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

Brookline Building Permit Checklist

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

Online building permit application in Accela
Electronic plans sealed by an architect and/or registered land surveyor (for plan review and any ZBA filing)
Registry-stamped ZBA decision when zoning relief was granted
Fire protection plans go to Brookline Fire for review
Energy code documentation; new homes must use the all-electric path under the Fossil Fuel Free bylaw

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

Who Can Apply and How

Building permits are filed online through Accela (an account is required).

Apply through Accela online permits. Questions go to the Building Department at (617) 730-2100.

Energy Code Compliance: The Part That Holds Up Most Permits

Brookline is on the state's Specialized Code list and has followed a Stretch Code since 2011.

At permit: New homes and large additions need a projected HERS rating report. Under Brookline's Fossil Fuel Free rule (effective February 20, 2024), new construction can't use the Specialized Code's Zero Energy or Mixed-Fuel paths, and major renovations can't add combustion equipment.

At final: Brookline's CO checklist requires energy compliance documents (acceptance documents, certifications and confirmations), which is where the confirmed HERS certificate and test results go.

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 Brookline 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 Brookline, MA

Examples of additions and renovations that trigger a HERS rating - building permit energy code requirements in Brookline, MA

Other Approvals You May Need in Brookline

Planning Board and ZBA for zoning relief (denial letter within 30 days of filing)
Preservation Commission demolition review for full demolition or removing 25%+ of the exterior; up to 12-month delay
Preservation Commission for work in a Local Historic District
Fire Department for fire protection systems

Permit Fees and Timing

Fees: $20 per $1,000, minimum $50. Certificate of occupancy $50 per dwelling unit (fee schedule effective July 18, 2022). Always check the current schedule before you apply.

Review time: For zoning relief cases, the denial letter comes within 30 days of filing.

Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

All inspections passed, a CO request letter, final affidavits on town forms, fire protection test documents, energy compliance documents, structural engineer's final report, zoning compliance statement and a job card signed off by all departments.

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 February 20, 2024
Demolition delay applies to all buildings

Building Permit FAQ for Brookline

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

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 Brookline follow?

Brookline is on the state's Specialized Code list and has followed a Stretch Code since 2011.

Where do I apply for a building permit in Brookline?

At the Building Department, 333 Washington Street, Brookline, MA 02445 ((617) 730-2100), through Accela online permits.

Who can pull a building permit in Brookline?

Building permits are filed online through Accela (an account is required).

How much does a building permit cost in Brookline?

$20 per $1,000, minimum $50. Certificate of occupancy $50 per dwelling unit (fee schedule effective July 18, 2022). Check the current fee schedule before you apply.