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

Medford Building Permit Checklist

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

Online building permit application, every form completed
Three sets of plans (the building official may adjust by scope)
Plot plan prepared by a registered professional land surveyor (a mortgage plan usually isn't enough)
Workers' Compensation Insurance Affidavit
Contractor license registration with the City plus a driver's license
Energy code documentation for new homes and large additions

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

Who Can Apply and How

Only the owner of a 1-2 family home who lives there can get a homeowner permit. Contractors should hold a CSL, HIC registration (owner-occupied 1-4 family) and workers' comp, and must register their licenses with the City.

Apply through Citizenserve (applications must be filed online). Questions go to the Building Department at (781) 393-2509.

Energy Code Compliance: The Part That Holds Up Most Permits

Medford is on the state's Specialized Code list.

At permit: New homes and large additions need a projected HERS rating report. Medford also offers an optional expedited Clean Energy Consolidated Local Permit.

At final: At final we run the blower door and duct leakage tests and issue the confirmed HERS certificate. Medford posts a Final Cost Affidavit form for close-out.

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 Medford, MA

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

Other Approvals You May Need in Medford

Weekly multi-department development meeting for new buildings and major projects
Conservation Commission (Notice of Intent) for work near wetlands, the 100-ft buffer or 200-ft Riverfront Area, before the building permit
Historical Commission demolition review for buildings over 75 years old
Historic District Commission in the South Street Historic District

Permit Fees and Timing

Fees: $15 per $1,000 of estimated cost plus a $35 application fee; new residential plan review $100 (city's posted schedule). Always check the current schedule before you apply.

Review time: The building official has 30 days to act; most reviews are faster.

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:

South Street Historic District

Building Permit FAQ for Medford

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

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 Medford follow?

Medford is on the state's Specialized Code list.

Where do I apply for a building permit in Medford?

At the Building Department, 85 George P. Hassett Drive, City Hall Room 115A, Medford, MA 02155 ((781) 393-2509), through Citizenserve (applications must be filed online).

Who can pull a building permit in Medford?

How much does a building permit cost in Medford?

$15 per $1,000 of estimated cost plus a $35 application fee; new residential plan review $100 (city's posted schedule). Check the current fee schedule before you apply.