Lynn, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Lynn.

Department

Inspectional Services Department

Address

Lynn City Hall, Room 401, 3 City Hall Square, Lynn, MA 01901

Website

https://www.lynnma.gov/city_government/departments/isd

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create an account at the SmartGov portal.
2. Submit permit application online, including required plans and documents.
3. Pay fees online; paper applicants pay in person and are charged the $25 paper processing surcharge (effective January 1, 2025).
4. Plan review conducted by department; 30-day statutory period under 780 CMR.
5. Inspectors review plans against 780 CMR and local zoning ordinance.
6. Permit issued; post at job site before commencing work.
7. Schedule inspections as required by scope of work.

Typical processing time: 30-day statutory review period

Source: Inspectional Services Department

General Requirements

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

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Construction plans
• Site plan/plot plan where required

Building code

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

Owner-builder

Licensed contractors are required to obtain permits except for owner-occupants of one- or two-family dwellings under 780 CMR 110.R5.1.

Contractor requirements

Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration required for residential contractors. Licensed CSL required for commercial work and non-owner-occupied residential properties.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$100 (residential); $150 (commercial)

Permit fee formula

$18.00 per $1,000 of estimated construction value (residential); $22.00 per $1,000 (commercial)

Trade permit fee

$18.00-$22.00 per $1,000 estimated cost (electrical); tiered rates for plumbing, gas, mechanical

Payment note

Paper application surcharge $25.00 (effective January 1, 2025)

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.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• SmartGov portal (online)

Inspection hours

Mon-Wed 8:30 AM-4:30 PM; Thu 8:30 AM-7:30 PM; Fri 8:30 AM-12:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Trade inspectors review and issue permits for building, electrical, gas, plumbing, and mechanical. Permit card must remain posted at the job site throughout construction.

Additional Resources

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

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