Springfield, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Springfield.

Department

Department of Code Enforcement, Building Division

Address

70 Tapley Street, Springfield, MA 01104

Phone

(413) 787-6031

Website

https://springfield-ma.gov/code/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine zoning compliance and coordinate with Office of Planning and Economic Development if required.
2. Gather all required documents including completed application, construction drawings (3 sets for new construction), and plot plans (3 sets for new construction).
3. Submit application online via OpenGov portal or in person at 70 Tapley Street.
4. Department performs plan review for code and zoning compliance.
5. Pay permit fees by check or money order made payable to 'The City of Springfield'.
6. Permit is issued; post permit visibly at job site.
7. Schedule required inspections by calling the appropriate inspector line.
8. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Use after final inspection.

Typical processing time: 30 days (statutory maximum per Massachusetts law). Actual time varies based on workload and project scope.

Source: Department of Code Enforcement, Building Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Springfield. No construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition may commence without a permit posted visibly at the job site.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application form
• 3 sets of construction drawings (to scale) for new construction; 2 sets for additions
• 3 plot plans (to scale) for new construction; 2 for additions
• Project cost estimate
• Workers' Compensation Insurance affidavit
• Proof of licensed contractor (CSL and HIC numbers on application)
• Architect or engineer stamp and signature required if building/addition exceeds 35,000 cubic feet
• Historical Commission approval if in historic district
• Zoning sign-off if applicable
• Homeowner affidavit for owner-occupant projects

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 without a CSL and act as their own general contractor. 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 the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR). Both licenses required for residential work over $1,000.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$250 (residential new construction)

Permit fee formula

Residential new construction: $8.00 per $1,000 of construction value, minimum $250. Additions/accessory: $10.00 per $1,000, minimum $150. Alterations/repairs: $0.30 per sq. ft., minimum $80.

Reinspection fee

$80

Penalty (no permit)

Double the permit fee for building without a permit

Payment note

Check or money order payable to 'The City of Springfield'. No cash accepted. Payment required before permit issuance.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective July 2012 (verify current rates with department)).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
• Interior finish work (painting, wallpaper, tiling, carpeting, cabinetry, countertops)
• Detached storage sheds and playhouses under 120 sq. ft.
• Above-ground pools under 24 inches deep / under 5,000 gallons
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top of wall
• Water tanks supported directly on grade with capacity not greater than 5,000 gallons
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
• Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools less than 24 inches deep and less than 5,000 gallons
• Window awnings projecting no more than 54 inches from wall
• Non-structural repairs not affecting egress, structural members, or fire ratings

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Springfield is divided into Green Zone and Yellow Zone for inspector assignments. Confirm zone assignment when scheduling inspections.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Building inspections: (413) 787-6031 (ask for Yarelis) (phone)
• Electrical inspections: (413) 787-6040 (ask for Darlene) (phone)
• Plumbing inspections: (413) 787-6047 (ask for Michelle) (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Standard residential: foundation/footing, rough framing, rough plumbing/electrical/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
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• 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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