City Building Permits

Town of Lee, MA Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Town of Lee, Massachusetts. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Massachusetts Berkshire County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Lee. Part of a five-town shared inspection service (Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, Stockbridge, Becket).

Department: Shared Building Inspections Department
Address: 32 Main Street, Lee, MA 01238 (Lee Town Hall - primary contact)
Phone: 413-243-5518
Website: https://www.lee.ma.us/shared-building-inspections-department

Online Permit Portal

Open PermitEyes (Berkshire County)

Platform: PermitEyes • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Register or log in at permiteyes.com/berkshire/user_login.asp.
Select permit type; complete application form.
Upload required plans, drawings, and documents.
Submit; department reviews for 780 CMR and Town of Lee Zoning Bylaw compliance.
Fee calculated and billed; pay through portal or in person.
Permit issued; post at job site.

Typical processing time: Varies; typically 1-2 weeks for initial review.

Source: Shared Building Inspections Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Lee.

Required Documents

Completed online permit application
Construction plans/drawings
Plot plan / site plan
Workers' Compensation Insurance affidavit (contractors)
Construction Debris Disposal affidavit
CSL number or Homeowner Exemption affidavit

Permit validity: Under 780 CMR 105.5, permit expires if work not commenced within six months of issuance, or if suspended/abandoned for six months. Typical completion: two years.
Building code: Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR 10th Edition (effective July 1, 2025, based on 2021 IBC/IRC)
Owner-builder: Owner-occupants of one- or two-family dwellings may supervise their own construction work without holding a CSL under 780 CMR 110.R5.
Contractor requirements: Construction Supervisor License (CSL) required under 780 CMR 110.R5 for all work on buildings under 35,000 cubic feet and for all detached one- and two-family homes.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Varies by permit type
Plan check fee: Included or separate; verify
Permit fee formula: Typical Berkshire County fee structures use $6--$10 per $1,000 of construction value; exact Lee rates should be confirmed directly.
Trade permit fee: Separate fee schedules for wiring, gas/plumbing
Reinspection fee: Determined per type
Penalty (no permit): Varies
Payment note: Online via portal, or check/cash in person or by mail to 32 Main Street, Lee, MA 01238.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2023 (most recent confirmed; verify current)).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 120 sq ft
Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high
Water tanks supported on grade, capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
Interior finish work: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
Playground equipment accessory to a detached one- or two-family dwelling
Window awnings in Groups R-3 and U occupancies
Prefabricated above-ground pools under 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons
Decks not exceeding 200 sq ft and not more than 30 inches above grade

Important: Lee's FAQ explicitly confirms 780 CMR 105.2 exemptions apply. Always confirm edge cases with the Building Department.

Inspections

How to Schedule

413-243-5518 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Call to schedule inspection appointment.
Inspection hours: Monday--Wednesday 8:30 AM -- 4:00 PM; Tuesday--Thursday 8:30 AM -- 5:30 PM; Friday 8:30 AM -- 12:30 PM
Time windows: No specific AM/PM windows published. Inspectors travel across five towns.

Typical inspection sequence: Same 780 CMR 110.3 stages: Footing/Foundation, Frame, Energy Efficiency, Final.

Not confirmed; verify with shared department.

Additional Resources

Building code: Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR 10th Edition (effective July 1, 2025, based on 2021 IBC/IRC)
Verify contractor license: Massachusetts BBRS CSL Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
PCB/Housatonic River Timeline
Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR)
License lookup guide: Massachusetts Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Massachusetts Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Massachusetts hub: Massachusetts Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Shared Building Inspections 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 the permit authority listed above. 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.

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