Town of Winthrop, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated Town of Winthrop.

Department

Building Department / Inspectional Services

Address

Winthrop Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152

Phone

617-846-1852

Website

https://www.winthropma.gov/169/Building-Department-Inspectional-Service

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Visit winthropma.portal.opengov.com and register/log in.
2. Select the appropriate permit type.
3. Complete the application and upload required documents.
4. Submit application.
5. Building Department reviews the application and notifies applicant.
6. Pay permit fees as directed.
7. Permit is issued; post at job site before work commences.
8. Begin work within six months of permit issuance.
9. Once work begins, it must progress continuously toward completion.
10. Schedule inspections at required construction stages.
11. For new construction or change of occupancy, apply for Certificate of Occupancy.

Typical processing time: Varies based on application completeness and plan review complexity. Typically 1-2 weeks for simple permits.

Source: Building Department / Inspectional Services

General Requirements

A building permit is required for any construction, alteration, demolition of a structure, or installation of a sign.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application (paper form also available at town)
• Scope of work description
• Construction cost estimate
• Design plans (for structural work, must be stamped by MA-licensed architect or engineer)
• Valid Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL) or homeowner waiver
• Other documents as specified in the town Requirements sheets for specific work types

Permit validity

Work must begin within six months of permit issuance. Once started, work must progress continuously to completion.

Building code

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

Owner-builder

Owner-builder exemption applies to owners of 1-2 family dwellings they own and occupy or intend to occupy. Homeowners assuming contractor role lose protections under the Homeowner Improvement Contractor Act.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold a valid Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL) for structures under 35,000 cubic feet. Separate permits required for plumbing, gas, and electrical work, each requiring Massachusetts-licensed trade contractors.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Contact Building Department for current minimum fee

Permit fee formula

Based on estimated construction cost or square footage of floor area for new construction. Typical Massachusetts municipalities charge $10-$15 per $1,000 of estimated cost. Confirm current Winthrop rates with Building Department at 617-846-1852.

Trade permit fee

Separate fees for plumbing, gas, and electrical permits; contact Building Department for current rates.

Penalty (no permit)

Penalties apply for work performed without a permit.

Payment note

Payment processed through the OpenGov portal or as directed by Building Department.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2022 (current fee schedule should be verified with Building Department)).

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. Ordinary repairs not affecting structure, egress, fire protection, or building systems do not require a permit.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 617-846-1852 (phone)
• OpenGov portal (online)

Scheduling deadline

Contact Building Department to schedule inspections.

Inspection hours

Monday and Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Standard inspection stages: foundation (before pouring), framing (before closing walls), mechanical rough-ins (electrical, plumbing, gas before covering), and final inspection (all work complete).

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
• Requirements for Additions or Decks
• Requirements for New Construction (1-2 Family)
• Zoning Ordinances
• License lookup guide: Massachusetts Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Massachusetts Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Massachusetts hub: Massachusetts Contractor License & Permit Hub

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