Garage Permits in MA: The Ultimate Guide

Planning to build a new garage or upgrade an existing one in Massachusetts? Before construction begins, it is important to understand the garage permit requirements in your city or town. In most cases, garages require approval through the local building department to ensure the project meets zoning rules, safety standards, and state building code requirements. In this guide, we will explain when a garage permit is needed in MA, what types of work require approval, and how to start the permitting process.

Do I Need a Permit to Build a Garage in MA?

Yes, you will likely need a building permit to build a garage in Massachusetts, since the state building code requires permits for constructing, altering, or repairing structures. While small, one-story detached sheds under 120 square feet may be exempt, most garages require a permit, along with local zoning approval for setbacks, site plans, and inspections.

Do I Need a Permit to Run Electricity to My Garage in MA?

Absolutely. If you plan to run electricity to a garage in Massachusetts, you will need an electrical permit. Most electrical work, including adding circuits, wiring, lighting, or outlets in an attached or detached garage, must be permitted to ensure it meets state electrical code requirements. In many cases, the permit is pulled by a licensed electrician, although some towns in MA allow homeowners to apply for certain electrical permits depending on the scope of the work.

Do I Need A Floor Plan For My Garage In MA?

Yes, you typically need a detailed, scaled floor plan and a site plot plan to obtain a building permit for a new garage in Massachusetts. Permit applications usually require drawings that show key construction details such as the foundation, framing, and elevations to confirm the project meets local building code standards. Some exceptions may apply for very small accessory structures, often under 200 square feet, depending on the municipality.

Does The Size of The Garage Matter for Permitting?

Yes. Many towns require permits for garages over 200 square feet, and zoning rules may apply even for smaller structures.

Garage Permit Requirements For Cities in Massachusetts

For city-specific information, use the table below to look up local garage permit rules and any additional zoning or building requirements set by your municipality. This will help ensure your project follows the correct guidelines for your exact location.

Boston	Inspectional Services
Brockton	Building
Brookline	Building
Cambridge	Inspectional Services
Fall River	Building Permit
Framingham	Inspectional Services
Haverhill	Building Permits
Lawrence	Inspectional Services
Lowell	Building & Trades Permit
Lynn	Inspectional Services
Malden	Inspectional Services
New Bedford	Inspection Services
Newton	Inspectional Services
Plymouth	Building
Quincy	Building
Somerville	Building
Springfield	Building Permits
Taunton	Building
Waltham	Building
Worcester	Inspectional Services

Do I Need A Garage Permit In Boston, MA?

Yes, if you plan to construct a garage or make major structural changes to an existing one in Boston, MA, you will need a building permit. The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) requires permits for most construction activity, including structural work as well as electrical and plumbing upgrades, to confirm compliance with local zoning requirements and the Massachusetts state building code.

Do I Need A Garage Permit In Brockton, MA?

Yes, you typically need a building permit for a garage in Brockton, MA. Brockton’s Building Department requires permits for new construction and structural modifications, including many larger accessory structures. Since garages are classified as accessory buildings, they commonly require permitting, especially when they exceed typical size thresholds (often 120 to 200 square feet) or include electrical work, concrete work, or other structural improvements.

Do I Need A Garage Permit In Brookline, MA?

Yes, you typically need a permit for a garage in Brookline, MA, since new construction, structural modifications, and garage conversions require approval through the town’s building department. A building permit is required, with fees commonly calculated at about $20 per $1,000 of construction value. Any garage conversion must also meet Brookline zoning requirements and may involve additional reviews depending on the scope of the project.

Do I Need A Garage Permit In Cambridge, MA?

Yes, in Cambridge, MA, putting up a garage, modifying its structure, or converting it to a different use typically requires official approval. If you plan to operate a garage as a business, you may also need a separate license from the License Commission, which involves a $175 fee, notifying abutters, and review for zoning and parking impacts. Any construction-related work, including electrical upgrades or structural changes, also requires the appropriate building permits.

Do I Need A Garage Permit In Fall River, MA?

Yes, building a garage in Fall River, MA, usually requires a building permit, since the city requires approval for new construction, additions, and structural repairs. A permit is required for structures exceeding 200 square feet, and garages over 600 square feet must meet specific footing requirements. Starting work without an approved permit can lead to double permit fees, fines, or even being required to remove unpermitted construction.

Do I Need A Garage Permit In Framingham, MA?

Yes, constructing a new garage in Framingham, MA requires a building permit because it is treated as permanent new construction that changes the property. While some small detached sheds under 200 sq ft may be exempt in certain cases, a full-sized garage must go through the formal permitting process, meet Massachusetts State Building Code requirements (780 CMR), and often include detailed or engineered footing plans, especially for larger garages over 600 square feet.

Do I Need A Garage Permit In Haverhill, MA?

Yes, in Haverhill, MA, a garage project typically requires a permit because the city requires building permits for most new construction and major renovation work. Permits apply to garage structures, and the cost is usually based on the project’s value, including a $50 base fee plus $14 per $1,000 of value for projects over $2,000.

Do I Need A Garage Permit In Lawrence, MA?

