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BlogSpringfield, MA Building and Trade Permit Guide
Springfield, MA Building and Trade Permit Guide
Francis Thumpasery
Before starting any construction in Springfield, you’ll need to clear the city’s permitting process. From new builds to HVAC upgrades, most projects require sign-off from the Springfield, Massachusetts Building Department.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about pulling Springfield MA building permits: what requires a permit, how much it costs, how to apply, and how to avoid delays that slow down your project timeline.
Simplify permitting in Springfield with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Springfield, MA?
The City of Springfield requires permits for most structural, mechanical, and system-related projects.
Per Springfield City Ordinance § 175 and 780 CMR § 105.1, permits are required for:
- New construction, additions, renovations, alterations, demolition, moving any building or structure
- Change of occupancy or use
- Install, remove, or alter regulated systems and appurtenances (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, HVAC, gas, signs, fire protection)
What doesn’t require a permit?
According to 780 CMR § 105.2.2 and Springfield’s code (§175), these do not require a permit, provided they comply with zoning and do not affect building systems:
- Detached accessory structures (e.g. sheds) under 120 sq ft
- Fences up to 7 ft high
- Retaining walls up to 4 ft
- Water tanks <5,000 gal (height-to-diameter <2:1)
- Driveways or sidewalks <30 in above grade, not over basements
- Painting, wallpaper, tiling, carpeting, cabinetry, countertops
- Temporary stage sets or scenery
- Prefab pools <24 in deep, <5,000 gal, installed entirely above grade
Springfield building permit costs
Permit fees are calculated based on project valuation and scope of work. Here's a typical breakdown:
Residential fees
| Project Type |
Fee |
| New 1- or 2-family dwellings |
$250 minimum or $8 per $1,000 of value |
| Major alterations/repairs |
>$80 minimum or $0.30/sqft |
| Accessory structures/additions |
$150 minimum or $10 per $1,000 of value |
| Detached garage |
$100 |
| Swimming pool (in-ground) |
$125 |
| Above-ground pool (with deck / without) |
$100 / $80 |
| Fireplace or stove |
$80 |
| Roofing, siding, decks |
$75 |
Commercial fees
| Project Type |
Fee |
| New construction/additions |
$100 minimum or $12 per $1,000 of value |
| Alterations / repairs |
$110 minimum or $0.55/sq ft |
| Retaining wall or temporary structure |
$80 |
| Demolition |
$150 minimum or $0.10/sq ft |
| Building relocation |
$150 (same lot) / $250 (new lot) |
To get more information on the specific permit fee, refer to the City of Springfield, MA Building Permit Fee Schedule and Springfield City Code Chapter 175 pages.
Springfield trade permits
Contractors or homeowners working on mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems will also need trade permits.
Electrical permits
Electrical permits are required for new circuits or service panels, EV charger installations, and whole-home rewiring.
Electrical permit costs
| Category |
Residential |
Commercial / Other |
| Electrical service (fee per amp) |
$0.30/amp ($80 minimum) |
$0.30/amp ($80 minimum) |
| New/additions/alterations per dwelling unit |
$70 per unit (residential) |
– |
| Electric permit (without building permit) |
$50 minimum + $10/room |
$110 first floor + $50 each additional story |
| Alternate power sources (solar, generators, etc) |
$80 minimum or $0.03/watt |
$110 minimum or $0.03/watt |
| Alarm systems |
$80 |
$110 first floor + $50 each additional story |
Electrical permit fees can be found here.
Plumbing permits
These permits are required for water heater replacements, sewer and water line work, and fixture replacements with rerouting.
Plumbing permit costs
| Category |
Residential |
Commercial / Other |
| New/additions/alterations per unit |
$80 + $10 per fixture per unit |
$110 + $10 per fixture |
| Minor repairs or alterations |
$80 + $10 per fixture |
$80 + $10 per fixture |
| Water heaters |
$80 |
$110 |
| Large BTU installations (>250,000 BTU) |
0.05% of total BTUs |
0.05% of total BTUs |
| Re-inspection penalty |
$80 |
$80 |
Find more information about plumbing fees on Chapter 175 of the Springfield municipal code page.
Roofing and structural permits
Required for:
- Structural repairs
- Roof decking replacement
Roofing and structural permit costs
| Project type |
Fee |
| Commercial roofing |
$80 minimum or + $0.05 per sq ft |
| Residential roofing |
$75 |
Drowning in permit paperwork?
