New Bedford, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of New Bedford.

Department

Department of Inspectional Services (DIS)

Address

133 William Street, Room 308, New Bedford, MA 02740

Phone

508-979-1540

Website

https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/inspectional-services/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Download or access permit application forms through the OpenGov portal or in person at Room 308.
2. Complete the application (signed by the licensed contractor and reviewed/signed by the property owner).
3. Prepare two sets of construction plans, specifications, and technical certifications (plans must be stamped by registered architect/engineer for structures exceeding 35,000 cubic feet).
4. Submit application with plans, workers' compensation affidavit, proof of liability insurance, and copy of professional license.
5. Pay applicable fees at time of submission.
6. Building Department reviews application (standard review target: 30 days per 780 CMR 105.3.1).
7. Upon approval, post permit at job site, visible and protected from weather.
8. Schedule required inspections through the OpenGov portal or by phone.
9. Final inspection and issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or Certificate of Use and Occupancy as applicable.

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

Source: Department of Inspectional Services (DIS)

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
• Copy of CSL or HIC license
• Workers' compensation affidavit
• Certificate of liability insurance
• Two sets of construction plans
• Plot plan/site plan where required by zoning
• Energy compliance documentation

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 without a CSL/HIC but assume full contractor liability.

Contractor requirements

CSL required for structures over 35,000 cubic feet. HIC required for residential work (1-6 unit dwellings) below the CSL threshold. Homeowners may not pull electrical permits.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$30

Plan check fee

$125 (building)

Permit fee formula

Varies by work type and square footage

Trade permit fee

Varies by trade (electrical, plumbing, gas)

Reinspection fee

$25 (plumbing); $35 (electrical); varies by trade

Penalty (no permit)

Double fees for work without a permit

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2018-09-24).

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, height-to-diameter ratio not exceeding 2:1
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
• Temporary stage sets and scenery for motion picture, television, and theater production
• Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy (walls entirely above grade, water depth not exceeding 24 inches, capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons)
• Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes
• Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings
• Window awnings in Group R-3 and Group U occupancies (projecting not more than 54 inches, not requiring additional support)
• Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height
• Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film
• Routine maintenance and repairs to fire protection systems that do not affect system performance capability

Important: Even for exempt work, trade permits (electrical, plumbing, gas) may still be required separately. Ordinary repairs (interior and exterior painting, wallpapering, staining, carpet installation) do not require a permit.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• OpenGov portal (online)
• 508-979-1540 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

At least 24 hours advance notice required.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/footing (before concrete pour), Framing (before insulation or covering), Insulation (before covering), Rough trade inspections (electrical, plumbing, gas), 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
• DIS Department Home
• FEMA Flood Maps (National Flood Insurance Rate Map)
• License lookup guide: Massachusetts Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Massachusetts Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Massachusetts hub: Massachusetts Contractor License & Permit Hub

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