When is a building permit necessary?
Any person seeking to construct, alter, repair, remove or demolish a building or structure; or to change the use or occupancy of a building or structure; or to install or alter any equipment for which provisions are made or is regulated by the 780 CMR Massachusetts State Building Code must first obtain a building permit from the Building Department. For more specific information, see 780 CMR Section 110.0 Application for Permit.
Paving projects do not require a building permit but will require a permit from the Department of Public Works is work is being done within the public right-of-way. Ther are also zoning restrictions on the amount and location of paving, so check first with the Department of Public Works.
Can I begin work once I submit my application?
No. Work cannot proceed until the permit has been issued, paid for, received, and posted on the site.
Do I need a permit to install a shed?
Yes. The Town of Hudson Zoning By-Laws regulates sheds as "Accessory Structures" and therefore permits are required to determine compliance with zoning.
Any shed structure that is over 400 square feet require footings per the Massachusetts State Building Code (CMR 780).
Do I need a certified plot plan?
Any proposal to construct a new building, structure, accessory structure (shed, swimming pools, fences, etc), or alter the footprint of any existing building or structure requires a certified plot plan be submitted with your Building Permit application.
I have a mortgage plan that was given to me by the bank when I purchased my home. Can this be used as a plot plan?
The purpose of a plot plan is for determination of compliance with dimensional controls of the Zoning By-Law. A mortgage plan is only a rough approximation of where the house is located, and was prepared only for mortgage purposes. Due to the inaccuracy of these plans, they can only be used if the project is far in excess of the required setbacks (generally, at least 15 feet in excess of the required setback). If the plan shows that your project will be close to the required setbacks, a more accurate plan will be required.
Can I prepare my own plot plan, if I am certain where my property line is?
No. Plot plans can only be prepared by a Registered Land Surveyor, and must bear his/her stamp.
How does the Building Department know if the structure was placed in the location proposed?
For all new house and for additions which are close to the required setbacks, a certified "as-built" plot plan must be submitted to the Building Department after completion of the foundation. Framing cannot proceed until the plot plan has been submitted.
How long will it take to get my permit?
You should allow 30 business days for your permit. The more involved the job is, the longer it will take to review. You may not start any work until you have been issued a Building Permit.
How will I received a Building Permit?
You will receive a phone call from the building department when the permit is ready to be picked up.
Can I do the construction myself or do I have to be licensed?
The State Building Code states that no structural work shall be done without a construction supervisor's license. A homeowner can do work on his/her own home without a license proved that if the homeowner contracts with a person for hire to do such work that the homeowner shall act as a supervisor.
Can a homeowner apply for any plumbing or gas permits?
No. Any work associated with plumbing or gas fitting must be preformed by individuals licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
How do I set up an inspection?
We only take inspections from Plumbers, Gasfitters, Electricians and Contractors. If a homeowner has taken out their own electrical or building permits, we will take their inspections. If a contractor has taken out the building permit, we will only take the inspections from them. Our inspections are done Monday thru Friday mornings only. We do not make specific time appointments.
Does someone have to be home during the inspection?
If access to the new work requires the inspector to walk through your existing, furnished house, someone must be present to let the inspector in. The inspector will not enter an unoccupied furnished house. We also will not enter a house in which only a child is home, unaccompanied by an adult.
Does a building permit expire?
Any building permit issued shall be deemed abandoned and invalid unless the work authorized by it shall be commenced within six (6) months of the date of issuance. The building official, upon written request, may issue extensions. Work under such a permit, in the opinion of the building official, must proceed in good faith continuously to completion so far as reasonably practicable under the circumstances. For more information see 780 CMR Section 111.8 Expiration of Permit.
Where should the Building Card be kept?
The card must be posted in a location visible from the street and accessible to the inspector. Generally, the best location is inside a front storm door. Please protect the permit from weather.
Do I need to provide anything else to the inspector?
Yes. If you submitted plans along with your permit application, a copy of these plans, bearing an "approved" stamp was returned to you with the approved building card. This copy must be available for the inspector to review for determination that the work is in compliance with the approved plans.
Do I need a permit for a swimming pool?
Yes. A swimming pool must be set back a minimum of 10 feet to the structure of the pool.
What are the height requirements for fences around pools?
Requirements are a minimum of 4' high fencing with self-closing, self-latching gate. Openings in the fencing shall not allow passage of a 4" diameter sphere. All doors with direct access to the pool from the dwelling, if used as part of the pool enclosure, must be equipped with an audible alarm. (Refer to State Building Code 780CMR Section 421.10.1 (9) Sixth Edition.
How do I know what kind of license is required on a job?
The State Boardo f Building Regulations and Standards have a table of activities requiring (or not requiring) either a construction supervisor license (CSL) and/or a Home Improvement Contractor Registration (HIC) and building permit.
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