State Building Permits

Massachusetts Building Permit Guides

Permit authority, application process, fees, and requirements for counties and cities across Massachusetts. Select your county to find your local permit guide.

14 Counties 99 Jurisdictions Updated March 2026

How Massachusetts Permitting Works

Massachusetts uses the state building code, 780 CMR, which is based on the International Code Council (ICC) model codes and administered by the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS).

Building permits are generally issued by the local city or town building department, typically through the municipal building commissioner or inspector. Local jurisdictions enforce the statewide code and may have their own permit forms, submission portals, zoning review steps, and inspection procedures.

Select your county below, then find your city or town for the specific permit authority, portal links, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements that apply to your project.

Massachusetts Counties

Barnstable County 8 jurisdictions → Berkshire County 8 jurisdictions → Bristol County 8 jurisdictions → Dukes County 6 jurisdictions → Essex County 8 jurisdictions → Franklin County 8 jurisdictions → Hampden County 8 jurisdictions → Hampshire County 8 jurisdictions → Middlesex County 8 jurisdictions → Nantucket County 1 jurisdiction → Norfolk County 8 jurisdictions → Plymouth County 7 jurisdictions → Suffolk County 4 jurisdictions → Worcester County 9 jurisdictions →

Related Massachusetts Resources

Contractor License Lookup Verify HIC registration and other license records → BBRS Code Guidance State building code oversight and guidance →

Statewide Resources

  • Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS): Massachusetts BBRS
  • Contractor License / Registration Search: Massachusetts eLicensing Portal
  • State Building Code: 780 CMR, based on ICC model codes and enforced by local municipalities under state oversight.

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with your local building department before applying.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from your local permit authority. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.