What You Need for a Building Permit in Dedham, MA
To get a building permit in Dedham, apply to the Building Department through OpenGov Building Permit. 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. Dedham follows the Specialized (Opt-In) 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.
Dedham building department
Building Department
Town Hall, 450 Washington Street, Dedham, MA 02026
Town Hall
Apply: OpenGov Building Permit
Dedham Building Permit Checklist
What Dedham asks for on a new home, addition or major renovation, from the Dedham permit pages. Bring all of it the first time and the review moves faster.
- Online building permit application
- Address assignment request for new development (a torn-down building's address is retired)
- Stormwater Management Permit (most projects, from additions to new construction)
- Sewer permit for new connections or added flow (additions, ADUs, remodels)
- Street Opening Permit for curb cuts or utility work in the public way
- Energy code documentation
Who Can Apply and How
Applications are filed online through OpenGov; Building Department staff help applicants without computer access.
Apply through OpenGov Building Permit. Questions go to the Building Department at Town Hall.
Energy Code Compliance: The Part That Holds Up Most Permits
Dedham's Specialized Code took effect January 1, 2025 (state list); it had the Stretch Code from January 1, 2011.
At permit: New homes and large additions need a projected HERS rating report from a RESNET-certified rater.
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.
Other Approvals You May Need in Dedham
- Conservation Commission (RDA or Notice of Intent)
- Planning & Zoning; ZBA and Planning Board site plan review filed in OpenGov
- Historic Districts Commission certificate for exterior changes in a local historic district
Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
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:
- Three local historic districts: Franklin Square-Court Street, Connecticut Corner and Federal Hill
- Town ADU guidebook for homeowners
Building Permit FAQ for Dedham
What do you need for a building permit in Dedham, 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 Dedham?
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 Dedham follow?
Dedham's Specialized Code took effect January 1, 2025 (state list); it had the Stretch Code from January 1, 2011.
Where do I apply for a building permit in Dedham?
At the Building Department, Town Hall, 450 Washington Street, Dedham, MA 02026 (Town Hall), through OpenGov Building Permit.
Who can pull a building permit in Dedham?
Applications are filed online through OpenGov; Building Department staff help applicants without computer access.
Sources and Related Pages
Checked on Dedham's official pages in October 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the building department before you file.
- Dedham Building Department
- Dedham local historic districts
- Mass.gov: energy code adoption by municipality
Related: Stretch code report for permitting · HERS rating in Dedham · Blower door testing · What triggers a HERS rating. We cover Dedham from our Somerville office at 519 Broadway.
Need the Energy Report for Your Dedham Permit?
Send your plans today. Most projected HERS reports are ready in about one business day after the quote is accepted.
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