Let PermitFlow manage your Springfield building permits from start to finish. Learn more.
How to apply for a building permit in Springfield, MA
Step 1: Gather required documents
Prepare the following before you apply:
- Completed Springfield MA building permit application:
- Construction plans or drawings (to scale)
- Plot plan/site plan (if exterior work)
- Project cost estimate (labor + materials)
- Licensed contractor info (or a signed homeowner waiver if doing work yourself)
- Workers' compensation affidavit
- Zoning sign-off if required
Step 3: Submit the application
You can submit in person at:
- Department of Code Enforcement – Inspectional Services
- Address: 70 Tapley Street, Springfield, MA 01104
- Phone number: (413) 787‑6031
- Working hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Step 4: Application review
The city will review your application for:
- Building code compliance (structural, fire, accessibility)
- Zoning ordinance compliance
- Historical district or flood zone approvals, if applicable
- Trade permit matching (plumbing/electrical/mechanical)
Step 5: Pay permit fees
Once approved, you'll receive an invoice. Fees vary by project type and scope.
Payment is required before the permit is issued. Payments are accepted in person by check or money order.
Step 6: Post the permit and begin work
Once paid, you will receive your permit. Post it visibly at the job site before work starts and begin construction within 6 months of permit issuance.
Springfield permitting resources
Simplify Springfield permitting with PermitFlow
Securing building permits in Springfield can be time-consuming — especially if you're juggling multiple jobs or unfamiliar with the city's requirements. Instead of wasting hours on paperwork, back-and-forth emails, and in-person visits, let PermitFlow take it off your plate.
PermitFlow is purpose-built permit management software that streamlines the entire process. We’ll handle researching requirements, preparing and submitting your application, and tracking its status til it’s approved.
Why builders trust PermitFlow:
- Local expertise: We know Springfield’s permit rules inside and out, so your applications are complete and compliant from day one
- Centralized tracking: Manage all your permits in one easy-to-use dashboard
- Fewer delays: We get it right the first time to help you avoid rework and keep projects moving
Don’t let permitting slow down your next build. Contact PermitFlow to get started.
Before starting any construction in Springfield, you’ll need to clear the city’s permitting process. From new builds to HVAC upgrades, most projects require sign-off from the Springfield, Massachusetts Building Department.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about pulling Springfield MA building permits: what requires a permit, how much it costs, how to apply, and how to avoid delays that slow down your project timeline.
Simplify permitting in Springfield with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Springfield, MA?
The City of Springfield requires permits for most structural, mechanical, and system-related projects.
Per Springfield City Ordinance § 175 and 780 CMR § 105.1, permits are required for:
- New construction, additions, renovations, alterations, demolition, moving any building or structure
- Change of occupancy or use
- Install, remove, or alter regulated systems and appurtenances (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, HVAC, gas, signs, fire protection)
What doesn’t require a permit?
According to 780 CMR § 105.2.2 and Springfield’s code (§175), these do not require a permit, provided they comply with zoning and do not affect building systems:
- Detached accessory structures (e.g. sheds) under 120 sq ft
- Fences up to 7 ft high
- Retaining walls up to 4 ft
- Water tanks <5,000 gal (height-to-diameter <2:1)
- Driveways or sidewalks <30 in above grade, not over basements
- Painting, wallpaper, tiling, carpeting, cabinetry, countertops
- Temporary stage sets or scenery
- Prefab pools <24 in deep, <5,000 gal, installed entirely above grade
Springfield building permit costs
Permit fees are calculated based on project valuation and scope of work. Here's a typical breakdown:
Residential fees
| Project Type |
Fee |
| New 1- or 2-family dwellings |
$250 minimum or $8 per $1,000 of value |
| Major alterations/repairs |
>$80 minimum or $0.30/sqft |
| Accessory structures/additions |
$150 minimum or $10 per $1,000 of value |
| Detached garage |
$100 |
| Swimming pool (in-ground) |
$125 |
| Above-ground pool (with deck / without) |
$100 / $80 |
| Fireplace or stove |
$80 |
| Roofing, siding, decks |
$75 |
Commercial fees
| Project Type |
Fee |
| New construction/additions |
$100 minimum or $12 per $1,000 of value |
| Alterations / repairs |
$110 minimum or $0.55/sq ft |
| Retaining wall or temporary structure |
$80 |
| Demolition |
$150 minimum or $0.10/sq ft |
| Building relocation |
$150 (same lot) / $250 (new lot) |
To get more information on the specific permit fee, refer to the City of Springfield, MA Building Permit Fee Schedule and Springfield City Code Chapter 175 pages.
