What You Need for a Building Permit in Milton, MA
To get a building permit in Milton, apply to the Inspectional Services through PermitEyes. 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. Milton 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.
Milton building department
Inspectional Services
525 Canton Avenue, Milton, MA 02186
617-898-4925
Apply: PermitEyes
Milton Building Permit Checklist
What Milton asks for on a new home, addition or major renovation, from the Milton permit pages. Bring all of it the first time and the review moves faster.
- Online application in PermitEyes (simple projects can issue right away with all documents)
- Signed contracts and/or cost breakdown as the Building Official requires
- Plans and documents for new homes and additions, corrected per plan review
- Energy code documentation

Who Can Apply and How
Applications are filed online in PermitEyes; confirm license and homeowner rules with Inspectional Services.
Apply through PermitEyes. Questions go to the Inspectional Services at 617-898-4925.
Energy Code Compliance: The Part That Holds Up Most Permits
Milton's Specialized Code took effect January 1, 2025 (state list); it had the Stretch Code from July 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 Milton
- DPW/Engineering opening or occupancy permit for work in the public way and new or changed water, sewer or drain connections
- DPW house number approval for new homes
Permit Fees and Timing
Fees: 1-2 family: $12 per $1,000 of project value; permanent CO with a building permit at no charge (posted schedule). Always check the current schedule before you apply.
Review time: The town aims to finish the first review of new homes and additions within 30 days; permits often issue 1-2 weeks after corrections.
Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
The permanent certificate of occupancy is issued with the building permit at no charge.
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:
- Inspectors hold walk-in hours 8-10 am weekdays
Building Permit FAQ for Milton
What do you need for a building permit in Milton, 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 Milton?
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 Milton follow?
Milton's Specialized Code took effect January 1, 2025 (state list); it had the Stretch Code from July 1, 2011.
Where do I apply for a building permit in Milton?
At the Inspectional Services, 525 Canton Avenue, Milton, MA 02186 (617-898-4925), through PermitEyes.
Who can pull a building permit in Milton?
Applications are filed online in PermitEyes; confirm license and homeowner rules with Inspectional Services.
How much does a building permit cost in Milton?
1-2 family: $12 per $1,000 of project value; permanent CO with a building permit at no charge (posted schedule). Check the current fee schedule before you apply.
How long does a building permit take in Milton?
The town aims to finish the first review of new homes and additions within 30 days; permits often issue 1-2 weeks after corrections.
Sources and Related Pages
Checked on Milton's official pages in October 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the building department before you file.
- Milton Inspectional Services
- Milton Inspectional Services FAQs
- Mass.gov: energy code adoption by municipality
Related: Stretch code report for permitting · HERS rating in Milton · Blower door testing · What triggers a HERS rating. We cover Milton from our Everett office at 371 Main St.
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