Brockton Building and Trade Permit Guide

Table Of Contents

In Brockton, Massachusetts, almost every construction or renovation project starts with one thing: a building permit. Whether you’re developing a multifamily property, adding an extension to a single-family home, or installing new electrical or plumbing systems, city approval is required to keep your work on track and compliant with state and local codes.

This guide explains the essentials of Brockton permitting, from which projects require a permit to how much they cost, and the exact steps for applying through the city’s online portal.

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What requires a building permit in Brockton?

The City of Brockton, MA, requires permits for most new building work, changes to existing buildings, and trade jobs that involve structural, mechanical, or utility updates.

Typical projects that need a permit include:

New construction (building a new structure)
Additions or extensions to existing buildings
Alterations / structural repairs (e.g., structural changes, roofing, siding)
Window or door replacements (if they affect structure or compliance, egress, or state code)
Roofing, siding, or demolition work
Plumbing work (beyond simple repairs) requires a permit
Electrical (wiring) work requires a permit
Any change of use/occupancy likely requires permits and possibly zoning review

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What doesn’t require a building permit?

According to Massachusetts state code (780 CMR) — which Brockton applies in many situations, particularly for residential projects — the following types of work generally don’t require a building permit:

One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, etc.), provided floor area is <200 sq ft
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls <4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top), unless supporting surcharge or impounding certain liquids
Water tanks on grade with capacity <5,000 gallons and certain shape constraints (height to width ratio <2:1)
Sidewalks, driveways (non-structural, etc.) under state code exemptions
Finish work: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, etc.
Prefabricated pools (above ground, shallow), swings/playground equipment, non-structural window awnings (if they meet certain size and support criteria)

Still unsure? Use the Brockton permit portal or contact the Building Department (888-344-7233) to confirm.

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Brockton, MA building permit fees

Permit fees are based on the type of work, construction value, and total square footage. Below is a breakdown of Brockton building permit fees:

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Fee type	Fee/valuation basis
New construction (residential)	$100 for the first $5,000 of stated valuation; plus $20 for each $1,000 (or fraction thereof) over $5,000
Alterations/repairs (small buildings, sheds, garages, etc.) <$1,000 valuation	$75 flat fee
Alterations/repairs (small buildings, sheds, garages, etc.) >$1,000 valuation	$75.00 for the first $1,000 of stated valuation; plus $20.00 for each additional $1,000 of value
Residential Certificate of Occupancy	$75.00
Commercial Certificate of Occupancy	$100.00
Demolition Fees	Single Car Garage: $50; Two Car Garage: $75; Small accessory building ≤ 250 sq ft: $50; All other buildings: $0.25 per sq ft
Transfer of Permit to New Owner	10% of the original permit fee or a minimum $3.00

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Penalties

Violation	Penalty fee or consequence
Work without a required building permit	A surcharge of 2 times the fee required by the permit fee schedule
Transfer after sale tardy	The permit must be transferred within 30 days; if not, the permit becomes void. (This is more a compliance requirement than a penalty fee beyond the transfer fee itself.)

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Brockton trade permits

Electrical permits

Required for new wiring, service upgrades, panel changes, and lighting system installations.

Permit type

Fee structure

Switches, Receptacles, & Fixtures

Minimum $15 + $1 for each item/unit

Permit type	Residential fee	Commercial fee
Plumbing permit (single-family)	$75 base + $10 per fixture	$150 base + $20 per fixture
Multiple dwelling residential (each apt)	$75 + $10 per fixture	–
Re-inspection (incomplete or defective work)	$31 (residential)	$41 (commercial)
Illegal plumbing penalty	The fee is doubled if the plumbing work began before obtaining a permit
Gas permit (single-family)	$75 + $10 per fixture	$150 + $20 per fixture
Gas permit (multiple dwelling / each apt)	$75 + $10 per fixture	–
Gas hot water heater (plumbing + gas included)	$80	$120

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Find more information on specific fees using the Brockton, MA Code of Ordinance (Sec. 4-6, 4-7, Sec. 18-16).

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How to get a building permit in Brockton, MA

Step 1: Prepare your documentation

You’ll typically need:

Completed Brockton Building Permit Application Form
Construction drawings or a detailed scope of work (to scale)
Plot/site plan showing setbacks, structures, utilities
Contractor's license, insurance, contact info
Estimated cost of construction (valuation)
Structural information/calculations if required
Additional affidavits or compliance forms (e.g., workers’ compensation, etc.)

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Step 2: Pre-application / zoning & variance checks

Determine if your project violates zoning requirements (setbacks, height, use). If so, you may need approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Also, check whether a Conservation Commission or environmental/health review is needed.

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Step 3: Site plan review (if required)

If your project meets thresholds (e.g., commercial, industrial, large additions, multifamily), submit for Site Plan Review.

This involves a Technical Review Session by City departments
Then, a Planning Board review (sometimes with a public hearing) is required

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Step 4: Submit permit application via the Brockton Building Department portal

At this stage, you have to:

Create/log in to the portal
Upload all required documents & plans
Pay initial permit/plan review or intake fees

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Step 5: Plan review & corrections

City staff review your submission for code, zoning, fire, health, etc. If they identify issues or require corrections, you’ll need to submit revisions. The Superintendent must approve or reject within 10 days after the full application is filed.

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Step 6: Final fee payment & permit issuance

Upon approval, pay any remaining permit fees. Then, download or pick up the permit. The permit must be posted visibly on the construction site.

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Step 7: Begin work & inspections

Begin work once the permit is active. Don't forget to schedule required inspections at appropriate stages: foundation, rough electrical/plumbing/gas, framing, final, etc.

Type of inspection	Phone number	Working hours
Building Inspection	508-580-7150	8:30–10:00 AM & 1:00–2:00 PM
Plumbing & Gas Inspection	508-580-7145	8:30–10:00 AM & 1:00–2:00 PM
Wiring Inspection	508-580-7146	8:30–10:00 AM & 1:00–2:00 PM

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Once construction is complete and inspections are passed, you can get a Certificate of Occupancy (if required). Permits expire or become void if work hasn’t started within 180 days or is suspended for 180 days.

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Brockton permitting resources

Building Department Website
- Online Permit Portal: CitizenServe Permit Portal
- Permit Application Process
- Phone: (508) 580-7150
- Email: building@cobma.us
- Address: City Hall, 45 School Street, Brockton, MA 02301
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Brockton building permit fees
Code of Ordinance
Zoning Board of Appeals
Brockton MA permit search page
City of Brockton Permitting Handbook Guidance Document

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