Building Permits

For now, our office only accepts checks or money orders. Those are made payable to the City of Haverhill.  OUR OFFICE DOES NOT ACCEPT CASH.

Please keep in mind that if you are applying for a deck, pool, shed, addition, fence that you need to still get a city issued plot plan. If you are a contractor you will need to upload your contract with the owner if it is a 1-4 family dwelling owner/occupied, required license and HIC Registration, Workman Comp Information.  You can  pay for your permit online with PayPal or Credit Card. Our office will contact you either by phone or email that your permit is ready for pick up. Building permit cards must be on site prior to starting the project. Plumbing, gas and electrical are mailed to the licensee.

Yes, with a pool, you need an electrical permit, plot plan, and application. With a shed, fence, you just need a plot plan and application, even if you are just replacing what already exists. The deck you will need a plot plan, a drawing of the deck, and an application. If you are just replacing decking, railings, and not completely removing the deck, you still need a permit, just not a plot plan. All plot plans can be obtained at the Engineering Department room 300. If property is a duplex or condo you must have an approval letter attached to your submitted application.

Yes, as long as it is a 1 to 2-family dwelling and the property is owner-occupied. If the property is not owner-occupied or a 3+ family dwelling, the permit must be pulled by a person who holds a Massachusetts state-issued Construction Supervisor's License.

Yes, replacing drywall, remodeling the kitchen, remodeling the bathroom, and installing the flooring on the subfloor require permits. Changing rugs or painting is cosmetic, and we do not issue licenses. Suppose you have questions about what you need a permit for, either interior or exterior. In that case, we strongly advise you to contact the Building Inspector at 978-374-2338; he can determine if you need a permit.

Permit cost is based on value of the project the homeowner or contractor is doing. Fee schedule for that is any project value up to $2000 is a base fee of $50 then you add $14 per thousand after the $50. Example project cost of $5000 you start base fee of $50 for the first $2000 then just add $14X3= $92 would be permit cost.

*Please note this cost is for remodels only. There are other building permit fees for Foundations, New Construction, Signs, Commercial projects and Mechanical permits. For the pricing on those permits we ask you please contact our office. Most of these do not follow example above.

6 Months from the date our office issues the permit. Permits can be renewed for $25.00 to extend a license for 6 months.

No, you must have a plumber who has a Massachusetts state-issued license, and permits must be pulled before any work commences. 

Usually, it is the same duration as a building permit, 6 months.

Please get in touch with our office for correct pricing.

No, you must have an electrician with a Massachusetts state-issued license, and permits must be pulled before any work commences.  If you have questions about that, it is suggested that you speak to our electrical inspector.

Yes, they are required if you alter or change any electrical fixtures.

Usually, it is the same duration as a building permit, 6 months.

Commercial and residential electrical permits are priced very differently. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our office. If you are pulling a Commercial electrical license, we ask that a very detailed list be given to the inspector, and our office will contact you with the correct cost.

Gas, Plumbing, Electrical, and Building permits can be revised at any time during the duration of the project. The only time they cannot is if the Inspector has done a final inspection on the project.

Every time a unit is vacated and before a tenant takes occupancy.  You need to make an appointment for us to do an inspection. A tenant cannot move into a unit without one. The landlord is subject to a $200 fine if a tenant moves in without a rental permit. subsidized units are exempt but a copy of the agencies approval must be submitted to our office as proof. Rental inspections ae performed on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and on Thursdays all day. The cost of the inspection is $50 per dwelling unit inspection.  Please keep in mind that the unit must be unoccupied, clean, empty, and move in ready and you must have a current Smoke Detector inspection from the Fire Department. 

Please click here to schedule and pay for an inspection.

978-420-3817 if your trash is not collected. Also, if you have a bulk item you are trying to get rid of, call 844-377-1718 two days before your scheduled collection. If your bulk item isn't collected, please contact the 844 # back so they can pick that up.

You could call the Health Department or log onto the online portal and file a complaint under the Health Module/Health & Property Complaint Section. An appointment to have an inspector go out and verify the complaint will be scheduled. If a tenant or landlord is seeking legal advice our office is not able to give out legal guidance we advise callers to call legal advocates at Community Action at 978-373-1971, Northeast Housing Court at 978-689-7833 or Neighborhood Legal Services at 978-686-6900.

Yes, it is a Board of Health requirement if it is on your own property.  If you are cleaning out your house or need one for a construction project you are required to get a permit. Temporary dumpster permits are good for 1 month at a permit cost of $15. If you propose to put the dumpster on the street you need to obtain a street obstruction permit from the Engineering Department Room 300 - City Hall. Click here for a online permit.