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Building Division
The Building Division is responsible for enforcing several state and local rules and regulations including the Massachusetts State Building Code and the Town of Belmont Zoning By-laws. For information about the Massachusetts State Building Code, Licensed Contractors or the Home Improvement Contractors program, check out the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards.
Complete and submit all permit applications with the required information, providing all required and relevant supporting documentation, in order for us to process your permit applications in a timely manner.
- If you are doing an addition, structural work, increasing the habitable space or number of bedrooms, please submit your permit applications and all required documents in person with the building inspector during their office hours.
- See Building Permit/Construction Process (PDF) for more information.
We have 30 days to review all incoming permit applications. Our review process includes a thorough review of all projects for compliance with the Massachusetts State Building Code and the Town of Belmont Zoning By-Laws, as well as verification from the Treasurer's Office that all taxes owed to the Town, by both the property owner and the contractor, have been paid.
Schedule all required building, electrical, and plumbing and gas inspections in sequence, relevant to your permitted scope of work.
Open building permits beyond 180 days with no action will be considered to be abandoned and invalid per section 105.5 of 780 CMR (PDF), 9th edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code.
- Do I need a building permit to put a shed in my yard?
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It depends on the size of the shed. All sheds must comply with the lot area requirements of Section 4.2.1 in the Belmont Zoning By-Law (PDF) relating to their particular district and the side and rear yard setback requirements of Section 4.3.5 (PDF) for location of accessory buildings.
If your shed is less than 150 square feet, only a certified plot plan is required with the location of the shed and other structures clearly marked. The certified plot plan insures that the property complies with certain zoning regulations after the installation of the shed.
If the shed is greater than 150 square feet, then a building permit and certified plot plan are required to show the location of the shed clearly marked. Additional information may be required depending on the construction of the shed.
- Do I need a building permit to put up a fence? What are the Town of Belmont regulations concerning fences?
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The town does not have its own fence regulations. Belmont defers to the Massachusetts State Building Code on fencing. A fence less than 7 feet tall does not require a building permit. However, if the property is a corner lot, the corner clearance regulations of Section 4.3.7 in the Belmont Zoning By-Law must be followed. Fences greater than 7 feet tall are considered "Spite Fences" and are prone to neighbor disputes.
- Do I need a building permit for painting or wallpapering?
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No. These activities, as well as minor repairs such as replacing a few shingles on your house, are considered "ordinary repairs" by the Massachusetts State Building Code and do not require a building permit. The Code defines ordinary repairs as "Any Maintenance which does not affect the structure, egress, fire protection systems, fire ratings, energy conservation provisions, plumbing, sanitary, gas, electrical or other utilities."
- Is a building permit required to replace windows in my home?
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Yes. Window replacement is an energy conservation matter covered in the Massachusetts State Building Code and therefore requires a building permit.