Beverly, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Beverly.

Department

Department of Municipal Inspections

Address

8 Dane Street, Beverly, MA 01915 (Physical); 191 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915 (Mailing)

Phone

978-921-6025

Website

https://www.beverlyma.gov/214/Municipal-Inspections-Building-Departmen

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Register once on the Online Permit Center (one-time; takes approximately 5 minutes).
2. Complete the permit application; upload 3 sets of construction plans and 3 copies of certified plot plan for applicable projects.
3. Include the Stretch Energy Code Compliance Checklist (required for all building permit applications).
4. Submit Worker's Compensation Insurance Affidavit (required for all building permits).
5. Pay fees online.
6. Department has 30 days maximum to issue or deny. Simple projects may be processed in 1 day; new construction typically approaches the full 30-day window.
7. Permit notification by phone; pick up in person at 8 Dane Street.
8. Post permit at job site; work cannot begin until permit is officially issued.

Typical processing time: 30-day maximum review period; simple projects may be 1 day

Source: Department of Municipal Inspections

General Requirements

All construction within the City of Beverly requires a building permit.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• 3 sets of construction plans
• 3 copies of certified plot plan (for applicable projects)
• Stretch Energy Code Compliance Checklist (required for all building permits)
• Worker's Compensation Insurance Affidavit (required for all building permits)

Building code

Massachusetts Building Code 780 CMR and Stretch Energy Code; 10th Edition effective for applications filed after June 30, 2025.

Owner-builder

Licensed CSL required; owner-builder exception applies to owner-occupied one- or two-family residences under 780 CMR 110.R5.1.

Contractor requirements

Contractor must provide valid HIC registration for residential work. Worker's Compensation Insurance Affidavit required for all permit applications. Working without a permit incurs double fees (capped at $1,000 additional) plus potential fines of up to $1,000 per day under 780 CMR.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$65 (all building permits)

Permit fee formula

$15.00 per $1,000 of construction value (rounded up to next $1,000)

Trade permit fee

$25.00 per $1,000 of estimated cost (electrical; minimum $65); $10.00 per fixture (plumbing and gas; minimum $65)

Reinspection fee

$50.00 flat (plumbing); $65.00 flat (electrical); $65.00 flat (work incomplete)

Payment note

Paper application surcharge $25.00 flat for electrical, plumbing, gas (effective December 1, 2024)

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Ordinary repairs to structures (no structural, egress, fire, energy, plumbing, or utility impact)
• One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 120 sq ft floor area
• Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured footing to top), unless supporting a surcharge
• Water tanks 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
• Interior finish work: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
• Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools under 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons
• Play equipment accessory to one- and two-family residences
• Window awnings in residential and utility occupancies projecting less than 54 inches

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from trade permits (electrical, plumbing, gas) or zoning and planning requirements. Properties in flood hazard areas require a Flood Hazard Area Notice for alterations to existing buildings. Beverly has adopted the Stretch Energy Code, which imposes stricter energy efficiency standards than base 780 CMR.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 978-921-6025 (phone)

Inspection hours

Mon-Wed 7:00 AM-3:00 PM; Thu 7:00 AM-6:00 PM; Fri 7:00 AM-11:30 AM

Time windows

Mon-Wed 7:30 AM-8:30 AM and 2:00 PM-3:00 PM (Inspector Counter); Thu 7:30 AM-8:30 AM and 5:00 PM-6:00 PM; Fri 7:30 AM-8:30 AM and 10:30 AM-11:30 AM

Typical inspection sequence: Department enforces the State Building Code, State Electrical Code, and local Zoning Ordinance. Standard 780 CMR milestone inspections apply. Failed inspections require reinspection fee paid in advance.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Massachusetts Building Code 780 CMR and Stretch Energy Code; 10th Edition effective for applications filed after June 30, 2025.
• Verify contractor license: Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License Lookup
• Online Permit Center
• Permit Applications and Forms
• Building Permit Fees
• License lookup guide: Massachusetts Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Massachusetts Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Massachusetts hub: Massachusetts Contractor License & Permit Hub

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