Starting a construction or renovation project in Lowell, Massachusetts? Before breaking ground, you’ll need the right permits in place. From multifamily developments to home additions and HVAC installations, most projects require approval through the city’s Development Services Division.
Lowell follows Massachusetts state building codes but enforces its own local permitting process, which can add complexity for builders, contractors, and trades professionals. Understanding which projects require permits, how much they cost, and how to navigate the city’s online portal is key to keeping your work on schedule.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Lowell building permits, from application requirements and fees to trade-specific rules for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work.
Simplify permitting in Lowell with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Lowell?
Lowell building permits are required for any new construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition of a structure, such as:
Additions
Antennas
Chimneys
Decks
Dormers
New structures
Roofing
Siding
Swimming pools (24" or deeper)
Windows
Wood stoves
What doesn’t require a building permit?
According to Lowell's "Apply for Permits" guidelines, you don't need a building permit for:
Driveways: No building permit needed, but you do need a driveway permit from the City Engineer’s Office.
Fences up to six feet tall:No building permit required; must not obstruct views on corner lots.
Small storage sheds: Exempt if ≤120 sq ft and ≤16 ft tall, placed within side/rear setbacks and at least 10 ft from the dwelling.
Who manages Lowell permitting?
Permits in Lowell are managed by the Development Services Division located at:
Energy compliance form, and Dig Safe ticket if digging at the site (foundation work)
Step 2: Submit your application
Submit documents via the online portal (MUNIS Self Service), or drop off your application in person at Development Services, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Room 55.
Step 3: Plan review & corrections
City staff review your submission for code, zoning, fire, and health compliance. Be ready to respond quickly if corrections are requested to keep your project on track.
Step 4: Pay final fees & receive your permit
Once approved, you’ll receive a final fee invoice. Pay online via CSS or in person. After payment, your permit is issued and must be posted visibly at the job site before work begins.
Step 5: Schedule inspections
Schedule required inspections — including rough, mechanical, and final — through the CSS portal or by calling 978‑674‑4144.
Note: Re-inspections or off-hours work may incur additional fees.
Step 6: Secure your Certificate of Occupancy
After passing final inspection, pay $75 per unit to obtain your Certificate of Occupancy or Completion, which officially closes the permit.
Navigating Lowell’s permitting system can drain time and stall projects, especially if you’re juggling several projects or working in the city for the first time. Instead of wrestling with forms, approvals, and delays, let PermitFlow manage the process from start to finish.
PermitFlow is permit management software that handles everything from start to finish. We prepare, submit, and track your permits so you can focus on more important tasks.
With PermitFlow, you get:
Local expertise: Our team knows Lowell’s permitting requirements inside and out.
Full visibility: Track every permit from one streamlined dashboard.
Faster approvals: We catch issues before submission, preventing costly rejections and resubmissions.
Don’t let Lowell permitting slow down your build. Reach out today and see how PermitFlow can keep your projects on schedule and moving at full speed.
Starting a construction or renovation project in Lowell, Massachusetts? Before breaking ground, you’ll need the right permits in place. From multifamily developments to home additions and HVAC installations, most projects require approval through the city’s Development Services Division.
Lowell follows Massachusetts state building codes but enforces its own local permitting process, which can add complexity for builders, contractors, and trades professionals. Understanding which projects require permits, how much they cost, and how to navigate the city’s online portal is key to keeping your work on schedule.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Lowell building permits, from application requirements and fees to trade-specific rules for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work.
Simplify permitting in Lowell with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Lowell?
Lowell building permits are required for any new construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition of a structure, such as:
Additions
Antennas
Chimneys
Decks
Dormers
New structures
Roofing
Siding
Swimming pools (24" or deeper)
Windows
Wood stoves
What doesn’t require a building permit?
According to Lowell's "Apply for Permits" guidelines, you don't need a building permit for:
Driveways: No building permit needed, but you do need a driveway permit from the City Engineer’s Office.
Fences up to six feet tall:No building permit required; must not obstruct views on corner lots.
Small storage sheds: Exempt if ≤120 sq ft and ≤16 ft tall, placed within side/rear setbacks and at least 10 ft from the dwelling.
Who manages Lowell permitting?
Permits in Lowell are managed by the Development Services Division located at:
Energy compliance form, and Dig Safe ticket if digging at the site (foundation work)
Step 2: Submit your application
Submit documents via the online portal (MUNIS Self Service), or drop off your application in person at Development Services, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Room 55.
Step 3: Plan review & corrections
City staff review your submission for code, zoning, fire, and health compliance. Be ready to respond quickly if corrections are requested to keep your project on track.
Step 4: Pay final fees & receive your permit
Once approved, you’ll receive a final fee invoice. Pay online via CSS or in person. After payment, your permit is issued and must be posted visibly at the job site before work begins.
Step 5: Schedule inspections
Schedule required inspections — including rough, mechanical, and final — through the CSS portal or by calling 978‑674‑4144.
Note: Re-inspections or off-hours work may incur additional fees.
Step 6: Secure your Certificate of Occupancy
After passing final inspection, pay $75 per unit to obtain your Certificate of Occupancy or Completion, which officially closes the permit.
Navigating Lowell’s permitting system can drain time and stall projects, especially if you’re juggling several projects or working in the city for the first time. Instead of wrestling with forms, approvals, and delays, let PermitFlow manage the process from start to finish.
PermitFlow is permit management software that handles everything from start to finish. We prepare, submit, and track your permits so you can focus on more important tasks.
With PermitFlow, you get:
Local expertise: Our team knows Lowell’s permitting requirements inside and out.
Full visibility: Track every permit from one streamlined dashboard.
Faster approvals: We catch issues before submission, preventing costly rejections and resubmissions.
Don’t let Lowell permitting slow down your build. Reach out today and see how PermitFlow can keep your projects on schedule and moving at full speed.