Springfield trade permits
Contractors or homeowners working on mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems will also need trade permits.
Electrical permits
Electrical permits are required for new circuits or service panels, EV charger installations, and whole-home rewiring.
Electrical permit costs
| Category |
Residential |
Commercial / Other |
| Electrical service (fee per amp) |
$0.30/amp ($80 minimum) |
$0.30/amp ($80 minimum) |
| New/additions/alterations per dwelling unit |
$70 per unit (residential) |
– |
| Electric permit (without building permit) |
$50 minimum + $10/room |
$110 first floor + $50 each additional story |
| Alternate power sources (solar, generators, etc) |
$80 minimum or $0.03/watt |
$110 minimum or $0.03/watt |
| Alarm systems |
$80 |
$110 first floor + $50 each additional story |
Electrical permit fees can be found here.
Plumbing permits
These permits are required for water heater replacements, sewer and water line work, and fixture replacements with rerouting.
Plumbing permit costs
| Category |
Residential |
Commercial / Other |
| New/additions/alterations per unit |
$80 + $10 per fixture per unit |
$110 + $10 per fixture |
| Minor repairs or alterations |
$80 + $10 per fixture |
$80 + $10 per fixture |
| Water heaters |
$80 |
$110 |
| Large BTU installations (>250,000 BTU) |
0.05% of total BTUs |
0.05% of total BTUs |
| Re-inspection penalty |
$80 |
$80 |
Find more information about plumbing fees on Chapter 175 of the Springfield municipal code page.
Roofing and structural permits
Required for:
- Structural repairs
- Roof decking replacement
Roofing and structural permit costs
| Project type |
Fee |
| Commercial roofing |
$80 minimum or + $0.05 per sq ft |
| Residential roofing |
$75 |
Drowning in permit paperwork?
Let PermitFlow manage your Springfield building permits from start to finish. Learn more.
How to apply for a building permit in Springfield, MA
Step 1: Gather required documents
Prepare the following before you apply:
- Completed Springfield MA building permit application:
- Construction plans or drawings (to scale)
- Plot plan/site plan (if exterior work)
- Project cost estimate (labor + materials)
- Licensed contractor info (or a signed homeowner waiver if doing work yourself)
- Workers' compensation affidavit
- Zoning sign-off if required
Step 3: Submit the application
You can submit in person at:
- Department of Code Enforcement – Inspectional Services
- Address: 70 Tapley Street, Springfield, MA 01104
- Phone number: (413) 787‑6031
- Working hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Step 4: Application review
The city will review your application for:
- Building code compliance (structural, fire, accessibility)
- Zoning ordinance compliance
- Historical district or flood zone approvals, if applicable
- Trade permit matching (plumbing/electrical/mechanical)
Step 5: Pay permit fees
Once approved, you'll receive an invoice. Fees vary by project type and scope.
Payment is required before the permit is issued. Payments are accepted in person by check or money order.
Step 6: Post the permit and begin work
Once paid, you will receive your permit. Post it visibly at the job site before work starts and begin construction within 6 months of permit issuance.
Springfield permitting resources
Simplify Springfield permitting with PermitFlow
Securing building permits in Springfield can be time-consuming — especially if you're juggling multiple jobs or unfamiliar with the city's requirements. Instead of wasting hours on paperwork, back-and-forth emails, and in-person visits, let PermitFlow take it off your plate.
PermitFlow is purpose-built permit management software that streamlines the entire process. We’ll handle researching requirements, preparing and submitting your application, and tracking its status til it’s approved.
Why builders trust PermitFlow:
- Local expertise: We know Springfield’s permit rules inside and out, so your applications are complete and compliant from day one
- Centralized tracking: Manage all your permits in one easy-to-use dashboard
- Fewer delays: We get it right the first time to help you avoid rework and keep projects moving
Don’t let permitting slow down your next build. Contact PermitFlow to get started.
