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

Lexington Building Permit Checklist

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

Online application (New Construction or Additions, including dormers)
Proposed plot plan stamped by a licensed land surveyor with setbacks, grades, average natural grade, drainage and driveway details
Gross Floor Area calculation form (new home or addition)
Height Calculation Form and Average Natural Grade Worksheet
HIC/Homeowner exemption form if applicable
Energy code documentation; new homes and major renovations can't add new fossil-fuel equipment (since March 21, 2024)

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

Who Can Apply and How

A homeowner who lives (or will live) in a 1-2 family home can do the work without a license and must supervise. The town's HIC/Homeowner Exemption form covers jobs where HIC registration doesn't apply.

Apply through OpenGov / ViewPoint Cloud. Questions go to the Building Office (Land Use, Housing and Development) at 781-698-4530.

Energy Code Compliance: The Part That Holds Up Most Permits

Lexington's Specialized Code went into effect January 1, 2024.

At permit: New homes and large additions need a projected HERS rating report. Under the Fossil Fuel Free bylaw, additions over 1,000 sq ft or over 100% of conditioned area also can't add new fossil-fuel equipment.

At final: Lexington's residential CO checklist requires a Final HERS Rating.

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 Lexington 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 Lexington, MA

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

Other Approvals You May Need in Lexington

Historical Commission demolition delay (21 months, or 12 with approved site plan review)
Historic Districts Commission for exterior work in the four local historic districts
Zoning Board of Appeals for nonconforming projects
Water, Sewer, Tree Warden, Engineering, Planning, Conservation, Fire and trades on the permit card before the CO

Permit Fees and Timing

Fees: 1-2 family new homes, additions and alterations: $13 per $1,000 of estimated value (effective September 1, 2022). Always check the current schedule before you apply.

Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

Permit card with all sign-offs, certified as-built plot plan, civil engineer's stormwater affidavit, framing/structural letter, Final HERS Rating, as-built GFA form and as-built height form.

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 March 21, 2024

Building Permit FAQ for Lexington

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

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 Lexington follow?

Lexington's Specialized Code went into effect January 1, 2024.

Where do I apply for a building permit in Lexington?

At the Building Office (Land Use, Housing and Development), 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420 (781-698-4530), through OpenGov / ViewPoint Cloud.

Who can pull a building permit in Lexington?

How much does a building permit cost in Lexington?

1-2 family new homes, additions and alterations: $13 per $1,000 of estimated value (effective September 1, 2022). Check the current fee schedule before you apply.