Attleboro, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Attleboro. Attleboro is located in the northern part of Bristol County.

Department

Building Inspection Department

Address

77 Park Street, Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone

508-223-2222, ext. 3251

Email

dfaria@cityofattleboro.us

Website

https://www.cityofattleboro.us/167/Building-Inspection

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create an account on PermitEyes (https://permiteyes.us/attleboro/loginuser.php).
2. Complete the online application thoroughly and accurately; incomplete applications cause processing delays.
3. Attach all required construction documents -- plans drawn to scale with sufficient clarity and dimension to show the nature of work and compliance with 780 CMR.
4. Plans for alterations or construction of buildings exceeding 35,000 cubic feet must be stamped and signed by a qualified registered professional engineer or architect.
5. Submit application through PermitEyes (or in person for fence permits with separate packet).
6. The permit is not considered filed until other departments (Engineering, Planning, Conservation, Health) have reviewed it and returned it to the Building Department.
7. Building Department reviews within 30 days per 780 CMR 105.3.1.
8. Upon approval, post permit at construction site in clear view, protected from weather, available for inspector initials.
9. Notify each inspector at least 24 hours in advance of each required inspection phase.
10. Obtain final inspection sign-off and Certificate of Occupancy.

Typical processing time: 30 days standard review per 780 CMR 105.3.1 (may be longer due to multi-department routing)

Source: Building Inspection Department

General Requirements

Any construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, change of use or occupancy, or installation of regulated equipment requires a permit before work begins (780 CMR 105.1).

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Construction documents/plans drawn to scale
• Professional engineer/architect stamp for structures exceeding 35,000 cubic feet
• Proof of contractor license (CSL/HIC/trade license)
• Workers' compensation affidavit
• Certificate of liability insurance

Permit validity

Work must commence within 6 months (180 days) of issuance. Abandonment or suspension exceeding 180 days voids the permit. Extensions are available in writing.

Building code

Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR (9th Edition, effective January 1, 2018; 10th Edition effective July 1, 2025)

Owner-builder

Owner-occupants of 1-2 family primary residences may obtain building permits but NOT electrical permits.

Contractor requirements

CSL required for structures over 35,000 cubic feet. HIC required for residential alterations below the CSL threshold. CRITICAL: Homeowners may NOT obtain electrical permits (effective March 1, 2022). Only Massachusetts-licensed electricians may receive electrical permits in Attleboro.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$30

Plan check fee

$150 minimum for amended plans with substantial changes

Permit fee formula

Value-based: $10 per $1,000 of construction value (residential); $15 per $1,000 (other uses). Flat-rate option: $0.60/sq ft residential; $1.00/sq ft other uses.

Trade permit fee

Varies by trade

Reinspection fee

$25 first re-inspection; $50 each additional

Penalty (no permit)

Fines ($50 first offense, $100+ subsequent offenses) for work without permit

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Not published).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 120 sq ft
• Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
• Oil derricks
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height
• Water tanks supported directly on grade
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
• Temporary stage sets and scenery
• Prefabricated swimming pools (Group R-3)
• Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes
• Swings and playground equipment
• Window awnings in Group R-3 and Group U occupancies
• Movable cases, counters, and partitions
• Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film
• Routine maintenance and repairs to fire protection systems

Important: Attleboro specifies that the following DO require permits: accessory structures exceeding 200 sq ft (including detached garages), re-siding, re-roofing, window replacement, swimming pools, fences, decks, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, mechanical systems, fire suppression/detection systems, fireplaces, wood stoves, power vents, asbestos removal, prefabricated/manufactured homes, temporary structures, signs, and banners.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 508-223-2222, ext. 3251 (phone)
• PermitEyes portal (online)

Scheduling deadline

At least 24 hours advance notice required

Inspection hours

Monday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Tuesday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Wednesday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Friday 8:00 AM - noon

Typical inspection sequence: Attleboro operates a six-step model: Consultation, Submission, Review, Decision, Inspections (call before you cover), Final Inspection (occupancy permit). Electrical, plumbing, gas, mechanical, and fire department approvals must be obtained before rough inspections sign-off.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR (9th Edition, effective January 1, 2018; 10th Edition effective July 1, 2025)
• Verify contractor license: Massachusetts Licensing Boards Inquiry System
• General Application Instructions
• License lookup guide: Massachusetts Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Massachusetts Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Massachusetts hub: Massachusetts Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Bristol County