Welcome to the Medford Building Department, your one-stop destination for all your building permit and code information needs in the beautiful city of Medford. At the Medford Building Department, we are committed to ensuring a seamless and hassle-free construction process by providing expert guidance and timely approvals.
Our team at Traci’s Permits offers unmatched expertise in navigating the Long Island permit process, ensuring that your construction projects move forward smoothly and comply with all relevant codes and regulations. With years of experience in the industry, we have built strong relationships with local authorities, allowing us to facilitate approvals in a timely manner.
When it comes to building permits in Medford, we understand the importance of efficiency. That’s why we provide comprehensive online services for submitting building applications through our user-friendly website. Whether you need information on building permit requirements, plumbing and gas permits, site plan reviews, or sign design reviews, we’ve got you covered. Our website also includes links to various resources to help you navigate the permit process with ease.
It is essential to note that no work can commence on a project until a building permit card is issued. To ensure a smooth journey, we recommend registering your contractor’s license with the City and including your driver’s license for identification purposes when filing permit applications. Payment for permits is accepted in cash, check, or money order.
Recently, we have implemented a new requirement for a final cost affidavit at the completion of each project. This helps us ensure transparency and compliance with the specified project costs.
For expert permit assistance and to experience a hassle-free permit journey, give us a call at 631-492-0927. Our team at Traci’s Permits is here to guide you every step of the way and ensure that your construction projects in Medford are a success.
Key Takeaways:
- Submit building permit applications through the Medford Building Department’s website for a quick and convenient process.
- Ensure that no work begins on a project until a building permit card is issued.
- Contractors must register their licenses and include their driver’s license for identification purposes when filing permit applications.
- Payment for permits can be made in cash, check, or money order.
- Consider the new requirement for a final cost affidavit at the completion of each project to ensure transparency and compliance.
When is a Building Permit Required?
According to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code, it is unlawful to construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, remove, or demolish a building or structure without first obtaining a building permit. This requirement applies to any project that involves changing the use or occupancy of a building, installing or altering regulated equipment, or making any modifications that affect the structure, egress, fire protection systems, energy conservation provisions, plumbing, gas, electrical, or other utilities.
However, there are some exemptions to the permit requirements, such as one-story detached accessory buildings under 200 square feet and retaining walls that do not exceed four feet in height. The building official has 30 days to review and take action on a building permit application, but the review process can be expedited for certain types of projects. It is important to schedule inspections with the building department during their office hours to ensure compliance with the permit requirements.
Permitted Projects
| Project Type | Permit Required |
|---|---|
| Building construction, repair, or alteration | Yes |
| Change of building use or occupancy | Yes |
| Installation or alteration of regulated equipment | Yes |
| Modifications affecting egress, fire protection systems, energy conservation provisions, plumbing, gas, electrical, or other utilities | Yes |
| One-story detached accessory buildings under 200 square feet | No |
| Retaining walls not exceeding four feet in height | No |
Rental Unit Inspections and Other Services
At the Medford Building Department, we understand the importance of safe and well-maintained rental units. That’s why we have implemented an annual inspection program for 1- and 2-family residential rental buildings. Our inspections ensure compliance with safety and code requirements, providing peace of mind for both landlords and tenants.
To ensure transparency and accountability, landlords are required to file a landlord/tenant registration form with the Township Clerk’s Office and pay a registration fee. This registration process helps us maintain accurate records and facilitate effective communication with rental property owners.
In addition to our inspection program, we also offer a rental housing rehabilitation program for landlords. This program provides financial assistance for major code-compliance repairs in exchange for maintaining the rental units as affordable housing. We believe in supporting our community and ensuring everyone has access to safe and comfortable living conditions.
Aside from rental unit inspections and rehabilitation programs, our department handles a range of other services. We issue certificates of occupancy, ensuring that rental properties meet all necessary requirements for habitation. We also provide assistance with closing requirements, guaranteeing a smooth transition for property owners and tenants. Additionally, we process permits for dumpsters and PODs placed in roadways and driveways, ensuring that they meet safety regulations.
In summary, the Medford Building Department is committed to promoting safe and quality rental housing. Our annual inspection program, landlord/tenant registration process, and rental housing rehabilitation program are designed to safeguard the well-being of tenants while supporting responsible landlords. By following the proper procedures and obtaining the necessary permits and inspections, residents can ensure the safety and comfort of their rental properties.
FAQ
How do I apply for a building permit in Medford?
All building permit applications must be submitted online through the Medford Building Department’s website. There is no option to submit paper applications.
Can I start construction before obtaining a building permit?
No, work cannot begin on a project until a building permit card is issued.
Can I submit plumbing and gas permit applications via mail?
Yes, plumbing and gas permit applications can be submitted via mail. However, please note that they may have longer processing times compared to online submissions.
Do contractors need to register their licenses with the City of Medford?
Yes, all contractors filing applications for building permits must register their licenses with the City. They are also required to include their driver’s license for identification purposes.
What methods of payment are accepted for building permits?
Payment for building permits can be made in cash, check, or money order.
Where can I find applications and resources related to building permits?
The Medford Building Department’s website provides links to various applications and resources, including those for accessory dwelling units, plumbing and gas permits, site plan review, sign design review, and more.
Is there a requirement for a final cost affidavit at the end of a project?
Yes, the department recently implemented a requirement for a final cost affidavit to be filed at the end of each project.
When is a building permit required according to the Medford Building Codes?
According to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code, a building permit is required for any construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition of a building or structure. This includes projects that involve changing the use or occupancy of a building, installing or altering regulated equipment, or making modifications affecting the structure, egress, fire protection systems, energy conservation provisions, plumbing, gas, electrical, or other utilities.
Are there any exemptions to the permit requirements?
Yes, there are exemptions to the permit requirements, such as one-story detached accessory buildings under 200 square feet and retaining walls that do not exceed four feet in height.
How long does the building official have to review a building permit application?
The building official has 30 days to review and take action on a building permit application.
Can the review process be expedited for certain types of projects?
Yes, the review process can be expedited for certain types of projects. Please contact the Medford Building Department for more information.
How do I schedule inspections with the building department?
To schedule inspections, contact the Medford Building Department during their office hours.
Does the Medford Building Department offer rental unit inspections?
Yes, the Medford Building Department has implemented an annual inspection program for 1- and 2-family residential rental buildings to ensure compliance with safety and code requirements.
What is required for landlords in terms of rental unit inspections?
Landlords are required to file a landlord/tenant registration form with the Township Clerk’s Office and pay a registration fee.
Is there a rental housing rehabilitation program available for landlords in Medford?
Yes, the Medford Building Department offers a rental housing rehabilitation program for landlords, providing financial assistance for major code-compliance repairs in exchange for maintaining units as affordable housing.
Does the Medford Building Department handle other services besides building permits?
Yes, the department also handles services such as certificates of occupancy, closing requirements, and permits for dumpsters/PODs placed in roadways and driveways.
Why is it important to obtain the necessary permits and inspections for rental properties?
It is important to follow the proper procedures and obtain the necessary permits and inspections for rental properties to ensure the safety and well-being of tenants.
