City Building Permits

Town of Agawam, MA Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Town of Agawam, Massachusetts. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Massachusetts Hampden County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Agawam.

Department
Building Department, Town of Agawam
Address
Public Works Municipal Annex, 1000 Suffield Street, Agawam, MA 01001
Phone
(413) 821-0632
Website
https://agawam.ma.us/249/Building-Department

Online Permit Portal

Open OpenGov

Platform: OpenGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  1. Access the OpenGov portal at agawamma.portal.opengov.com, or download paper forms from agawam.ma.us/249/Building-Department.
  2. Select the applicable permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, gas, certificate of use, etc.).
  3. Complete the application and upload supporting documents.
  4. Pay fees via portal (online) or by check/money order if submitting in person.
  5. Department reviews and issues or denies permit within 30 days.
  6. Post permit at job site and commence work within 6 months.
  7. Schedule inspections via OpenGov portal.
  8. Pass final inspection; obtain Certificate of Use and Occupancy.

Typical processing time: 30 days (statutory maximum per Massachusetts law).

Source: Building Department, Town of Agawam

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Agawam. No construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition may commence without a permit.

Required Documents

  • All permits must be applied for by licensed contractor (building, plumbing, gas, electrical) unless homeowner exemption applies
  • Completed permit application
  • Workers' Compensation affidavit and proof of liability insurance
  • CSL and HIC numbers for contractors
  • Plot plan/site plan (required for new construction)
  • Construction drawings/plans
  • Homeowner affidavit for owner-occupant projects
  • Separate permits required for: building, electrical, plumbing, gas
Permit validity
Work must commence within 6 months of permit issuance or the permit lapses. An inactive permit also lapses if work is suspended for 6 months.
Building code
Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR (10th Edition effective July 1, 2025; based on 2021 IBC/IRC)
Owner-builder
Owner-occupants of 1- or 2-family dwellings may apply for the building permit themselves using the form labeled 'Building Permit Application for a One or Two Family Dwelling'. Homeowner assumes full contractor liability. Exemption does not extend to electrical, plumbing, or gas permits.
Contractor requirements
Contractors must hold valid Construction Supervisor License (CSL) and Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) licenses registered with OCABR. Both licenses required for residential work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$50 (accessory buildings/minimum)
Permit fee formula
Residential new construction: $0.45/sq. ft. Additions: $0.30/sq. ft., min $100. Interior alterations: $0.30/sq. ft., min $100. Decks: $0.30/sq. ft., min $50. Solar: $75. In-ground pool: $100. Above-ground pool: $75.
Reinspection fee
$50 (all categories)
Penalty (no permit)
Double the permit fee for building without a permit
Payment note
Check or money order for in-person submissions; online payment available through OpenGov. Fees are non-refundable.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025/2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • One-story detached accessory structures under 120 sq. ft.
  • Fences under 7 feet
  • Interior finish work
  • Above-ground pools under 24 inches / 5,000 gallons

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Note: Beginning January 2, 2025, Agawam Fire Department issues all fire-related permits via OpenGov (agawamma.portal.opengov.com). Building permits remain with Building Department but use the same portal.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. -- 3:30 p.m. (except municipal holidays)

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspection stages: foundation/footing, rough framing, rough trade inspections (electrical, plumbing, gas), insulation, final building inspection, final trade sign-offs.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Department, Town of Agawam before applying.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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