Easthampton, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the City of Easthampton (incorporated as a city in 2018).

Department

Inspection Services Department (Building Inspector)

Address

Municipal Building, 50 Payson Avenue, Easthampton, MA 01027

Phone

413-529-1400 Ext. 402

Email

buildinginspector@easthamptonma.gov

Website

https://www.easthamptonma.gov/161/Building-Inspector

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Register as a new user at permiteyes.us/easthampton/userregistration.php (requires basic contact info, phone, email).
2. Log in and click 'New Application.'
3. Complete the application form and upload required documents.
4. Submit. The department has a maximum 30-day review period from the date of complete documentation submission for approval or denial.
5. Upon approval, print the issued permit and post at the job site.
6. Contact the Building Department to schedule required inspections.
7. Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy/Inspection issued upon completion.

Typical processing time: 30 calendar days from receipt of complete application

Source: Inspection Services Department (Building Inspector)

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction, alteration, and renovation within the City of Easthampton.

Required Documents

• Workers' Compensation Insurance Affidavit (no exceptions)
• Homeowner Exemption Eligibility Affidavit (if homeowner pulling own permit)
• CSL and/or HIC numbers for all licensed contractors
• Site/plot plan (project-dependent)
• Architectural drawings (project-dependent)
• Structural calculations (project-dependent)
• Construction control affidavits (design professional for commercial/large residential)
• Pool application guides (for pool permits)
• Mini split guidance documentation (for mini-split HVAC permits)
• Certificate of Inspection documentation (project-dependent)

Permit validity

Permit lapses if work does not commence within 6 months of permit issuance or if work is suspended for 6 months.

Building code

Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) -- 10th Edition (2021 IBC/IRC base) effective July 1, 2025

Owner-builder

The owner of a detached 1- or 2-family dwelling who resides or intends to reside in the home may pull the building permit themselves without a CSL and act as their own general contractor. The homeowner assumes full liability for code compliance.

Contractor requirements

Construction Supervisor License (CSL) required for structural work on structures over 35,000 cubic feet. Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) required for residential renovation projects over $1,000 on 1-4 family homes.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Separate schedules for residential, commercial, electrical, gas/plumbing, and miscellaneous building fees. Specific per-$1,000 valuation rates and minimums in published PDFs.

Penalty (no permit)

Double the normal permit fee if work is commenced before permit issuance

Payment note

Paper permit application processing surcharge: $25.00 (for any paper application submitted without prior approval)

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective October 30, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) with floor area not greater than 120 sq. ft.
• Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
• 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 and height-to-diameter ratio not greater than 2:1
• 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 (supported by exterior wall) projecting no more than 54 inches from the wall
• Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes
• Greenhouses with plastic film coverings
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height
• Playground equipment on detached 1- and 2-family residential parcels
• Temporary motion picture, TV, and theater stage sets and scenery

Important: Ordinary repairs and finish work do not require a permit. Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, gas) are never exempt.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 413-529-1400 Ext. 402 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m. Closed Fridays.

Typical inspection sequence: Standard required inspection stages: 1) Foundation/footing inspection (before backfill), 2) Framing inspection (after rough framing, before sheathing/insulation), 3) Electrical rough-in, 4) Plumbing/gas rough-in, 5) Insulation inspection (before drywall), 6) Final inspection (all work complete), 7) Certificate of Occupancy/Certificate of Inspection. Annual Certificate of Inspection program available for commercial/multifamily properties.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) -- 10th Edition (2021 IBC/IRC base) effective July 1, 2025
• Verify contractor license: Massachusetts OCABR (CSL/HIC Licensing)
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Permit Forms
• 2024 Permit Renewal Information
• License lookup guide: Massachusetts Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Massachusetts Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Massachusetts hub: Massachusetts Contractor License & Permit Hub

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