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

Woburn Building Permit Checklist

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

Residential 1-2 family building permit application (one per structure)
Certified plot plan stamped by a PLS or PE (property lines, setbacks, easements, footprint, utilities, contours, flood plain and wetlands)
Construction plans to scale: floor plans, elevations, sections, foundation and framing plans (two 11x17 sets, or one paper set plus a PDF)
Specifications showing Stretch Energy Code compliance, plus a window schedule
Owner's authorization if an agent applies; Workers' Compensation Insurance Affidavit
Certification of Treasurer/Collector signed by the owner
Licensed facility for construction debris

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

Who Can Apply and How

The application has sections for a licensed Construction Supervisor and a registered HIC. A homeowner who lives or intends to live on the parcel can file without a license; anyone who builds more than one home in two years does not count as a homeowner.

Apply through CitizenServe Online Permitting Portal. Questions go to the Inspectional Services Department at 781-897-5840.

Energy Code Compliance: The Part That Holds Up Most Permits

Woburn adopted the Stretch Code on March 15, 2011, effective January 1, 2012, and is not on the state's Specialized list.

At permit: Woburn's plan standards require specifications showing Stretch Energy Code compliance; for new homes that means a HERS rating report signed by a RESNET-certified rater.

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 Woburn, MA

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

Other Approvals You May Need in Woburn

Public Works for water and sewer connections; Planning for new subdivisions or ANR lots
Conservation Commission for earth-disturbing work
Fire, Board of Health and Engineering as checked on the application
Historical Commission demolition delay for properties 75 years or older

Permit Fees and Timing

Fees: Residential: $15 per $1,000 of estimated construction value, minimum $30 (schedule effective December 20, 2018). Always check the current schedule before you apply.

Review time: Up to 30 days; anywhere from 1 day to 30 days depending on complexity.

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:

Permits are void six months after issue unless work has started

Building Permit FAQ for Woburn

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

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 Woburn follow?

Woburn adopted the Stretch Code on March 15, 2011, effective January 1, 2012, and is not on the state's Specialized list.

Where do I apply for a building permit in Woburn?

At the Inspectional Services Department, City Hall Annex, 6 Common Street, Woburn, MA 01801 (781-897-5840), through CitizenServe Online Permitting Portal.

Who can pull a building permit in Woburn?

How much does a building permit cost in Woburn?

Residential: $15 per $1,000 of estimated construction value, minimum $30 (schedule effective December 20, 2018). Check the current fee schedule before you apply.