Town of Longmeadow, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Longmeadow.

Department

Planning and Community Development (Building, Planning and Community Development)

Address

231 Maple Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106

Phone

(413) 565-4153

Website

https://longmeadowma.gov/505/Building-Planning-Community-Development

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. PRELIMINARY MEETING STRONGLY ENCOURAGED before formal application. Contact PHealy@longmeadowma.gov or (413) 565-4153 to discuss zoning compliance, project scope, and specific requirements.
2. Download permit application forms or use the PermitLink portal (permitlinkonline.com/csp/longmeadow/).
3. Prepare required documents (see General Requirements).
4. Submit online via PermitLink, or in person / by mail at 231 Maple Road.
5. Pay fees via PermitLink, Unipay (unipaygold.unibank.com/CustomerInfo.aspx?Customerid=2475), or check.
6. IMPORTANT: 'All permit payments are final and non-refundable' (effective July 1, 2025). Verify all application details before payment.
7. Department reviews for zoning and code compliance.
8. Permit issued; post at job site.
9. Schedule and pass required inspections.
10. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies; 30-day statutory maximum per Massachusetts law. Preliminary meetings are strongly encouraged and can prevent costly application errors.

Source: Planning and Community Development (Building, Planning and Community Development)

General Requirements

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

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Workers' Compensation affidavit
• CSL and HIC numbers for contractors
• Plot plan/site plan (required for new construction and additions)
• Construction drawings/plans
• Homeowner affidavit for owner-occupant projects
• Separate permits required for: electrical, plumbing, gas
• For Planning Board / Zoning Board submissions: updated forms required (older forms not accepted since December 2023 update)
• For Planning Board applications: hard copies and digital copies required (number varies by application type)

Permit validity

A building permit or special permit lapses one year from date of issue if construction has not commenced or operations begun. (Note: this is a local rule that extends the standard 6-month statewide commencement requirement.)

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

Varies by permit type; see fee schedule PDF

Permit fee formula

Building Department Fees schedule covers 1 & 2 Family Dwelling fees and Commercial fees, including NEW CONSTRUCTION category. Specific per-square-foot rates are in the PDF. For reference: comparable Hampden County towns (Agawam, Chicopee) charge $0.30-$0.45/sq. ft. for new residential construction. Longmeadow's rates expected to be in similar range.

Trade permit fee

Separate fees for electrical, plumbing, gas; contact Donald Donahue (electrical) or Heath Dion (plumbing/gas)

Payment note

Non-refundable fees policy: 'All permit payments are final and non-refundable' (effective July 1, 2025). No refunds for project cancellation, scope changes, or denial due to incomplete information. Payment via PermitLink, Unipay, or check.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Detached 1-story 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. The town publishes a 'When Permits Are Required' guide available through the permitting portal. Applicants are encouraged to consult this document and schedule a preliminary meeting if unclear about permit requirements.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (413) 565-4153 (phone)
• PHealy@longmeadowma.gov (email)

Inspection hours

Monday through Thursday: 8:15 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m. Friday: 8:15 a.m. -- noon

Typical inspection sequence: Inspector availability: Gas and plumbing inspectors: mornings (part-time). Electrical inspectors: afternoons (part-time). Schedule accordingly -- limited availability compared to full-time inspector towns. Required inspection stages: foundation/footing, rough framing, rough trade inspections (electrical, plumbing, gas), insulation, final building inspection, final trade sign-offs.

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
• PermitLink Portal
• Building Commissioner
• Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR)
• License lookup guide: Massachusetts Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Massachusetts Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Massachusetts hub: Massachusetts Contractor License & Permit Hub

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