City Building Permits

Town of Framingham, MA Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Town of Framingham, Massachusetts. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Massachusetts Middlesex County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Framingham.

Department
Inspectional Services Division
Address
150 Concord Street, Room 203, Framingham, MA 01702
Phone
508-532-5500
Website
https://www.framinghamma.gov/127/Inspectional-Services

Online Permit Portal

Open OpenGov

Platform: OpenGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  1. Create account at https://framinghamma.portal.opengov.com.
  2. Browse available permit types; select appropriate permit and click 'Apply Online.'
  3. Complete all required fields and upload necessary documents.
  4. Submit application.
  5. Application reviewed by Inspectional Services staff.
  6. Permit issued and fees paid through OpenGov portal.
  7. Post permit card at job site.
  8. Schedule inspections by contacting inspectors during inspector hours.

Typical processing time: Not published; contact department at 508-532-5500.

Source: Inspectional Services Division

General Requirements

Building permit required for all construction, alteration, repair, demolition, or change of use per 780 CMR.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Plans and supporting documents as required per permit type
  • Valuations based on actual cost or RS Means Square Foot cost estimates if necessary
Permit validity
Work must commence within 6 months of permit issuance; work must be completed within 2 years (standard Massachusetts provision; verify with department).
Building code
780 CMR (transitioning to 10th Edition effective July 1, 2025)
Owner-builder
Owner-builders may obtain permits for own single-family residence.
Contractor requirements
780 CMR compliance required. CSL required for all licensed contractor work; HIC registration required for residential contractor work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$50
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee
Permit fee formula
Residential (1- and 2-family) building permit: $15.00 per $1,000 of actual construction cost; Residential demolition permit: $15.00 per $1,000 of actual demolition cost
Trade permit fee
Varies by trade permit type
Penalty (no permit)
Double the standard building permit fee for work commenced without permit
Payment note
Residential occupancy permit: $100.00 per dwelling unit. Tent permit: $50.00 minimum. Fee schedule has been in effect since April 1, 2008 (approved February 19, 2008). Verify that no subsequent amendments apply by contacting the department or checking the OpenGov portal.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective April 1, 2008 (approved February 19, 2008)).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Ordinary repairs to structures that do not affect structural elements, egress, fire protection systems, fire ratings, energy conservation, plumbing, gas, electrical, or other utilities
  • One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, etc.) not exceeding 120 sq ft
  • Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height measured from footing bottom to top
  • Water tanks on grade with capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons and height-to-diameter ratio not exceeding 2:1
  • Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over basement space, and not on an accessible route
  • Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, and similar finish work

Important: Framingham does not publish municipality-specific additions to the exempt work list beyond 780 CMR Section 105.2. Confirm all edge cases with the Inspectional Services Division.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 508-532-5500 or direct inspectors (phone)
Scheduling deadline
Contact department for scheduling.
Inspection hours
Inspector hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM; Friday 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation / footing; Framing; Insulation (where applicable); Final building inspection. Building inspections: Jim Murphy (508-532-6178) or Eric Chartier (508-532-6175). Plumbing inspections: Mark Shahood (508-532-6177). Electrical inspections: Michael Giargiari (508-532-6179).

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Inspectional Services Division before applying.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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