Holyoke, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Holyoke.

Department

Building Department, City of Holyoke

Address

City Hall Annex, Room 300, 20 Korean Veterans Plaza, Holyoke, MA 01040

Phone

(413) 322-5600

Email

buildcon@holyoke.org

Website

https://holyoke.org/departments/building/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Download application from holyoke.org/building-forms-and-fees/ or access CitySquared portal.
2. Prepare all supporting documents (plans, specifications) as a single PDF.
3. Submit: online via CitySquared, in person at City Hall Annex Room 300, or by email to buildcon@holyoke.org.
4. Include check or cash for permit fees per the fee schedule.
5. Building Department performs plan review. Processing time ranges from 3 days to 30-day statutory maximum depending on workload and project scope.
6. Permit issued; post at job site.
7. Schedule inspections via phone during inspector office hours: 8:30 -- 9:30 a.m. or 1:00 -- 2:00 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (not Wednesdays).
8. Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy.

Typical processing time: 3 days to 30 days depending on workload and project scope.

Source: Building Department, City of Holyoke

General Requirements

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

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• All plans and specifications as one PDF (for online/email) plus separate workers' compensation affidavit
• Workers' Compensation Insurance affidavit
• CSL and HIC license copies for all contractors
• Plot plan/site plan (required for new construction and additions)
• Separate trade permit applications for electrical, plumbing, and gas
• Fire Department plan review fee ($0.05/sq. ft., paid to Fire Department)

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

$100 (residential new construction)

Plan check fee

$50 (commercial projects)

Permit fee formula

Residential new construction: $0.45 per sq. ft., minimum $100. Alterations and repairs: $75.00 plus $0.20 per sq. ft. Replacement windows/doors: $50 plus $5 per additional unit. Roofing, shed, fence, deck, retaining wall, stove, solar, siding: $50 flat.

Reinspection fee

$40 minimum

Penalty (no permit)

Double the permit fee for building without a permit

Payment note

Check or cash. Fire Department plan review fee ($0.05/sq. ft.) paid separately to Fire Department. Fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Current as of publication).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Fences to 7 feet
• Sheds under 120 sq. ft.
• Interior finish work
• Above-ground pools under 24 inches deep / under 5,000 gallons
• Retaining walls under 4 feet
• Driveways and sidewalks under 30 inches above grade

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Note: City Hall is closed to walk-in traffic on Wednesdays; appointments only on Wednesdays.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (413) 322-5600 (phone)
• buildcon@holyoke.org (email)

Inspection hours

Inspector office hours: 8:30 -- 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 -- 2:00 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (not Wednesdays or weekends). City Hall Annex closed to walk-in traffic on Wednesdays; appointments only.

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspection stages: foundation/footing, rough framing, rough trade inspections (electrical, plumbing, gas), insulation, final building inspection, final trade sign-offs. Buildings must be accessible when inspections are requested.

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
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• CitySquared Permit Portal
• 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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