What You Need for a Building Permit in Arlington, MA (2026)

Arlington Building Permit Checklist

What Arlington asks for on a new home, addition or major renovation, from the Arlington permit pages. Bring all of it the first time and the review moves faster.

Building Permit - One or Two-Family Dwelling (online)
Plot plan stamped by a Registered Land Surveyor for new structures, additions, decks, sheds and pools
Good Neighbor Agreement and Residential Construction Notification (abutters within 200 ft) for new homes, demolition and additions over 750 sq ft or 50% of floor area
Major Stormwater Management Permit if the project adds 350+ sq ft of impervious area ($300)
Dumpster/Pod Permit (no dumpsters on the street) and Workers' Compensation Affidavit
Energy code documentation; new homes must be all-electric under the Fossil Fuel Free bylaw

Construction plan set prepared for a building permit application - building permit energy code requirements in Arlington, MA

Who Can Apply and How

A homeowner can do work on their own 1-2 family home without a license, but must supervise and attend all inspections. Otherwise a licensed contractor applies.

Apply through Arlington Online Permitting (OpenGov ViewPoint). Questions go to the Inspectional Services Department at 781-316-3392.

Energy Code Compliance: The Part That Holds Up Most Permits

Arlington's Specialized Code took effect January 1, 2024.

At permit: New homes and large additions need a projected HERS rating. Arlington's Fossil Fuel Free bylaw (May 21, 2024) bars the Zero Energy and Mixed-Fuel paths for new construction. A zoning exemption lets some nonconforming lots skip frontage and lot area minimums if the home reaches HERS 44 or lower.

At final: At final we run the blower door and duct leakage tests and issue the confirmed HERS certificate.

Project	Energy document
New home	Projected HERS report (HERS 42 mixed-fuel / 45 all-electric)
ADU	Projected HERS report (HERS 52 / 55)
Addition over 1,000 sq ft or over 100% of the home	Projected HERS report (HERS 65 / 70)
Smaller addition or alteration	REScheck or the prescriptive path, if the inspector accepts it
Commercial up to 20,000 sq ft	COMcheck plus a whole-building blower door test

Home Energy Efficiency Consultants prepares the projected HERS report from your plans, usually in about one business day after the quote is accepted, then does the pre-drywall inspection, blower door and duct leakage tests and the confirmed HERS certificate. See our stretch code report for Arlington permits page for what's in the report, EV-ready and solar-ready rules, and when Phius applies.

Sample projected HERS rating certificate for a building permit - building permit energy code requirements in Arlington, MA

Massachusetts Stretch Code compliance path flowchart for new homes, additions and alterations - building permit energy code requirements in Arlington, MA

Other Approvals You May Need in Arlington

Zoning Board of Appeals for variances and special permits
Historical Commission demolition delay (up to 12 months) for significant buildings; Historic Districts Commission in local districts
Engineering stormwater review; Tree Warden public shade tree rule for new construction
Demolition sign-offs from Public Works, Fire, Police, Health, Conservation and the Tree Warden

Permit Fees and Timing

Fees: CO for new buildings is a separate $100 application (town portal). Always check the current schedule before you apply.

Review time: Up to 30 days; new buildings usually take close to the full 30 days.

Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

CO after a passed final inspection. The Building Official may require a certified as-built plot plan with height, story, floor area, open space, parking and setback calculations.

For new homes and large additions, the confirmed HERS rating (with passing blower door and duct leakage results) is part of the close-out paperwork. Book the final test before the building inspector's final so the paperwork is ready.

Local rules to know:

Fossil Fuel Free bylaw in effect since May 21, 2024
Construction hours: weekdays 8 AM-6 PM; weekends and holidays 9 AM-5 PM

Building Permit FAQ for Arlington

What do you need for a building permit in Arlington, MA?

For a new home or addition: the online application, scaled construction plans, a certified plot plan by a land surveyor, contractor CSL/HIC, insurance and workers' comp paperwork (or a homeowner exemption), any zoning or historic approvals, and energy code compliance documentation. New homes and large additions need a projected HERS rating report.

Do I need a HERS rating for a building permit in Arlington?

For a new home, yes, and also for additions over 1,000 sq ft or more than 100% of the existing home. The rater models your plans for the permit (projected HERS report), then tests the finished house (blower door and duct leakage) for the confirmed HERS rating. Smaller additions and alterations can usually use REScheck or the prescriptive path.

What energy code does Arlington follow?

Arlington's Specialized Code took effect January 1, 2024.

Where do I apply for a building permit in Arlington?

At the Inspectional Services Department, 51 Grove Street, 1st Floor, Arlington, MA 02476 (781-316-3392), through Arlington Online Permitting (OpenGov ViewPoint).

Who can pull a building permit in Arlington?

A homeowner can do work on their own 1-2 family home without a license, but must supervise and attend all inspections. Otherwise a licensed contractor applies.