Building Department

About

It is the mission of the building department to provide the highest standard of public safety through inspection of all buildings and structures in the City of Medford, enforcement of the State Building Code, plumbing, gas, electrical codes, and all pertinent regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Our office regulates property rights and uses to all stakeholders by enforcing the zoning ordinance dimensional controls and property uses. We are the custodians of building records in the City of Medford. We remain forever vigilant in the safety and welfare of all inhabitants of the City of Medford.

Permits

Building applications must be submitted online.

apply here

To search for all permits, past and present, click "apply here" (above) and choose search.
Permits to be filed online include Building, Plumbing & Gas, Electrical, Sheet Metal/Mechanical, Periodic Inspections.

Important Information

No work on any project may commence until a building permit card is issued to the applicant.
Any requests or inquiries regarding the legal zoning status of an existing building, or any future, potential uses must be submitted in writing to the Building Commissioner.
Plumbing and gas permit applications may be submitted via mail, however please be aware that applications submitted by mail may require a longer processing time.
All contractors filing applications for Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Gas permits must register their licenses with the City- please include your driver’s license for identity purposes.
All inspections are made directly with the inspectors during their office hours.
Accepted payment methods: cash, check or money order.
To file a permit application, all forms must be filled out in their entirety.

Applications, Forms, Permits and Regulations

Building Department FAQ's

FAQ's

FAQ's

When is a building permit required?

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code states that “it shall be unlawful to construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, remove or demolish a building or structure; or to change the use or occupancy or a building or structure; or to install or alter any equipment for which provision is made or the installation of which is regulated by 780 CMR (State Building Code) without first filing a written application with the building official and obtaining the required permit therefore.”

Are there exemptions to the permit requirements?

Yes, the State Building Code allows the following work to be done without a building permit:

1. One story detached accessory buildings used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet.

2. Retaining walls which, in the opinion of the building official, are not a threat to the public safety, health or welfare and which retain less than four feet of unbalanced fill.

3. Ordinary repairs such as any maintenance which does not affect the structure, egress, fire protection systems, fire ratings, energy conversation provisions, plumbing, sanitary, gas, electrical or other utilities. A building permit is not required for ordinary repairs.

How long does it take to get a permit?

The building official has thirty (30) days to review and take action on a building permit application. However, in most cases the permit review can be completed in a relatively quick manner, depending on the scope of work of the project. New buildings, and major projects such as those subject to site plan review, will be reviewed at weekly development meetings which occur on every Tuesday. These projects require sign-offs from several departments before a building permit will be issued.

How do I schedule an inspection of my property?

You should contact the inspector that issued the permit during the scheduled office hours, which are as follows:
– Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8:30-10:00 a.m. and 3:00-4:30 p.m.
– Wednesday from 8:30-10:00 a.m. and 3:00-7:30 p.m.
– Friday from 8:30-10:00 a.m. and 12:00-12:30 p.m.

Can I obtain a building permit as an owner of the property?

Only the owner of a single or two family dwelling may obtain a homeowner’s permit, and he/she must reside in the structure where the work is being performed. A person who constructs more than one home in a two year period shall not be considered a home owner.

Can I do my own electrical and plumbing/gas work?

No. State law requires anyone performing electrical, plumbing or gas work to be licensed.

Is a building permit required to erect a fence?

No. However, the Zoning Ordinance restricts the height of fences in certain locations. In certain zoning districts the maximum allowable height of a fence is 4 feet in the required front yard setback, which is usually 15 feet back from the front lot line for 1 and 2 family dwellings. The maximum height of a fence beyond the required front yard setback is 6 feet. Before erecting a fence please contact the Building Department at (781)393-2511 to inquire about the regulations for your specific location.

Can the City recommend a contractor for my project?

No. The City of Medford cannot recommend or comment on any contractors. We can only suggest you obtain several quotes. Please make sure any contractor you are thinking about hiring has a valid construction supervisor’s license, is registered as a home improvement contractor if your project involves an owner occupied 1-4 family dwelling, and has worker’s compensation insurance.

How many sets of plans are needed when applying for a building permit?

The State Building Code requires three (3) sets of plans be submitted with building permit applications. The building official is permitted to modify this requirement, depending on the scope of the work.

How long is a building permit good for?

