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

Stoneham Building Permit Checklist

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

Application signed off by the Treasurer, plus BOH, DPW and Conservation where they apply
Workers' comp affidavit, license copies, contract and certificate of insurance
Architectural plans to scale; Fire Department-stamped plans if bedrooms are added or the layout changes
Structural plans with members, spans, engineered lumber reports and wall bracing
Elevations with heights and roof pitches
New homes and additions over 1,000 sf: energy compliance with envelope R-values and HERS certification, plus solar-ready and EV locations and radon system detail
Certified plot plan stamped by a Professional Land Surveyor

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

Who Can Apply and How

A licensed CSL holder and/or registered HIC applies, or a homeowner who supervises the whole project and attends all inspections. The owner signs an authorization if an agent applies.

Apply through OpenGov - Building Permit Residential (1 and 2 family). Questions go to the Building Department at 781-279-2670.

Energy Code Compliance: The Part That Holds Up Most Permits

Stoneham adopted the Stretch Code in 2017 (effective July 1, 2017) and is not on the state's Specialized list.

At permit: Stoneham's Required Document Guide asks new homes and additions over 1,000 sf for energy code compliance with envelope R-values and HERS certification, plus solar-ready and EV locations.

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 Stoneham, MA

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

Other Approvals You May Need in Stoneham

Treasurer approval on every application
Board of Health, DPW and Conservation Commission where applicable
Fire Department plan stamp for new bedrooms or layout changes
Demolition affidavit for demolition

Permit Fees and Timing

Fees: 1-2 family: $13 per $1,000, minimum $55; plan review for new 1-2 family $100; CO $50 (effective January 1, 2026). Always check the current schedule before you apply.

Review time: Up to 30 days; new buildings take close to the full 30.

Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

Inspections at each stage on the card. For new houses, a certified as-built plot plan is due after the foundation, before framing.

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:

A permit lapses if work doesn't begin within 180 days

Building Permit FAQ for Stoneham

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

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 Stoneham follow?

Stoneham adopted the Stretch Code in 2017 (effective July 1, 2017) and is not on the state's Specialized list.

Where do I apply for a building permit in Stoneham?

At the Building Department, 35 Central Street, Garden Level, Stoneham, MA 02180 (781-279-2670), through OpenGov - Building Permit Residential (1 and 2 family).

Who can pull a building permit in Stoneham?

A licensed CSL holder and/or registered HIC applies, or a homeowner who supervises the whole project and attends all inspections. The owner signs an authorization if an agent applies.

How much does a building permit cost in Stoneham?

1-2 family: $13 per $1,000, minimum $55; plan review for new 1-2 family $100; CO $50 (effective January 1, 2026). Check the current fee schedule before you apply.