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

What You Need for a Building Permit in Chelsea, MA

To get a building permit in Chelsea, apply to the Inspectional Services Department through Chelsea's Online Permit Center. For a new home or addition you will usually need the application, scaled plans, a surveyor's plot plan, contractor license and insurance paperwork (or a homeowner exemption), a workers' comp affidavit and energy code documentation. Chelsea follows the Stretch Energy Code, so new homes and large additions also need a projected HERS rating report from a RESNET-certified rater at permit and a confirmed HERS rating before the certificate of occupancy.

Checked against Chelsea's own permit pages Energy code section done for you RESNET-certified HERS rater

Chelsea Building Permit Checklist

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

Online Building Permit (Residential/Commercial) application
Plans, pictures and specifications attached online
Energy code documentation for new homes and additions
Separate demolition permit with utility terminations, rodent control and dust plans

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

Who Can Apply and How

Applications are filed online; confirm license and homeowner rules with Inspectional Services.

Apply through Chelsea's Online Permit Center. Questions go to the Inspectional Services Department at 617-466-4130.

Energy Code Compliance: The Part That Holds Up Most Permits

Chelsea has followed the Stretch Code since July 1, 2017 and is not on the state's Specialized list.

At permit: New homes and additions over 1,000 sq ft (or over 100% of the home) need a projected HERS rating report.

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 Chelsea, MA

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

Other Approvals You May Need in Chelsea

Separate demolition permit for full or partial demolition

Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

A certificate of occupancy is required after new construction, a change in use or a major renovation, once final inspections pass.

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:

Five Year Certificate of Habitability rental inspection program

Building Permit FAQ for Chelsea

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

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 Chelsea follow?

Chelsea has followed the Stretch Code since July 1, 2017 and is not on the state's Specialized list.

Where do I apply for a building permit in Chelsea?

At the Inspectional Services Department, 500 Broadway, Room 201, Chelsea, MA 02150 (617-466-4130), through Chelsea's Online Permit Center.

Who can pull a building permit in Chelsea?

Applications are filed online; confirm license and homeowner rules with Inspectional Services.

Sources and Related Pages

Checked on Chelsea's official pages in October 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the building department before you file.

Related: Stretch code report for permitting · HERS rating in Chelsea · Blower door testing · What triggers a HERS rating. We cover Chelsea from our Everett office at 371 Main St.

Need the Energy Report for Your Chelsea Permit?

Send your plans today. Most projected HERS reports are ready in about one business day after the quote is accepted.

Get My Permit Report Call 617-501-6788

68 South St - Framingham MA

Energyconsultants01@gmail.com

+1 (617) 501-6788