Town of Webster, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Webster.

Department

Building Department

Address

350 Main Street, Lower Level, Webster, MA 01570

Phone

508-949-3800, ext. 4005

Website

https://www.webster-ma.gov/153/Building-Department---Permits-Inspection

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Submit application online or in person at 350 Main Street, Lower Level.
2. Original signatures required; confirm whether in-person visit is needed.
3. Attach contractor license, workers' compensation documentation, and relevant plans.
4. Pay required fees at time of application or as directed.
5. Await permit issuance before commencing work.
6. Certificate of Occupancy required before occupying any building.

Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity.

Source: Building Department

General Requirements

All buildings used or occupied in Webster must have a Certificate of Occupancy and required inspections. Permits required per 780 CMR for all regulated construction, alteration, and demolition.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Original signatures
• Contractor license information (if applicable)
• Workers' compensation documentation
• Relevant construction plans

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.

Contractor requirements

Licensed contractor required. Workers' compensation documentation required. $100 fine for failure to have original permit job card on site during a scheduled inspection.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Residential: $9 per $1,000 of estimated project cost. Commercial: $11 per $1,000 of estimated project cost.

Reinspection fee

$50 (if building is unavailable for inspection or code correction has not been addressed after initial inspection)

Penalty (no permit)

Work started before obtaining a permit: double the normal permit fee

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Storage buildings accessory to a single-family or two-family residence that are less than 120 sq. ft.
• Fences not over 7 feet high
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height
• Water tanks supported directly on grade, capacity not greater than 5,000 gallons
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
• Ordinary repairs to structures
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, and similar finish work

Important: Zoning requirements still apply to exempt work. Confirm edge cases with the Building Department before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 508-949-3800, ext. 4005 (phone)
• Plumbing/Gas: 508-341-1456 (Jarrid) (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Contact Building Department for scheduling details

Inspection hours

Monday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon (confirm current Friday hours with department)

Typical inspection sequence: Standard 780 CMR inspection stages apply: footing, framing, rough MEP, final. Permit card must be on site during all scheduled inspections. Certificate of Occupancy issued upon satisfactory completion of final inspection.

Additional Resources

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

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