Yes, in Lawrence, MA, you typically need a building permit to build, modify, or repair a garage, since most structural work, especially on larger structures, often 200 sq ft or more, must comply with the Massachusetts State Building Code. Any electrical or plumbing work related to the garage also requires separate permits, regardless of the structure’s size.

Do I Need A Garage Permit In Lowell, MA?

Yes, you need a building permit to construct, rebuild, or modify a garage in Lowell, MA, since garages are regulated as new or altered structures. Detached garages must also follow local placement rules, including being at least five feet from side and rear property lines and at least ten feet from the main building.

Do I Need A Garage Permit In Lynn, MA?

Yes, a building permit is required to build or modify a garage in Lynn, MA, since construction projects and structural changes must be approved to meet local requirements. Permits for building, altering, or removing structures help ensure the project complies with the City of Lynn’s zoning ordinances and applicable building regulations.

Do I Need A Garage Permit In Malden, MA?

Yes, in Malden, Massachusetts, you typically need a permit to build, rebuild, modify, or tear down a garage. Most new construction projects and major renovations require building permits to ensure the work complies with state building codes and local zoning rules, especially if the structure is larger than 200 square feet. Not securing the proper permits can lead to penalties, and in some cases, you may be required to remove the structure. Contact Malden Inspectional Services for more information. 

Do I Need A Garage Permit In New Bedford, MA?

Yes, you generally need a garage permit in New Bedford, MA. Under Section 110.0 of the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR), a building permit is required before you construct, alter, repair, or demolish a garage. The permit must be secured before work begins and should be clearly posted at the job site. Garages larger than 200 square feet may also require additional approvals, including zoning compliance in some cases. For more information, contact New Bedford Inspectional Services. 

Do I Need A Garage Permit In Newton, MA?

Yes, you almost certainly need a building permit for a garage in Newton, MA, since the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) typically requires permits for constructing, modifying, or rebuilding structures. In most cases, detached structures larger than 200 square feet must be permitted, and garages must also follow local zoning rules related to size, placement, and setbacks.

Do I Need A Garage Permit In Plymouth, MA?

Yes, in Plymouth, MA, you typically must obtain a permit to build a garage, especially for new construction, structural changes, or major upgrades. Building permits help confirm the project meets safety standards and local code requirements. Although some towns may exempt small, temporary sheds, often under 200 square feet, a full garage usually requires approval from the local building department, and skipping the permit can lead to fines or even the structure being required to be removed. Contact the Plymouth Building Department for more information. 

Do I Need A Garage Permit In Quincy, MA?

Yes, in Quincy, MA, you typically need a building permit to construct a new garage, whether it is attached or detached. Under the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR), permits are generally required for building, repairing, or modifying structures, especially those larger than 200 square feet. You can submit a permit application online through the City of Quincy Inspectional Services Department.

It is strongly advised to contact Quincy Inspectional Services before starting work to confirm property-specific zoning rules, including setbacks, garage size limits, and placement requirements.

Do I Need A Garage Permit In Somerville, MA?

Yes, in Somerville, MA, you typically need a building permit from the Inspectional Services Division (ISD) to construct, modify, or repair a garage. Permits help ensure the work follows the Massachusetts State Building Code and local zoning requirements. Although small maintenance projects may be exempt, garages and other structures generally require permitting when they are larger than 200 square feet.

Do I Need A Garage Permit In Springfield, MA?

Yes, you often need a building permit for a garage in Springfield, MA, since the city requires permits for most new construction, structural expansions, alterations, and major renovations. In particular, Springfield requires a permit for any detached accessory structure larger than 120 square feet, so most garages will need city approval before work begins. For more information, contact the Springfield Building Department. 

Do I Need A Garage Permit In Taunton, MA?

Yes, you usually need a permit in Taunton, MA, to build, modify, or expand a garage. The Taunton Building Department requires permits for new construction, structural changes, and any related electrical or plumbing work. You must also meet local zoning and building code requirements, and projects close to streets may require additional approval or special permission.

Do I Need A Garage Permit In Waltham, MA?

Yes, in Waltham, MA, a building permit is usually required for a garage, particularly if it is larger than 200 square feet, needs new footings or a foundation, or includes electrical work or structural modifications. Permit applications must be filed in person with the Building Department at 119 School St, 2nd Floor, Room 25.

Do I Need A Garage Permit In Worcester, MA?

Yes, you generally need a building permit for a garage in Worcester, MA, since the City of Worcester Building and Zoning Division requires permits for most new construction, structural modifications, and additions. In many cases, any structure larger than 200 square feet (or even smaller, depending on zoning rules) will require a permit to ensure the project meets local building codes and regulations.

It is strongly recommended to contact the Worcester Inspectional Services Department directly to confirm the exact requirements for your specific garage project.

Garage Permit Requirements For Counties in Massachusetts

To find the garage permit requirements for your area, refer to the table below and locate your county. This will help you quickly identify the rules and permitting details that apply to your location.

Barnstable County	Building
Berkshire County	Planning
Bristol County	County Website
Dukes County	County Website
Essex County	Inspectional Services
Franklin County	Inspections & Permits
Hampden County	Building
Hampshire County	Refer to your city above
Middlesex County	Refer to your city above
Nantucket County	Planning
Norfolk County	County Website
Plymouth County	County Website
Suffolk County	Planning
Worcester County	Planning

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