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

Quincy Building Permit Checklist

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

Online building permit application (not issued until approved and paid)
Debris Removal Form (licensed disposal facility or dumpster company)
Workers' Compensation Affidavit
Construction control affidavit and checklist where construction control applies
Construction Management Plan where required
Demolition checklist if a building is being taken down

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

Who Can Apply and How

Applications are filed online. A walk-in Building, Zoning and Conservation clinic for small property owners runs Thursdays at 55 Sea St.

Apply through OpenGov (ViewPoint Cloud) - all permits are online. Questions go to the Inspectional Services Department - Building Department at (617) 376-1450.

Energy Code Compliance: The Part That Holds Up Most Permits

Quincy follows the Stretch Energy Code (adopted 2010, effective July 1, 2011) and is not on the state's Specialized Code list.

At permit: Under the Stretch Code, new homes and additions over 1,000 sq ft (or over 100% of the home) show compliance with a projected HERS rating. Smaller additions can usually use REScheck.

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 Quincy, MA

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

Other Approvals You May Need in Quincy

Zoning Board of Appeals for variances and special permits
Historical Commission certificate inside the Quincy Center or Adams Birthplace historic districts
Conservation Commission where applicable
Engineering, water, sewer, fire, police and health for demolition

Permit Fees and Timing

Fees: City Code: $20 for the first $1,000 of estimated cost plus $12 per additional $1,000. Always check the current schedule before you apply.

Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

A certificate of occupancy is requested through the OpenGov portal, with the final construction control affidavit and the owner's final construction cost affidavit.

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:

Local historic districts: Quincy Center and Adams Birthplace

Building Permit FAQ for Quincy

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

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 Quincy follow?

Quincy follows the Stretch Energy Code (adopted 2010, effective July 1, 2011) and is not on the state's Specialized Code list.

Where do I apply for a building permit in Quincy?

At the Inspectional Services Department - Building Department, Public Works Building, 55 Sea St, Quincy, MA 02169 ((617) 376-1450), through OpenGov (ViewPoint Cloud) - all permits are online.