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

Malden Building Permit Checklist

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

Online building permit application with every required field completed
Certified site plan (lot, structures and setbacks) for new structures and ADUs
Construction drawings: floor plans and elevations of existing and proposed
Code analysis table and energy code compliance table (by a CSL holder for 1-2 family homes)
Current photos of the property (ADU applications)

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

Who Can Apply and How

Applications, document uploads and payments go through the online portal. Only licensed electricians and plumbers can apply for electrical, plumbing and gas permits.

Apply through Malden Online Permitting (Tyler EnerGov Self Service). Questions go to the Inspectional Services at 781-397-7030.

Energy Code Compliance: The Part That Holds Up Most Permits

Malden's building pages call for compliance with the current Stretch Energy Code.

At permit: Under the Stretch Code, new homes and additions over 1,000 sq ft (or over 100% of the home) need a projected HERS rating. Malden asks for an energy code compliance table with the application.

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 Malden, MA

Two-story new home in wood framing waiting on permit inspections - building permit energy code requirements in Malden, MA

Other Approvals You May Need in Malden

Site Plan Review (Building Commissioner, Health Director and OSCPD) for every ADU before the permit
Board of Appeal or Planning Board for special permits and variances

Permit Fees and Timing

Fees: New 1-2 family construction, additions and alterations: $13 per $1,000, minimum $40. CO: $75 single-family, $95 two-family. Always check the current schedule before you apply.

Review time: Permits are processed in the order received.

Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

Apply for the certificate of occupancy through the online portal; inspectors schedule their own appointments.

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.

Building Permit FAQ for Malden

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

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 Malden follow?

Malden's building pages call for compliance with the current Stretch Energy Code.

Where do I apply for a building permit in Malden?

At the Inspectional Services, 215 Pleasant Street, 3rd Floor, Room 330, Malden, MA 02148 (781-397-7030), through Malden Online Permitting (Tyler EnerGov Self Service).

Who can pull a building permit in Malden?

Applications, document uploads and payments go through the online portal. Only licensed electricians and plumbers can apply for electrical, plumbing and gas permits.

How much does a building permit cost in Malden?

New 1-2 family construction, additions and alterations: $13 per $1,000, minimum $40. CO: $75 single-family, $95 two-family. Check the current fee schedule before you apply.