City Building Permits

Medford, MA Building Permit Guide

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

Massachusetts Middlesex County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the City of Medford.

Department
Building Department
Address
City Hall, Room 115A, 85 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, MA 02155
Phone
(781) 393-2509
Website
https://www.medfordma.org/departments/building-department

Online Permit Portal

Open CitizenServe

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

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Submit application online via CitizenServe at https://www2.citizenserve.com/Portal/?installationid=315.
  2. Upload required documents (three sets of plans typically required, though scope-dependent; workers' compensation insurance affidavit; final cost affidavit).
  3. Application reviewed; Building Official has 30 days to review. Many permits processed faster depending on project scope.
  4. Major projects reviewed at weekly development meetings held on Tuesdays.
  5. Permit card issued upon approval and fee payment.
  6. Post permit card at job site before work begins.
  7. Schedule inspections during inspector office hours.

Typical processing time: Statutory maximum of 30 days; many straightforward permits processed faster.

Source: Building Department

General Requirements

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

Required Documents

  • Three sets of plans typically required (may be adjusted based on scope)
  • Workers' compensation insurance affidavit
  • Final cost affidavit
  • Other documents per permit type
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. Workers' compensation insurance affidavit required. No work may commence before permit card is issued.

Fees

Plan check fee
Included in permit fee
Permit fee formula
Medford uses the International Code Council (ICC) Building Valuation Data table (published April of each year). Residential construction valuation is calculated by multiplying the applicable ICC Building Valuation Data figure by square footage. Carports, decks, covered porches, covered patios, garage conversions to habitable space: 50% of R-3 Residential valuation. Alterations and repairs: 20% of R-3 Residential valuation.
Trade permit fee
Varies by trade permit type
Payment note
Specific per-thousand-dollar residential fee rates were not available through public web sources at time of research. Contact the Building Department directly at (781) 393-2509 or svandewalle@medford-ma.gov for current rates.

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: Medford does not publish municipality-specific additions to the exempt work list beyond 780 CMR Section 105.2. Confirm all edge cases with the Building Department.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (781) 393-2509 (phone)
Scheduling deadline
Contact Building Department during inspector hours.
Inspection hours
Inspector hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM; Wednesday 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM - 7:30 PM; Friday 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

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

Additional Resources

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

Need help with your project?

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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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