City Building Permits

Malden, MA Building Permit Guide

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

Massachusetts Middlesex County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the City of Malden.

Department
Inspectional Services Department
Address
215 Pleasant Street, 3rd Floor, Room 330, Malden, MA 02148
Phone
781-397-7030
Website
https://www.cityofmalden.org/182/Inspectional-Services

Online Permit Portal

Open Tyler Technologies EnerGov

Platform: Tyler Technologies EnerGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  1. Register for an account at https://maldenma-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/SelfService.
  2. Select permit type and complete application online.
  3. Upload supporting documents.
  4. Submit application and pay fees online.
  5. Application reviewed; permit card issued upon approval.
  6. Post permit card at job site.
  7. Schedule inspections through the online portal or by calling 781-397-7000 ext. 2030.

Typical processing time: Not published; contact the department.

Source: Inspectional Services Department

General Requirements

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

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Supporting documents as required per permit type
  • Plans where required
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
$40
Plan check fee
Three-family and above: Up to $500,000: $75; $500,000 to $1,000,000: $150; Over $1,000,000: $250
Permit fee formula
Single- and two-family new construction: $13.00 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost; Three-family and above new construction: $16.00 per $1,000
Trade permit fee
Varies by trade permit type
Payment note
Preliminary permits: $15.00 per $1,000; $75.00 minimum. Certificate of Occupancy: single-family $75; two-family $95; three-family $115; four-family and above $75 per unit. Certificate of Inspection (three-family): $115; four-family and above: $135 plus $20 per unit exceeding four. Temporary Certificate of Occupancy: $75 per month.

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

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: Malden 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 Department.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline
Contact inspector through portal or phone.
Inspection hours
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Tuesday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM; Friday closed

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation / footing; Framing; Insulation (where applicable); Final building inspection. Trade inspections (plumbing/gas, electrical) are coordinated with the respective trade inspectors via their dedicated extensions.

Additional Resources

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