Application Forms & Guidelines

Building, Electrical, Gas, Plumbing, & Sheet Metal Permit Application Forms & Information

Building an addition, adding a structure of any kind, enlarging your driveway or adding a dormer are just a few instances where a permit is required. Refer to the Town of Belmont Zoning By-Law for information on zoning compliance.

Listed on this page are forms required for building permits as well as information on the permitting process. If you have questions about any of these forms, please contact the Office of Planning and Building. Refer to the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals pages for their forms that may be applicable to your needs.

Proposed construction located within a wetlands buffer zone or a riverfront area, as defined by the Wetlands Protection Act, may require Conservation Commission approval. For further information, email Mary Trudeau at the Belmont Conservation Commission.

Construction requiring the installation of a new or the replacement of an existing sanitary sewer or storm drain requires the filing of a Sanitary Sewer and Storm Drain Connection Permit Application (PDF) form. Please call the Engineering Division if you have any questions regarding this process.

Building Permit Application Forms

• Building Permit Application Packet - One and Two Family (PDF): Application packet for construction, repair, renovation, or demolition of a one- or two-family dwelling.  Also see Street Opening Permit below (Engineering Permits) if any heavy equipment will be used
• Building Permit Application Packet - Commercial (PDF): Application packet for construction, repair, renovation, change the use or occupancy of, or demolition of any building other than a one- or two-family dwelling. Also see Street Opening Permit below (Engineering Permits) if any heavy equipment will be used
• Application for Revision of Building Permit (PDF): Application form to revise the original building permit
• Consumer Information Form - "Sunrooms" (PDF): The Massachusetts State Building Code, Section J1.1.2.3.1, requires that the property owner acknowledge receipt of this Consumer Information Form prior to issuance of a Building Permit for a project that includes "sunroom" additions to an existing residential building.
• Debris Form (PDF): In accordance with the provisions of MGL c 40, S 54, a condition of issuance of a Building Permit is that the debris resulting from this work shall be disposed of in a properly licensed solid waste disposal as defined by MGL c 111, S 150A
• Demolition Requirements and Sign-Off Sheet Addendum (PDF)
• Driveway Expansion Application (PDF): Required when expanding an existing driveway.
• Driveway Resurfacing Application (PDF): Required when resurfacing an existing driveway.
• Homeowner License Exemption (PDF): The "homeowner" certifies that he/she understands the Town of Belmont Building Department minimum inspection procedures and requirements and that he/she will comply with said procedures and requirements.
• Sheet Metal Permit Application (PDF): A Building Permit Application must be submitted with the Sheet Metal Application
• Workers' Compensation Insurance Affidavit (PDF): Builders / Contractors / Electricians / Plumbers to be filed with the permitting authority.

Building Guidelines & Information

• Building Permit/Construction Process (PDF): Building permit process and requirements
• Change of Use and/or Occupancy - Commercial Tenant Space (PDF): A Building Permit is required for any change in use and/or occupancy of a commercial tenant space. This document explains the building permit requirements.
• Demolition Requirements (PDF): Follow the steps as outlined to ensure timely issuance of a Demolition Permit. Failure to do so can unnecessarily delay the process.
• Energy Conservation Code: Effective July 1. 2010, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is adopting the International Energy Conservation Code. This code is applicable in the Town of Belmont. Building Permit applicants are responsible for compliance with the code.
• Frequently Asked Questions: Answers to the frequently asked questions about whether a permit is needed for Fences, Sheds, Painting and Wallpapering, and Replacement Windows.
• List of Registered Land Surveyors (PDF): Registered Land Surveyors list - December 2022
• Inspection Notice Regarding Expired Permits (PDF): The Office of Community Development - Building Division will not perform inspections for a project with a building permit where more than 180 days have elapsed since the last approved inspection or previously granted time extension by the Inspector of Buildings.
• Plot Plan Regulations (PDF): Regulations for plot plans for Building Permits
• Regulations for Protection and Preservation of Public Shade Trees During Construction and Enforcement Procedures (PDF)
• Residential Smoke Detector Guidelines (PDF)
• 2023 Rubbish Hauler List (PDF)
• Schedule of Fees (PDF): Building Permits (Residential and Commercial), Plumbing/Gas, Home Occupation, Tents (Signs and Awnings, Standing Signs, Certificate of Inspection, Special Permit/Variance, Site Plan Review
• Sustainable Building Design Policy (PDF): Unanimously approved by the Board of Selectmen - March 5, 2007
• Swimming Pool Regulations (PDF)

Electrical Permit Forms & Fees

• Application for Electric Service - Belmont Light (PDF): For new work authorization (WA) from Belmont Light, please complete the fillable form and email to Customer Service so that Belmont Light can issue the WA number.
• Electrical Permit Application Form (PDF)
• Electrical Permit Fees (PDF)
• Electrical Advisory (PDF): Advisory regarding how to rectify electrical installation completed without permits and inspections

Engineering Permits

• Sanitary Sewer and Storm Drain Connection
• Street Opening / Occupancy Permit

Plumbing & Gas Forms & Fees

• Plumbing Permit Application (PDF): The Town of Belmont will only accept the Massachusetts Uniform Application
• Gas Permit Application (PDF): The Town of Belmont will only accept the Massachusetts Uniform Application
• Plumbing/Gas Permit Fees (PDF)

New Businesses & Home Businesses

• Guidelines for Opening a New Business (PDF): Indicates the step-by-step process needed in order to open a business
• Change of Use and / or Occupancy - Commercial Tenant Space (PDF): A Building Permit is required for any change in use and/or occupancy of a commercial tenant space. This document explains the building permit requirements.
• Certificate of Occupancy (CO) Sign-Off Addendum: Sign-off Sheet Addendum for New Occupancy / Change of Occupancy / Change of Ownership. A Certificate of Occupancy is required for any new business in Town.
• Home Occupation Application (PDF)

Sign Permits

• Commercial Sign Application - Awning (PDF)
• Commercial Sign Application - Marquee (PDF)
• Commercial Sign Application - Sandwich Board (PDF)
• Commercial Sign Application - Wall, Directory, Window, and Temporary (PDF)
• Non-Commercial Sign Application - Standing Sign (PDF)
• Special Permit Application - Standing Sign, more than one Wall Mounted and/or Projecting Sign (PDF)

Other Application Forms, Policies, & Safety Tips

• Tent Application (PDF): Also visit the Belmont Fire Department's Online Permitting Portal to complete their Event Tent Permit form.
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Requirements When Selling a One- or Two-Family Residence (PDF): Please visit the Belmont Fire Department's Online Permitting Portal to complete the Real Estate Transfer - Smoke and CO Certificate form.

Zoning / General Bylaw Information

(Also see Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals Forms and Guidelines)

• Section 3: Use Regulations (PDF): Information on permissible uses by zoning districts.
• Section 4: Intensity Regulations (PDF): Information on frontage, lot coverage, open space and setback requirements.
• Noise By-Law (PDF): Information regarding construction noise and hours of construction activity.
• Public Ways, Sidewalks, and Rights-of-Way Bylaw (PDF)
• Zoning Compliance Checklist (PDF): To be completed for Special Permit and/or Variance Application