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

Wellesley Building Permit Checklist

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

Residential Building Permit Application (1-2 family) with proof of ownership, owner signature and estimated cost
Certified plot plan signed by a Massachusetts Registered Land Surveyor for new homes, additions and footprint changes (mortgage plot plans not accepted)
500-foot bylaw letter for new homes and additions encroaching on the front setback
Large House Review (TLAG) affidavit for new single-family homes and additions increasing TLAG by more than 10%
Construction plans no larger than 24x36 (stamped for trusses, engineered lumber, steel or unique design)
Energy code documentation
Solid waste disposal application and workers' comp affidavit
Two sets of Fire Department-stamped plans for new homes, bedroom additions and attached garages

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

Who Can Apply and How

CSL and HIC holders must register their licenses with the Building Department in person with the original cards. A homeowner who owns and lives (or will live) on the parcel can do the work, using the homeowner warning and license exemption forms.

Apply through ViewPoint Cloud (OpenGov). Questions go to the Building Department at 781-431-1019.

Energy Code Compliance: The Part That Holds Up Most Permits

Wellesley's Specialized (Opt-In) Energy Code took effect January 1, 2024.

At permit: New homes and large additions need a projected HERS rating report. The town's checklist still mentions ResCheck from the older code, so confirm the current path with the Building Department; we model both.

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 Wellesley 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 Wellesley, MA

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

Other Approvals You May Need in Wellesley

Fire Department, Board of Health (septic, teardowns, demolition) and DPW (water, sewer, street openings, drainage)
Historic District Commission in a designated district; Historical Commission demolition review for homes built on or before 1949
Natural Resources Commission near wetlands or streams
Select Board and DPW for new curb cuts; ZBA special permit for some nonconforming-structure additions
Large House Review by the Planning Board when TLAG exceeds the district threshold (typically 3 to 4 months)

Permit Fees and Timing

Fees: $15 per $1,000, minimum $100, for new homes and additions (valued at $200 per sq ft of finished space). Residential CO $50 (schedule effective April 1, 2025). Always check the current schedule before you apply.

Review time: Generally 7 to 14 business days for permit review; Large House Review adds about 3 to 4 months.

Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

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:

Large House Review (Zoning Bylaw Sec. 5.9)
The Inspector notifies abutters within 300 ft before issuing a permit for new structures of 300 sq ft or more

Building Permit FAQ for Wellesley

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

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 Wellesley follow?

Wellesley's Specialized (Opt-In) Energy Code took effect January 1, 2024.

Where do I apply for a building permit in Wellesley?

At the Building Department, 888 Worcester Street, Suite 160, Wellesley, MA 02482 (781-431-1019), through ViewPoint Cloud (OpenGov).

Who can pull a building permit in Wellesley?

How much does a building permit cost in Wellesley?

$15 per $1,000, minimum $100, for new homes and additions (valued at $200 per sq ft of finished space). Residential CO $50 (schedule effective April 1, 2025). Check the current fee schedule before you apply.