Chelsea, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Chelsea.

Department

Inspectional Services Department (ISD)

Address

500 Broadway, Room #201, Chelsea, MA 02150

Phone

617-466-4130

Website

https://www.chelseama.gov/departments/inspectional_services/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Register an account at permiteyes.us/chelsea (online) or submit application in person at 500 Broadway, 1st Floor kiosk.
2. Complete and submit the permit application with required scope of work and cost estimate.
3. An inspector reviews the application for zoning and code compliance.
4. Applications are placed in 'preliminary stage' until reviewed; approval and fee payment instructions are sent by email.
5. Pay permit fee online or as directed.
6. Permit is issued upon payment.
7. Post permit at job site before work begins.
8. Request inspections at required construction stages.
9. For new construction or change of occupancy, apply for Certificate of Occupancy before occupying space.
10. Note: Complex projects requiring zoning relief must go through the Chelsea Zoning Board of Appeals.

Typical processing time: Varies based on application complexity and any required zoning review. Simple permits typically process within 1-2 weeks.

Source: Inspectional Services Department (ISD)

General Requirements

A building permit is required for any construction, alteration, demolition, repair affecting structure, installation of building systems, or change of occupancy within the City of Chelsea.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Scope of work description
• Construction cost estimate
• Valid Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL) or homeowner waiver
• Workers' Compensation Affidavit
• Construction plans stamped by MA-licensed architect or engineer for structural work
• Any other documents required by the Building Inspector

Permit validity

Applicant must work to begin within six months of permit issuance.

Building code

780 CMR 9th Edition (2015 International Building Code with Massachusetts amendments)

Owner-builder

Homeowner exemption applies to owners of 1-2 family owner-occupied dwellings. Homeowners must provide the Homeowner Waiver and Worker's Compensation Affidavit.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold a valid Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL) for structures under 35,000 cubic feet. Plumbing, gas, and electrical work always requires a licensed trade contractor.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Not publicly specified; contact ISD

Permit fee formula

Based on estimated construction cost; typical Massachusetts municipalities charge $10-$15 per $1,000. Verify current Chelsea rates directly with ISD.

Trade permit fee

Electrical, plumbing, and gas permits have separate fees; exact amounts available through PermitEyes or by contacting ISD.

Penalty (no permit)

Double permit fees apply for work performed without a permit.

Payment note

Payment accepted online through PermitEyes or by contacting ISD for alternative payment methods.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Current fee schedule available through portal; specific rates vary).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 120 square feet without electrical, plumbing, or mechanical utilities
• Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from footing bottom to wall top, not supporting a surcharge
• Ground-supported water tanks under 5,000 gallons with height-to-diameter ratio not exceeding 2:1
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement
• Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
• Prefabricated swimming pools under 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons, accessory to residential use
• Agricultural nursery cloth shade structures without service systems
• Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached 1-2 family dwellings
• Window awnings on Group R-3 and U occupancies projecting not more than 54 inches
• Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height
• Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film
• Ordinary repairs not affecting structure, egress, fire protection, fire ratings, energy conservation, plumbing, sanitary, gas, electrical, or other utilities

Important: Even when a building permit is not required, plumbing, electrical, gas, and mechanical work may still require trade-specific permits. Confirm exempt status with the Building Inspector.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 617-466-4140 (Building Inspector) (phone)
• PermitEyes portal (online)

Scheduling deadline

Contact the Building Inspector as needed to schedule inspections.

Inspection hours

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence for major work: foundation, framing, mechanical rough-ins (electrical, plumbing, HVAC before covering), and final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 780 CMR 9th Edition (2015 International Building Code with Massachusetts amendments)
• Verify contractor license: Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Chelsea 311 Knowledge Base
• License lookup guide: Massachusetts Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Massachusetts Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Massachusetts hub: Massachusetts Contractor License & Permit Hub

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