Town of Braintree, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Braintree.

Department

Building Division

Address

1 John F. Kennedy Memorial Drive, Braintree, MA 02184

Phone

781-794-8070

Email

Contact via staff directory

Website

https://braintreema.gov/204/Building-Division

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Access PermitEyes at permiteyes.us/braintree or navigate from braintreema.gov/621/Online-Permitting.
2. Register for an account or submit without registration for single submissions.
3. Complete the permit application: job address, project description, estimated construction value, owner and contractor information.
4. Upload required documents: stamped plot plan (Registered Land Surveyor, linen or Mylar), construction drawings, CSL and HIC licenses, workers' compensation affidavit.
5. Submit application and pay fees via PermitEyes.
6. Building Division reviews for zoning compliance and code requirements.
7. Once approved, permit is issued and available for download/printing.
8. Post permit prominently on site before work begins.
9. Schedule required inspections through PermitEyes or by calling 781-794-8070.

Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity; contact Building Division for estimate.

Source: Building Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Braintree.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application via PermitEyes
• Stamped plot plan (Registered Land Surveyor: linen or Mylar original plus two prints)
• Construction drawings (scale drawings for new construction or significant alterations)
• CSL and HIC license documentation
• Workers' compensation affidavit
• Written contract (required for residential projects exceeding $1,000)

Permit validity

Permit lapses if work does not commence within six months of issuance or if work is abandoned for six months.

Building code

780 CMR (Massachusetts State Building Code)

Owner-builder

Under 780 CMR, it is the contractor's responsibility to obtain the building permit for owner-occupied 1--4 family residences. Homeowners may apply directly under the homeowner exemption.

Contractor requirements

CSL required; HIC registration required for home improvement contractors. Written contracts required for residential projects exceeding $1,000 (M.G.L. c. 142A).

Fees

Minimum permit fee

See current fee schedule

Plan check fee

See current fee schedule

Permit fee formula

Assessed per $1,000 of estimated construction cost; rates per October 15, 2024 schedule

Trade permit fee

Electrical, plumbing, and gas permits assessed separately per fixture or project value

Reinspection fee

Applies when work not ready, premises inaccessible, or incorrect information submitted

Penalty (no permit)

Double the applicable permit fee for work commenced without a permit

Payment note

Payment processed through PermitEyes online

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective October 15, 2024).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, similar) with floor area 120 square feet or less
• Fences 6 feet and under do not require a permit; fences over 7 feet require a permit and Fence Viewer approval
• Retaining walls not more than 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing), unless retaining surcharge or impounding liquid
• Water tanks supported directly on grade, not exceeding 5,000 gallons, with a height-to-diameter ratio of 2:1 or less
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Residential accessory above-ground swimming pools less than 24 inches deep, less than 5,000 gallons, and not permanently connected to any structure
• Window awnings supported by an exterior wall projecting no more than 54 inches from the wall
• Minor plumbing repairs (faucet leaks, valve replacements, clearing clogs) by homeowner (no permit or licensed plumber required)

Important: Same statewide exemptions as 780 CMR 105.2. Fences 6 feet and under do not require a permit; fences over 7 feet require permit and Fence Viewer approval.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• PermitEyes portal (online)
• 781-794-8070 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Schedule during office hours

Inspection hours

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:30 AM--4:30 PM; Tuesday 8:30 AM--7:00 PM; Friday 8:30 AM--1:00 PM

Time windows

General office hours for inspection scheduling

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: foundation/footing, framing, rough electrical, rough plumbing, rough gas (coordinated with respective trade inspectors), insulation, final building, final electrical, final plumbing, final gas.

Not specified; contact Building Division for remote inspection eligibility

Additional Resources

• Building code: 780 CMR (Massachusetts State Building Code)
• Verify contractor license: Massachusetts Professional Licensure Directory
• ZBA Instructions (March 2025)
• Public Records (FOIADirect)
• License lookup guide: Massachusetts Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Massachusetts Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Massachusetts hub: Massachusetts Contractor License & Permit Hub

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