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

Waltham Building Permit Checklist

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

One/two-family application signed by the owner, CSL and HIC holders
Entire package as PDFs on a thumb drive or CD, including Fire Department stamped plans
Existing and proposed plans to scale, stamped by Fire Prevention for smoke/CO detectors
Plot plan certified by a professional land surveyor
Foundation certification by a PE for second-floor additions
2021 IECC compliance sheet (HERS RATING)
Workers' comp affidavit, CSL and HIC copies, waste debris form, abutter notice by certified mail and sheet metal form
Engineering I&I fee per bedroom, drainage calcs over 150 sf of new lot coverage, and a recorded ZBA decision if needed

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

Who Can Apply and How

For new 1-4 family homes and additions the application is signed by the owner of record and the CSL and HIC holders (and the architect if any). An owner doing the work files a Homeowner Exemption form.

Apply through Paper applications dropped off in person (fees can be paid online). Questions go to the Building Department at 781-314-3275.

Energy Code Compliance: The Part That Holds Up Most Permits

Waltham follows the Stretch Energy Code (effective July 1, 2012) and is not on the state's Specialized Code list.

At permit: Waltham's own checklist asks for a 2021 IECC compliance sheet (HERS RATING) for new 1-4 family homes, additions, substantial remodels and basements.

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 Waltham, MA

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

Other Approvals You May Need in Waltham

Fire Prevention stamp on plans before submittal
Zoning Board of Appeals if needed (decision recorded and stamped)
Engineering (I&I, drainage) and DPW curb cut
Conservation review near wetlands or streams
Historical Commission demolition delay letter for buildings over 75 years old

Permit Fees and Timing

Fees: Residential: $12 per $1,000 of estimated total cost, minimum $50. Always check the current schedule before you apply.

Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

Final inspections, two copies of the final as-built certification by a registered land surveyor and the final 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:

Applications filed after July 1, 2025 must comply with the 10th Edition of 780 CMR

Building Permit FAQ for Waltham

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

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 Waltham follow?

Waltham follows the Stretch Energy Code (effective July 1, 2012) and is not on the state's Specialized Code list.

Where do I apply for a building permit in Waltham?

At the Building Department, Government Center, 119 School Street, Rm 25, Waltham, MA 02451 (781-314-3275), through Paper applications dropped off in person (fees can be paid online).