Hampden County Building Permits

Building permit information for jurisdictions in Hampden County, Massachusetts. All municipalities in this county operate under the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR).

Springfield

City. OpenGov portal. Zone-based inspections.

Chicopee

City. PermitEyes system. $20 online discount.

Holyoke

City. CitySquared portal. Closed Wednesdays walk-in.

Westfield

City. Paper applications only. In-person submission required.

West Springfield

Town. OpenGov portal. Site plan review required for commercial.

Agawam

Town. OpenGov portal. Fire permits integrated (Jan 2025).

Ludlow

Town. PermitEyes system. Email required on all applications.

Longmeadow

Town. PermitLink. Preliminary meeting recommended. Non-refundable fees.

Statewide Requirements

  • Permit before construction: Required for all work. Must be posted visibly at job site.
  • Commencement deadline: Work must commence within 6 months of permit issuance or permit lapses. Inactive permit lapses if work suspended for 6 months.
  • Construction Supervisor License (CSL): Required for structural work on buildings exceeding 35,000 cubic feet gross.
  • Home Improvement Contractor (HIC): Required for repair, remodeling, or construction to 1-4 unit residential property for projects over $1,000.
  • Homeowner exemption: Owner of detached 1-2 family dwelling who resides/intends to reside may pull permit themselves. Does not extend to electrical, plumbing, or gas permits.
  • Separate trade permits: Electrical, plumbing, and gas each require separate permits by MA-licensed contractors.
  • Doubled fees: Work started without permit results in double fee assessment in most municipalities.

Statewide Exempt Work (780 CMR 105.2)

  • Detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) under 120 sq. ft.
  • Fences under 7 feet in height
  • Retaining walls under 4 feet (footing to top)
  • Sidewalks and driveways under 30 inches above grade
  • Above-ground swimming pools under 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons
  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinetry, countertops
  • Non-fixed fixtures not over 5 feet 9 inches in height

Connecticut River Floodplain Note

Multiple Hampden County municipalities (Springfield, Holyoke, Agawam, West Springfield, Chicopee) have significant Connecticut River floodplain exposure classified as FEMA Zone AE (Special Flood Hazard Area). Development in Zone AE requires compliance with local floodplain management ordinances, elevation to or above Base Flood Elevation (BFE), and possible separate floodplain permits.

Verify flood zone status via FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov before permit application.

Related Massachusetts Resources