Fall River, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Fall River.

Department

Department of Inspectional Services -- Building Division

Address

One Government Center, Room 524, Fall River, MA 02722

Phone

508-324-2500

Email

buildings@fallriverma.gov

Website

https://fallriverma.gov/departments/inspectional_services/building/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether work requires a building permit and/or trade permits (electrical, plumbing, gas, signage).
2. Register for an account on the OpenGov portal (https://fallriverma.portal.opengov.com/) or visit Room 524 in person.
3. Complete the appropriate permit application checklist (available on the department website).
4. Submit application with: construction plans/specifications (where required), workers' compensation affidavit, proof of contractor license (CSL/HIC as applicable), liability insurance certificate.
5. Pay required fees (see Fees section).
6. Application is reviewed; the Building Official must act within 30 days per 780 CMR 105.3.1.
7. Post permit at job site upon approval.
8. Schedule inspections at each required phase.
9. Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy.

Typical processing time: 30 days standard review per 780 CMR 105.3.1

Source: Department of Inspectional Services -- Building Division

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 application
• Construction plans and specifications (where required)
• Workers' compensation affidavit
• Proof of contractor license (CSL/HIC as applicable)
• Liability insurance certificate

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

Owners of 1-2 family dwellings may obtain permits themselves; all other building types require a Massachusetts-licensed contractor.

Contractor requirements

CSL required for structures over 35,000 cubic feet. HIC required for residential alterations below the CSL threshold. Only Massachusetts-licensed electricians and plumbing/gas contractors may apply for those trade permits.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$46

Permit fee formula

Tiered flat rates for maintenance/renovation; per-sq-ft for new construction

Trade permit fee

Varies by trade

Reinspection fee

$37

Penalty (no permit)

Double fees for work without a permit

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2024-09-10).

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 (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), unless supporting a surcharge or impounding liquids
• Water tanks supported directly on grade, capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons
• 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, walls above grade, water depth not exceeding 24 inches)
• Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes
• Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
• 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: Fall River's Building Division specifies that roof shingle replacement, exterior siding replacement, window replacement, soffit/gutter work, and interior drywall replacement explicitly require permits. Wallpapering, staining, interior/exterior painting, and carpet installation are explicitly exempt (ordinary repairs).

Inspections

How to Schedule

• OpenGov portal (online)
• 508-324-2500 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

As required by department

Inspection hours

Not published; confirm by phone at 508-324-2500 or email buildings@fallriverma.gov. Typical MA municipal hours Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/footing (before concrete pour), Framing (rough structural, before insulation or covering), Rough trade inspections (electrical, plumbing, gas), Insulation (before covering), Final building inspection, Certificate of Occupancy.

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
• City Ordinance Fee Schedule (Section 10-38)
• License lookup guide: Massachusetts Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Massachusetts Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Massachusetts hub: Massachusetts Contractor License & Permit Hub

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