Town of Shrewsbury, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Shrewsbury.

Department

Building Inspector's Office

Address

100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545

Phone

508-841-8512

Email

psheehan@shrewsburyma.gov

Website

https://www.shrewsburyma.gov/187/Building-Inspector

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Apply online via the Shrewsbury permitting portal (shrewsburyma.portal.opengov.com); include all documents required under 780 CMR.
2. Paper applications may be submitted in person with a $15 manual entry surcharge.
3. Pay fees online, by check, or in cash at the Building Inspector's Office.
4. Track permit status by logging in to the online permitting system.
5. All documents required under 780 CMR must accompany the application.
6. Work may not begin before permit issuance.

Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity.

Source: Building Inspector's Office

General Requirements

Permits required per 780 CMR for all regulated construction, alteration, installation, and demolition.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application per 780 CMR
• All supporting documents required under 780 CMR
• Contractor license information (if applicable)
• Workers' compensation documentation
• Homeowner CSL exemption affidavit (if using owner-builder status)

Permit validity

Work may not begin before permit issuance.

Building code

Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR 9th Edition

Owner-builder

Owner-builder exemption available for occupied 1-2 family dwellings per 780 CMR 110.R5.1. Homeowner CSL exemption affidavit required when using owner-builder status.

Contractor requirements

Contractor license and workers' compensation required for contractor work.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Fee based on total project value as stated on the permit application (both residential and commercial). See fee schedule for current rates.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective May 19, 2025 (Town Meeting)).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Accessory structures (sheds) not greater than 200 sq. ft.
• Fences up to 7 feet tall
• Retaining walls not greater than 4 feet tall (unless supporting surcharge)
• Water tanks under 5,000 gallons directly on the ground
• Interior finish work: painting, wallpaper, tile, carpet, cabinets, countertops

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from other regulations. Confirm edge cases with the Building Inspector's Office before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Online permitting portal (online)
• 508-841-8512 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Appointment required to meet with Building Inspector during listed office hours

Inspection hours

Office Hours (appointments required): Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. General Office Hours: Monday through Tuesday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Thursday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Standard 780 CMR inspection stages: footing, framing, rough MEP, final. Plumbing: underground, rough, and final inspections included in permit; reinspections $50 each.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR 9th Edition
• Verify contractor license: Massachusetts Contractor Licensing
• Building Permit Instructions
• Building Permits FAQ
• License lookup guide: Massachusetts Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Massachusetts Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Massachusetts hub: Massachusetts Contractor License & Permit Hub

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