Online Building Permits

Procedures For Obtaining A Building Permit 

Please read all of these procedures before heading to our Permitting System


  1. BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION- All Permit applications are submitted online at the Town Website. Click “online permitting”, register (create account if needed) complete application.
  2. New homes require a HERS Certification as Winchester is a Stretch Code Community.
  3. Certified Plot Plan- Submit one copy of plot plan showing proposed building/addition to scale, noting distance to Lot lines, water/sewer, hardscape & green space / lot location coverage %’s & driveway location. This is required to ensure compliance with Zoning By-Laws (setbacks). Required for all new buildings (additions, pools) may also require plot plans. A new “AsBuilt” may be required after installation of foundation. Please be advised that Zoning has an impact on preexisting nonconforming structures with regards to new additions and second levels.
  4. FRAMING PLANS- Show the size of the addition and/or foundation, size of lumber, joist, headers, door, window sizes, insulation, etc. and floor plan with sq. footage noted.   Any Engineered lumber (LVL’s) required STAMP form same.
  5. FIRE DEPARTMENT- Approval required for new Residential construction, bedroom additions and for interior work to commercial or industrial properties. 
  6. FEES- Fees are calculated on the estimated cost of all material, labor, site work, sub-contractor work. Fees are $16.00 per $1,000 of the estimated cost. The minimum fee for residential jobs is $50.00. All building projects require an additional Certificate of Occupancy $50.00.
  7. HOMEOWNERS-If the homeowner is the applicant and acting as the general contractor under the Homeowner Exemption, he/she may lose their right to the HIC Arbitration and Guaranty Fund. Please see State website for Office of Consumer Affairs.
  8. CONTRACTORS- Upload copies of CSL & HIC Registration, Insurance and Contract w/homeowner and any related Drawings/specs.

Depending on the scope of the project, additional application materials may be required. Please contact the Building Department at (781)721-7115.


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