: Required inspections: footing/foundation, framing, rough MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), and final. Certificate of Occupancy issued upon satisfactory final inspection.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Worcester permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Worcester, MA? ▸
Permits are required for constructing, reconstructing, altering, repairing, removing, or demolishing any building or structure; changes in use or occupancy; and installation or alteration of equipment regulated by 780 CMR.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Worcester, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Worcester, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $100. Fees are calculated as: $12 per $1,000 of construction value.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Worcester, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Worcester, MA, follow these steps: 1. Create an account on the OpenGov online portal at worcesterma.portal.opengov.com. 2. Complete all required fields in the application, upload site plan, floor plans, elevations, and structural or technical drawings. 3. Provide contractor license number and workers' compensation insurance documentation if work is performed by a licensed contractor. 4. Electronically sign and submit the application. 5. City staff will review the application. The permit is not valid until approved, payment is made, and the permit is formally issued. 6. Work may not begin before permit issuance.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Worcester, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Worcester, MA typically run Varies by project complexity; typically 2-4 weeks for standard residential projects.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Worcester, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Worcester, MA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures under 120 sq. ft. (commercial code) or 200 sq. ft. (residential code) without electrical, plumbing, or mechanical utilities; Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height; Water tanks supported directly on grade, capacity not greater than 5,000 gallons; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade; Ordinary repairs to structures (no structural changes, no change of use or occupancy); Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, and similar finish work. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other regulations. Confirm edge cases with the Department of Inspectional Services before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Worcester, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Worcester, MA via: 508-799-1198. Contact department for scheduling details.
last verified April 2026
source Department of Inspectional Services ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/worcester/worcester
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Department of Inspectional Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.