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

Melrose Building Permit Checklist

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

Online application with owner, HIC, CSL and the full cost of construction
Plot plan by a registered land surveyor for new construction and footprint-changing additions (mortgage plans not accepted)
Design plans with room dimensions, stairs, doors, windows, framing, elevations and foundation details
Architect affidavit over 35,000 cubic feet
Stretch energy code compliance report for additions and new structures
Workers' comp affidavit, licenses, HIC and liability insurance uploaded to the portal
Smoke detector plans and Engineering I&I fee when adding a bedroom; dumpster permit ($35)

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

Who Can Apply and How

Owners of 1-2 family homes may get a permit to do the work themselves. Otherwise a licensed construction supervisor applies and must supervise and attend inspections.

Apply through SimpliCity (MapsOnline) - all applications online. Questions go to the Inspectional Services Department at 781-979-4135.

Energy Code Compliance: The Part That Holds Up Most Permits

Melrose is on the state's Specialized Code list; the city says it is a Stretch Code community that has adopted the Specialized Code and uses the 2021 IECC for all reviews.

At permit: Melrose plan reviewers ask for "energy-code compliance documentation demonstrating that the proposed new dwelling complies with the applicable Stretch Code provisions." For a new home that's 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.

Sample projected HERS rating certificate for a building permit - building permit energy code requirements in Melrose, MA

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

Other Approvals You May Need in Melrose

Historic District Commission certificate in the Downtown Historic District
Conservation Commission near wetlands
Engineering I&I fee for new bedrooms
Zoning Board for variances

Permit Fees and Timing

Fees: $15 administrative fee plus $15 per $1,000 for 1-2 family work, minimum $40 (effective July 1, 2023). Always check the current schedule before you apply.

Review time: About 2 to 3 weeks, depending on volume.

Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

Certificate of occupancy application with a room-by-room list, fee paid online, then schedule the building inspector.

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:

Downtown Historic District

Building Permit FAQ for Melrose

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

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 Melrose follow?

Melrose is on the state's Specialized Code list; the city says it is a Stretch Code community that has adopted the Specialized Code and uses the 2021 IECC for all reviews.

Where do I apply for a building permit in Melrose?

At the Inspectional Services Department, 562 Main Street, City Hall Ground Floor, Melrose, MA 02176 (781-979-4135), through SimpliCity (MapsOnline) - all applications online.

Who can pull a building permit in Melrose?

Owners of 1-2 family homes may get a permit to do the work themselves. Otherwise a licensed construction supervisor applies and must supervise and attend inspections.

How much does a building permit cost in Melrose?

$15 administrative fee plus $15 per $1,000 for 1-2 family work, minimum $40 (effective July 1, 2023). Check the current fee schedule before you apply.