Haverhill, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Haverhill.

Department

Inspectional Services Division (Health and Inspections Department)

Address

4 Summer Street, Haverhill, MA 01830

Phone

978-358-1311 (outside city) or 311 (within city)

Website

https://www.haverhillma.gov/living-here/building-and-renovating/building-permits/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create an account on the OpenGov portal.
2. Submit permit application online; include required documentation (plot plans required for pools, decks, sheds, and fences).
3. Pay fees online at time of submission (PayPal or credit card accepted).
4. Department reviews; permit card issued upon approval.
5. Post permit card at job site before any work begins.
6. Permit valid for 6 months from date of issuance; renewable for $25.
7. Schedule inspections as required by scope.

Typical processing time: 30-day statutory review period under 780 CMR

Source: Inspectional Services Division (Health and Inspections Department)

General Requirements

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

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Construction plans
• Plot plans (required for pools, decks, sheds, and fences)

Permit validity

6 months from date of issuance; renewable for $25.

Building code

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

Owner-builder

Owner-occupants of 1- or 2-family dwellings may self-apply under 780 CMR 110.R5.1.

Contractor requirements

Multi-family properties, commercial properties, and any non-owner-occupied property require a licensed CSL holder to pull the permit. Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration required for residential contractors.

Fees

Permit fee formula

$50.00 application + $14.00 per $1,000 above first $2,000 of project cost (new construction and renovation/alteration)

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
• Nonstructural repairs costing $1,000 or less in labor and materials (prior notification to Building Inspection Department required by phone or mail)

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from trade permits (electrical, plumbing, gas) or zoning and planning requirements. Nonstructural repairs under $1,000 require prior notification to the Building Inspection Department; failure to notify may result in compliance issues.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 978-358-1311 or 311 (phone)

Inspection hours

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: All inspections by appointment. Standard 780 CMR milestone inspections apply: footing/foundation, framing, insulation, rough trades, and final occupancy. Permit card must be on site and work must not proceed past a required inspection point without the inspector sign-off.

Additional Resources

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

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