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

Cambridge Building Permit Checklist

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

Building permit application signed by the construction supervisor and owner, with cost estimates by trade
Construction documents: 2 sets plus 1 digital set (stamped plans required over 35,000 cubic feet; a structural engineer may be required on 1-2 family work)
Zoning package: photos, dimensioned plans and elevations, a stamped surveyor's plot plan and any BZA or Planning Board decision
Signed contractor/owner contract and the Affidavit of Estimated Cost of Construction
Workers' comp certificate or affidavit
Construction debris affidavit (dumpster and disposal facility) and noise ordinance affidavit
Fire Department review and fire protection narrative
Energy code compliance documentation (Stretch/Specialized Code)

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

Who Can Apply and How

Permits go to city-licensed construction supervisors (state CSL for structures under 35,000 cubic feet) or to homeowners of a 1-2 unit home they live in, using the Homeowner's Affidavit. The application is signed by the construction supervisor and the owner of record.

Apply through Cambridge OpenGov permitting portal. Questions go to the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) at (617) 349-6100.

Energy Code Compliance: The Part That Holds Up Most Permits

Cambridge's Specialized (Opt-In) Energy Code took effect July 1, 2023.

At permit: The application asks for energy code provisions and documentation showing compliance. For a new home or large addition that is a projected HERS rating report from a RESNET-certified rater. Cambridge is also in the state's Fossil Fuel Free program (since March 22, 2024), so new homes and major renovations can't add fossil-fuel equipment.

At final: At the end we test the house (blower door and duct leakage) and issue the confirmed HERS certificate that goes in with your final paperwork.

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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge, MA

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

Other Approvals You May Need in Cambridge

Zoning: Board of Zoning Appeal or Planning Board for special permits and variances; zoning confirms conditions before the CO
Cambridge Historical Commission: certificate needed before the permit in historic and conservation districts; citywide demolition review for buildings over 50 years old
Traffic, Parking & Transportation and Public Works for driveways and curb cuts (City Council approval for new curb cuts)
Fire Department sign-off

Permit Fees and Timing

Fees: New construction and alterations: $15 per $1,000 for 3 or fewer residential units, minimum $50 (Ordinance 1394, 2017). Residential CO: $100 for the first unit plus $50 per additional unit. Always check the current schedule before you apply.

Review time: ISD must act within 30 days of filing; minor projects may be issued at acceptance.

Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

Final cost affidavit, architect/engineer and contractor affidavits, final inspections by fire, wiring, plumbing, zoning and building, zoning approval of any special permit conditions, then the CO fee.

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 Demonstration Ordinance in effect since March 22, 2024
BEUDO applies to large buildings (25,000+ sq ft non-residential or 50+ units), not 1-2 family homes

Building Permit FAQ for Cambridge

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

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 Cambridge follow?

Cambridge's Specialized (Opt-In) Energy Code took effect July 1, 2023.

Where do I apply for a building permit in Cambridge?

At the Inspectional Services Department (ISD), Lombardi Building, 831 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA ((617) 349-6100), through Cambridge OpenGov permitting portal.

Who can pull a building permit in Cambridge?

How much does a building permit cost in Cambridge?

New construction and alterations: $15 per $1,000 for 3 or fewer residential units, minimum $50 (Ordinance 1394, 2017). Residential CO: $100 for the first unit plus $50 per additional unit. Check the current fee schedule before you apply.