Chicopee, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Chicopee.

Department

Building Department, City of Chicopee

Address

115 Baskin Drive, 2nd Floor, Chicopee, MA 01020

Phone

(413) 594-1440

Website

https://chicopeema.gov/169/Building-Department

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create a PermitEyes account (registration takes under 5 minutes) or log in if existing user.
2. Complete the online permit application form for the applicable permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, gas).
3. Scan and upload all required documentation as PDF (plot plan, drawings, workers' comp affidavit, license copies). Maximum file size 10 MB.
4. Submit application; Building Department routes it to relevant departments for sign-off (Health, DPW, Fire as applicable).
5. Track sign-off status online via PermitEyes account. Permit is not officially submitted until all required sign-offs are approved.
6. Pay fees online (MasterCard, Discover, e-check) or in person at 115 Baskin Drive.
7. Permit is issued; post at job site.
8. Schedule inspections by contacting the Building Department directly.
9. Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy issuance.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies; 30-day statutory maximum per Massachusetts law.

Source: Building Department, City of Chicopee

General Requirements

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

Required Documents

• Completed permit application (PermitEyes or paper)
• Workers' Compensation Insurance affidavit (if hiring contractors)
• CSL and HIC numbers for contractors (required on application)
• Plot plan (one PDF copy + 1 paper copy)
• Construction drawings/plans (one PDF set + 2 paper copies)
• Homeowner affidavit for owner-occupant projects
• Separate applications required for each trade (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

Owners of detached 1- or 2-family dwellings who reside or intend to reside in the home may pull the building permit themselves. 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

$320 (residential new construction, up to 1,000 sq. ft.)

Permit fee formula

Residential new construction flat rate by square footage: up to 1,000 sq. ft. = $320; 1,001-2,000 sq. ft. = $420; 2,001+ sq. ft. = $520. Deduct $20 if filed online.

Reinspection fee

$30

Penalty (no permit)

Double the permit fee for building without a permit

Payment note

In person by check/money order, or online by MasterCard, Discover, or electronic check. Fees are non-refundable. Online discount: $20 off permit fees when submitted online.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective January 1, 2017 (verify current rates with department)).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Detached 1-story accessory structures under 120 sq. ft.
• Fences under 7 feet
• Interior finish work (painting, carpeting, cabinetry, countertops, tiling)
• Above-ground pools under 24 inches deep / under 5,000 gallons
• Retaining walls under 4 feet (from footing bottom to top)

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Department before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Building Department (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m. Inspector office hours (walk-in/calls): 7:00 -- 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 -- 2:00 p.m. daily

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspection stages: foundation/footing, rough framing, rough trade inspections (electrical, plumbing, gas), insulation, final building inspection, final trade sign-offs. Work must not proceed past each stage until preceding inspection is passed.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR (10th Edition effective July 1, 2025; based on 2021 IBC/IRC)
• Verify contractor license: OCABR CSL/HIC Verification
• PermitEyes Permit System
• Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR)
• Connecticut River Floodplain Assessment
• License lookup guide: Massachusetts Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Massachusetts Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Massachusetts hub: Massachusetts Contractor License & Permit Hub

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