The Massachusetts State Building Code stipulates that any permit issued shall be deemed abandoned and invalid unless the work authorized by it shall have been commenced within six months after its issuance; however , for cause, and upon written request of the owner, one or more extensions of time, for periods not exceeding six months each, may be granted in writing by the building commissioner. Work under such a permit in the opinion of the building commissioner, must proceed in good faith continuously to completion so far as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

Can I use the mortgage plan the bank gave me for my plot plan?

A mortgage plan is only a rough layout of the structure or structures on a lot, and is only prepared for mortgage purposes. In some cases they may be used, but in most cases, when a plot plan is required, you will need to have one prepared by a registered professional land surveyor.

Can I get a copy of my plot plan from the building department?

If your house was built recently, or an addition was constructed which required a plot plan, we may have it on file.

Can the engineering department do a plot plan for me?

No. The engineering department does not survey private property.

Is a permit needed for a swimming pool?

Yes. The Massachusetts State Building Code – Section 3109.4 regulates the installation of both above-ground and in-ground swimming pools. A private swimming pool is defined as any structure that contains over 24 inches of water in depth and which is used, or intended to be used, for swimming or recreational bathing in connection with an occupancy in Use Group R-3 or R-4 (one and two family dwellings or structures used as one and two family dwellings, i.e. attached row housing or townhouse condominiums), and which is available only to the family and guests of the householder. This includes in-ground, above ground and on-ground swimming pools, hot tubs and spas. An electrical permit must also be obtained with the building permit before commencing construction of any pools. No pool shall be filled with water or used in any manner before receiving a final inspection by this office and the electrical department.

Is a building permit needed to erect a shed in my yard?

Sheds up to 120 square feet in size do not require a building permit, but must be located a minimum of three (3) feet from side and rear lot line, and a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from the front lot line, a minimum of ten (10) feet from the principal structure on the same lot, and must be a maximum of fifteen (15) feet in height.

What are the setbacks and size limitations for a garage on my property?

A garage must be located a minimum of three (3) feet from the property lines, a minimum of ten (10) feet from the principal structure on the same lot, and must be a maximum of fifteen (15) feet in height.

How to Report a Street Light Outage

Contact Coviello Electric with the pole number that is posted on the pole.
- Report online to Coviello Electric: http://www.covielloelectricinc.com/
  - Click on Report an Outage
  - Click on Medford
  - Enter pole # and address

Periodic Inspections

Periodic Inspection Notices for Properties with Three or More Dwelling Units

If you are the homeowner/property owner of a property with three (3) or more residential units, you can expect to receive a Periodic Inspection Notice from the Building/Zoning Department.

A Periodic Inspection is state-mandated and is primarily a safety inspection of the common areas shared by residents of a “R-2 multi-family property”*. Medford has over 500 properties designated in this category.

From now until the end of 2025, we will mail an initial letter to the homeowner on record with the City. The letter provides step-by-step instructions for accessing Citizenserve, Medford’s online permitting-licensing software, creating an account and completing the application. After an initial mailing in May, we have compiled a list of commonly asked questions to help homeowners better understand this requirement. The list will be included in the next mailing.

We ask that you make the application prior to the letter’s deadline. If no response is received from the first letter, a second notice will be sent prior to the consideration of applicable fines.

Although two-family properties are commonly called multi-family properties, two-family properties do not require periodic inspections by the state. If you own a two-family property and receive our letter in error, please contact us and we will work with the appropriate departments to reconcile the discrepancy.

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application, please contact the Building/Zoning Department at our main number, 781-393-2509, or visit us at City Hall, Room 115A.

Thank you for your cooperation.

*The State Board of Building Regulations and Standards designates structures having three (3) or more dwelling units as an “R-2 multi-family” in their guidance MGL 143, CMR 780, S.110.7.

Contractor License Information

To check on licenses for plumbers and gas fitters:

Please visit the: MA Division of Professional Licensure website.

To check on licenses for plumbers and gas fitters: Please visit the: MA Division of Professional Licensure website.

Please visit the: Check an Occupational Board License

Local

Building Department Fee Schedules

Ordinances

Snow Removal Regulations

MEDFORD SNOW REMOVAL REGULATIONS

Shoveling your sidewalk is the neighborly thing to do…and it’s the law!

What if you need help?

The city of Medford does not provide shoveling services. However, if you are over the age of 60 the Council on Aging has a list of shovelers for hire. Call 781-396-6010 for information.

