If you’re planning construction, renovation, or trade work in New Bedford, Massachusetts, you’ll probably need approval from the city’s Inspectional Services Department before starting. Whether it’s a new build, structural addition, or MEP upgrade, understanding the local New Bedford building permit requirements is key to keeping your project on schedule.
This guide walks you through what requires a permit, how to apply through the city’s online permitting system, current building permit fees, and inspection procedures.
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What requires a building permit in New Bedford?
The City of New Bedford Inspectional Services Department enforces the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR). You must obtain a permit for any construction, alteration, or installation that affects a structure’s safety, use, or utility systems.
Expect to pull a permit for:
- Any construction, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, or change of use/occupancy of a building or structure
- New buildings & additions; structural changes (cutting/removing load-bearing elements; changes that affect required egress or mechanical systems)
- Garages & carports; converting a garage; attaching or roofing a patio/porch
- Swimming pools with water depth >24 inches
- Retaining walls over 4 feet
- Decks that are attached, over 200 ft², 30 in. above grade, or serve the required exit door
- Sheds/accessory buildings over 200 ft²
- Fire protection systems when the work affects system performance/compatibility
- Projects that trigger local reviews (e.g., historic district approvals, demolition of structures >75 years old often needs Historical Commission review before the building permit)
What doesn’t require a building permit in New Bedford?
You don’t need a permit for minor, non-structural work such as:
- Ordinary repairs that don’t affect structure, egress, fire protection, energy, or utilities (e.g., painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, similar finish work)
- One-story detached accessory structures <200 ft² (tool/storage sheds, playhouses)
- Fences <7 feet high
- Retaining walls <4 feet high not supporting a surcharge
- Prefabricated pools <24 inches deep
- Swings & playground equipment accessory to 1- & 2-family dwellings
- Window awnings on exterior walls projecting <54 inches and not needing extra support
- Decks that are all of the following: <200 ft², <30 inches above grade, free-standing (not attached), and not serving the required exit door
- Sidewalks and driveways (building permit not required, but separate DPW/engineering permits can be)
- Water tanks on grade <5,000 gallons with height-to-width ratio <2:1
- Plastic-film greenhouses (typical use only; not for assembly)
New Bedford building permit cost
New Bedford building permit fees are based on project type and construction value. Below are ranges for common projects.
Residential fees
Commercial fees
For a complete full list of fees, refer to the city’s building permit fees page.
New Bedford trade permits
Plumbing permits
Required for any new plumbing system installation, fixture relocation, or repair that affects piping or water supply.
A full list of fees is available on the city’s plumbing permit fees page.
Electrical permits
Electrical permits cover wiring, service upgrades, and generator or solar connections.
Get more information by visiting the electrical permit fees page.
HVAC permits
Mechanical permits are required for installing or replacing HVAC systems.
You can find more about HVAC permit fees on the gas permit fees page.
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How to get a building permit in New Bedford
Step 1: Prepare your plans and documents
Start by gathering the items ISD expects. These mirror the City’s “Building Permit Information” list.
- Application details:
Building permit application, project location & setbacks (zoning), owner/applicant/contractor/architect/engineer info, use/occupancy, construction type & features, design loads/testing/third-party inspections, a summarized cost estimate, and a clear scope description. - Plans & certifications:
Prepare two sets of construction plans/specs/technical certifications. For structures >35,000 cubic feet, plans must be stamped by a MA Registered Design Professional (architect/engineer). ISD may also require a structural engineer’s certification for complex or load-bearing elements. (The 35,000-cu-ft stamp threshold is a Massachusetts requirement, not just local practice.) - Licensing & affidavits (when applicable):
- Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration for work on 1-4-unit, owner-occupied homes (over $1,000)
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance Affidavit (M.G.L. c.152 §25C(6)) must be submitted with the permit
Step 2: Submit your New Bedford building permit application online
Use the New Bedford Online Permit Center to create an account, upload plans, and complete your application. ISD also lists the forms under Permit Applications if you need references.
The City’s OpenGov user guide shows where to upload documents, make payments, and request inspections later under “Your Records”
Note: Older text says “pick up an application at the Building Department.” That’s still possible for assistance, but the portal is the standard filing method now.
Step 3: Plan review
ISD routes your application for code and zoning review. If anything’s missing, they’ll request revisions in the portal. Massachusetts building code directs the building official to act on a complete application within ~30 days (approve/deny or give next steps).
Step 4: Pay permit fees and receive approval
When approved, pay the assessed fees in the portal and download your permit for on-site posting. (New Bedford’s permit pages reference online filing and payment as the default.)
Step 5: Schedule inspections
Request inspections online once work reaches milestones (e.g., footing/foundation, framing/roughs, insulation, finals). The City’s OpenGov guide explicitly shows “Request an Inspection” from the application dashboard.
You can also call one of the numbers below:
New Bedford permitting resources
- City of New Bedford Inspectional Services Department
- Address: 133 William St, Room 208, New Bedford, MA 02740
- Phone: (508) 979-1400
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 4 PM
- New Bedford online permitting portal
- Permits:
- Building permit information
- Permitting guide
- Fees:
- Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR)
- Home Improvement Contractor (HIC)
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance Affidavit
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