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

Belmont Building Permit Checklist

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

1-2 family building permit application packet, filed in person for additions and structural work
Certified plot plan by a Massachusetts Registered Land Surveyor for every new building or addition, with open space and lot coverage
Plans and specs to scale (2 copies if adding a bedroom), with foundation plan and envelope R-values, heat loss and HVAC sizing
Workers' comp affidavit, debris form and sheet metal permit application
Health Department dumpster permit and Engineering street opening permit if needed
Stormwater Management permit for new homes and substantial renovations

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

Who Can Apply and How

The homeowner or an authorized agent applies. A Homeowner License Exemption form is needed for 1-2 family work when the homeowner pulls the permit. Licenses and photo ID are shown at application.

Apply through MapsOnline/SimpliCity for small jobs only; additions and structural work are filed in person. Questions go to the Office of Planning & Building - Building Division at 617-993-2664.

Energy Code Compliance: The Part That Holds Up Most Permits

Belmont is on the state's Specialized Code list.

At permit: New homes and large additions need a projected HERS rating report. Belmont's packet also asks for envelope R-values, heat loss and HVAC sizing on the plans.

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 permitting 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 Belmont, MA

Two-story new home in wood framing waiting on permit inspections - building permit energy code requirements in Belmont, MA

Other Approvals You May Need in Belmont

Zoning Board of Appeals for special permits or variances
Historic District Commission for exterior work in the district; demolition delay for significant buildings
Conservation Commission, Fire Prevention, Health and DPW Engineering as needed
Planning Board for driveway or tree work on Somerset Street (scenic road)

Permit Fees and Timing

Fees: The town's pages list $15 per $1,000, minimum $50. A new fee schedule approved August 31, 2026 adds a $100 application fee and $18 per $1,000 for new homes. Always check the current schedule before you apply.

Review time: Usually within 10 days for a complete submittal (30-day legal limit).

Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

Required inspections: excavation, foundation, framing, insulation and final, after the trade inspectors sign off.

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:

Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Bylaw (Sec. 60-325)

Building Permit FAQ for Belmont

What do you need for a building permit in Belmont, 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 Belmont?

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 Belmont follow?

Belmont is on the state's Specialized Code list.

Where do I apply for a building permit in Belmont?

At the Office of Planning & Building - Building Division, Homer Municipal Building, 19 Moore Street, 2nd Floor, Belmont, MA 02478 (617-993-2664), through MapsOnline/SimpliCity for small jobs only; additions and structural work are filed in person.

Who can pull a building permit in Belmont?

The homeowner or an authorized agent applies. A Homeowner License Exemption form is needed for 1-2 family work when the homeowner pulls the permit. Licenses and photo ID are shown at application.

How much does a building permit cost in Belmont?

The town's pages list $15 per $1,000, minimum $50. A new fee schedule approved August 31, 2026 adds a $100 application fee and $18 per $1,000 for new homes. Check the current fee schedule before you apply.