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Building Permit Information and Forms

The Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) allows Building Departments thirty (30) days to act on a building permit application.

1 - The Building Permit Application and Sheet Metal Application must be completed with the following information:

  • Property address
  • Owner Name, Address, and Phone Number
  • Description of work
  • Cost of project
  • Contractor License information
  • Signature of the homeowner or his/her authorized agent
  • The Building Permit Fee and Sheet Metal Permit fees are based on $15 per $1,000 of construction cost (rounded up to the nearest thousand) with a minimum fee of $50.

2 - The Debris Form must be completed indicating where debris from the construction site will be disposed. Note: The Town’s residential trash collection does not include construction debris

3 - The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Affidavit must be completed by the license contractor or the homeowner performing the work.

4 - The Homeowner License Exemption Form is required for work involving a single or two-family residence if: the contractor does not have a State Construction Supervisors License, or the homeowner is seeking the building permit.

5 - Certified Plot Plan stamped by a Massachusetts Registered Land Surveyor must be submitted with every building permit application for the construction of a new building, an accessory building, or an addition to an existing building.  All plans must conform to the Regulations for Plot Plans for Building Permits and must include existing and proposed open space and lot coverage percentages.

6 - Construction drawings for new construction or interior alterations (interior renovations without structural alterations do not require plans - code compliance will be determined during inspections)

  • Plans and Specifications: Every application must be accompanied by one (1) copy, two (2) if adding a bedroom of specifications, and plans drawn to scale with sufficient clarity, detail and dimensions to show the nature and character of the work to be performed. All plan sets larger than 11x17 (ledger size) must also include an emailed pdf version of the plans. This information will be thoroughly reviewed to determine code compliance.  The degree of completeness and accuracy will have a direct bearing on the time required for review and approval.  Plans should include but not be limited to:
    1. Foundation plan with anchor bolt locations and clearly showing a minimum four (4) foot depth to bottom of all footings.
    2. Structural, mechanical and electrical plans in sufficient detail to determine code compliance. (Include exterior building envelope component materials with R-values, heat loss information, HVAC sizing, etc. for energy code compliance in accordance with Appendix J of 780 CMR Massachusetts State Building Code.)
    3. All plans and specifications for any building containing more than 35,000 cubic feet of enclosed space, except single or two-family dwelling(s), must be stamped and signed by a qualified registered professional engineer or architect.
       

ADDITIONAL BUILDING PERMIT INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS

  1. A dumpster permit must be obtained from the Health Department if a dumpster will be utilized in conjunction with this project.
  2. The Conservation Commission must approve any construction that is proposed within an area subject to control by the Wetlands Protection Act and/or the Rivers Protection Act. Wetlands maps are located within this office.
  3. The Board of Health must approve any construction that is proposed for any food service establishment.
  4. The Belmont Fire Prevention Office must review and approve all plans for fire protection, as required by building code, for additions and/or major renovations.
  5. The Historic District Commission must approve any exterior work in the Historic District. Historic District “Rules & Regulations”, “Application & Instructions”, and maps are located in this office.
  6. The Planning Board must approve any new or expanded driveway opening in the stone walls or tree work adjacent to Somerset Street, since this street is designated a “Scenic Road”.
  7. A special permit and/or variance will be required from the Zoning Board of Appeals if the proposed construction does not conform to current zoning regulations.
  8. The building permit must be posted at the site in clear view and protected from the weather at all times until the final inspection or Certificate of Use and Occupancy is issued.
  9. Demolition Delay Bylaw is applicable to all structures identified as Significant Buildings by the Belmont Historic District Commission.
  10. Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Bylaw is applicable to all commercial projects and new residential construction, except Alterations unless associated with the Substantial Demolition of One, Two and Three family residential properties.
  11. Energy Conservation Code: Effective July 1. 2010, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts adopted the International Energy Conservation Code, which is applicable in the Town of Belmont. Building Permit applicants are responsible for compliance with the code.
  12. Installing siding? If the electrical meter will need to be removed during installation, remember that an electrical permit is necessary too.

BUILDING INSPECTION INFORMATION

The following is a list of the minimum required inspections to be performed. It is the applicant’s responsibility to notify each inspector at least 24 hours in advance of each required inspection. Building inspections are generally done Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday after 10 a.m. (No inspections on Wednesday or Friday.)

The following are the minimum inspections required; complex projects may require additional inspections. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact the building division to discuss any additional inspections, which may be required.

  1. Excavation: Inspection must occur prior to the installation of footings or forms.
  2. Foundation: Inspection must occur after foundation walls are erected, damp proofed, and drain installed to any back-filling.
  3. Framing: Inspection must occur after all framing is completed, but prior to the installation of any insulation or finish material. All plumbing, gas, fire detection systems, and electrical “rough” work must be completed and approved by appropriate inspector prior to this inspection.
  4. Insulation: Inspection must occur after all insulation, baffles, and vapor barriers are installed but prior to the installation of any finish material or wallboard.
  5. Final: The inspection must occur upon completion of all work and approval by plumbing, gas, electrical and/or fire alarm inspectors but prior to occupancy of any new building or part thereof.

If you have any additional questions regarding the building permit process, please call the Building Division at (617) 993-2664 between the hours of 8 a.m-10 a.m. Monday-Friday.

Additional application forms and guidelines are available at https://www.belmont-ma.gov/community-development/pages/application-forms-and-guidelines.
 

LIST OF PHONE NUMBERS

Schedule Building Inspections    617-993-2663
Building Inspector                       617-993-2664
Electrical Inspector                     617-993-2661
Fire Prevention                           617-993-2210
Plumbing & Gas Inspector          617-993-2662