Building Department

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
• Application for Permit to do Plumbing (PDF)
• Application for Permit to do Gas-fitting (PDF)
• Application for Site Plan Review
• Application for Sign Design Review (PDF)
• Final Cost Affidavit for Construction
• Garage Regulations (PDF)
• Procedure for Sign Design Certificates (PDF)
• Shed Regulations (PDF)
• Short-Term Rental (PDF)
• Vacant/Foreclosing Property Registration (PDF)
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance Affidavit (PDF)

January 23, 2023

From: Medford Building Department

To: All permit stakeholders, landowners, and authorized agents.

Dear Stakeholders:

In an effort to comply with 780 CMR 109.3 which states, “ [A] 109.3 Building Permit Valuations. The applicant for a permit shall provide an estimated value of project cost at time of application. If, in the opinion of the building official, the valuation is underestimated on the application, the permit shall be denied, unless the applicant can show detailed estimates to meet the approval of the building official. Final building permit valuation shall be set by the building official.” the building department will require a final cost affidavit at the end of each project.

While certain projects will be exempt from the requirement such as single- and two-family remodeling under $100,000.00 in construction value (with a signed HIC contract), the authorized agent, landowner or contractor must fill out the required final cost affidavit showing the final cost of construction by sworn affidavit before receiving a final certificate of occupancy.

Because this code has not been consistently enforced in Medford, the requirement will be effective for all permits issued after February 1, 2023, as outlined above. Thank you for attention to this advisory.

 

William L. Forte, CBO, Building Commissioner

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

• Building fees (PDF)
• Plumbing and gas fees (PDF)
• Electrical fees (PDF)

• Current Medford Zoning Ordinances 
• Solar Ordinance (for large buildings)

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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Vacant and/or Foreclosing Property Registration (PDF)

Massachusetts State Building Code

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/