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

Somerville Building Permit Checklist

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

Building permit submittal checklist and a detailed project description (PDF uploads only, 25 MB per file)
Contractor: CSL and HIC, insurance, workers' comp, signed contract or cost affidavit, Site Safety Plan and OSHA certification
Homeowner: proof of residence, Homeowner's Affidavit and Estimated Cost Affidavit
Workplace Safety Affidavit and Wage Theft Affidavit
Zoning Compliance Certificate, plus a recorded ZBA decision if relief was granted
Scaled drawings of existing and proposed conditions (stamped for 3+ units or commercial)
Certified plot plan by a registered land surveyor if the exterior changes
Energy code documentation: HERS or prescriptive review, equipment efficiency specs and an outline of the air tightness testing method

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

Who Can Apply and How

An owner-occupant of a 1-2 family home may apply. Properties with 3+ units and commercial buildings need a licensed contractor. Contractors need a CSL plus HIC registration for owner-occupied 1-4 unit homes.

Apply through CitizenServe. Questions go to the Inspectional Services Department (ISD), Building Division at (617) 625-6600 ext. 5600.

Energy Code Compliance: The Part That Holds Up Most Permits

Somerville's Specialized (Opt-In) Energy Code has applied since July 1, 2023 to new construction and major renovations.

At permit: Somerville's checklist asks for a HERS (or prescriptive) energy review, equipment efficiency specs and how air tightness will be tested. For a new home or large addition, that's the projected HERS report and blower door plan.

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 Somerville permits 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 Somerville, MA

Massachusetts Stretch Code compliance path flowchart for new homes, additions and alterations - building permit energy code requirements in Somerville, MA

Other Approvals You May Need in Somerville

Zoning review on every permit; ZBA decision if relief is needed
Historic Preservation Commission for local historic district work visible from a public way; demolition review for buildings over 75 years old
Driveway/curb cut permit through CitizenServe
MassDEP or state agencies for work next to railroads, waterways or contaminated soil

Permit Fees and Timing

Fees: $20 per $1,000 up to $100,000 and $21 per $1,000 above, minimum $50. Plan review: zoning $250; building $4 per $1,000 (minimum $50). CO: $130 for 1-3 units (schedule effective January 1, 2025). Always check the current schedule before you apply.

Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

Final inspections through ISD; occupancy certificates are handled in CitizenServe.

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:

Somerville is not in the state's Fossil Fuel Free demonstration program

Building Permit FAQ for Somerville

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

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 Somerville follow?

Somerville's Specialized (Opt-In) Energy Code has applied since July 1, 2023 to new construction and major renovations.

Where do I apply for a building permit in Somerville?

At the Inspectional Services Department (ISD), Building Division, 1 Franey Rd., Somerville, MA 02145 ((617) 625-6600 ext. 5600), through CitizenServe.

Who can pull a building permit in Somerville?

How much does a building permit cost in Somerville?

$20 per $1,000 up to $100,000 and $21 per $1,000 above, minimum $50. Plan review: zoning $250; building $4 per $1,000 (minimum $50). CO: $130 for 1-3 units (schedule effective January 1, 2025). Check the current fee schedule before you apply.