Sign up for community announcements that get delivered to your phone or email including information about shoveling and snow at this website: http://is.gd/medford.

Don’t slip-slide away!

For people on foot, with strollers and in wheelchairs, ice can be worse than snow. It can cause dangerous falls. You are as responsible for ice on your sidewalks as you are for snow. You must address or treat it within 6 hours.

Stock up on ice melter before a storm. Make sure to sprinkle some down before the storm comes.
Use ice melter on your driveway entrance and sidewalks early and often to prevent snow from packing down and forming into ice.
Make sure to wipe your feet after applying it so you don’t track it into your house.

Materials to use:

Use ice melt with calcium chloride (CaCl2). It’s better for the environment and only a small amount is required to melt ice. Potassium chloride (KCl) is okay but be aware it can damage concrete.
Use biodegradable cat litter as another good traction option.
Avoid rock salt (NaCl or sodium chloride) – it kills plants and trees.
Avoid sand. It doesn’t help pedestrians; it makes hard ice more slippery. It also gets into storm drains and catch basins and is expensive to clean up in the spring.

It’s the law!

It is the responsibility of the person living in the residence to:

Keep the adjacent sidewalks clear of snow and ice. If you go out of town, make sure someone else will do it.
Clear openings at corners, crosswalks and curb cuts so pedestrians can cross safely.
Dig out fire hydrants and catch basins.
Always park your car at least 20 feet from the street corner so plows can push snow away from the crosswalks.
Pay attention to “No Parking” signs during snow emergencies.

In Medford, sidewalks must be cleared within 6 hours after the snow falls. Failing to comply with this sidewalk clearance ordinance is a fineable offense. You will be fined $25 the first time, then $50 per day.

Please don’t take it personally!

Often the DPW plows snow back into your driveway. Pushing snow into a driveway opening or along a car parked in the street is unavoidable as we work to keep streets passable during all stages of a storm. Don’t throw snow from your sidewalks into the street − this is against the law and is a $50 fine for the first day and $100 thereafter.

It’s the neighborly thing to do!

Snow and ice make walking difficult for everyone: school children, mail carriers, elders, pets, T riders, and especially persons with disabilities. In Medford everyone needs to use the sidewalks.

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Massachusetts State Building Code

Massachusetts State Agencies

Information on the rules and regulations of the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board
http://www.mass.gov./aab/about.htm

Information on professional engineers and land surveyors
http://www.mass.gov/dpl/boards/en

Information on architects
http://mass.gov/dpl/boards/ar

Massachusetts Department of Public Safety. This link provides several areas under the jurisdiction of this department, such as elevators, boilers, amusements, exam schedules, etc.
http://mass.gov/dps/

City Hall: Room 115A

Scott Vandewalle
Building Commissioner
Email: svandewalle@medford-ma.gov
Phone: (781)-393-2509

STAFF

Steve Randazzo
Superintendent of Wires
Email: srandazzo@medford-ma.gov
Phone: (781) 393-2485

Amy Tenaglia
Head Clerk
Email: atenaglia@medford-ma.gov
Phone: (781)-393-2509
Fax: (781)-393-2415

Hours:
Monday: 8:30 - 4:30
Tuesday: 8:30 - 4:30
Wednesday: 8:30 - 7:30
Thursday: 8:30 - 4:30
Friday: 8:30 - 12:30

Inspector Hours

Monday: 8:30 - 10 & 3:00 – 4:30
Tuesday: 8:30 - 10 & 3:00 – 4:30
Wednesday:
8:30 - 10 & 3:00 - 7:30
Thursday: 8:30 - 10 & 3:00 – 4:30
Friday: 8:30 - 10 & 12 - 12:30

Building Department Staff

Dennis McDonald
Code Enforcement Officer
Email: dmcdonald@medford-ma.gov
Phone: 781-393-2510

Jeffrey Fargo
Plumbing & Gas Inspector
Email: jfargo @medford-ma.gov
Phone: 781-393-2506

Kenneth Lanzilli
Building Inspector
Email: klanzilli @medford-ma.gov
Phone: 781-393-2508

Michael Malerba
Code Enforcement Officer / Sealer of Weights & Measures
Email: mmalerba@medford-ma.gov
Phone: 781-393-2507

Paul Smith
Building Inspector / Sealer of Weights & Measures
Email: psmith@medford-ma.gov
Phone: 781-393-2493

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