Brookline Permit & Fee Schedule Guide (Updated July 18, 2022)

The Town of Brookline updated its Building Department Permit & Fee Schedule effective July 18, 2022. Use this quick guide to understand base fees, penalties, plan & design review costs, and certificate fees so you can budget accurately and avoid surprises.

Brookline town offices and construction plans representing permit fees

Overview

The Town of Brookline has updated its Building Department Permit & Fee Schedule, effective July 18, 2022. Whether you're planning a renovation, new construction, or installing signage, understanding the associated costs is essential. Below is a concise overview of the key fees to help you budget for your next project. The minimum permit fee is $50.00.

Key Permit Fees

Permit / Item Fee
Minimum Permit Fee $50.00
Building / Electrical / Plumbing / Gas Fitting / Mechanical / Sprinkler / Demolition / Fire Alarm / Smoke Detectors $20 per $1,000 of construction value (or fraction thereof)
Work started without required permits $50 per $1,000 of construction value
Failure to call for final inspection (within 10 working days) $50
Re-inspection fee $50 per inspection

Plan Review Filing Fees (Board of Appeals)

Category Fee
Alteration $75 per 1,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area (Minimum $100)
New Construction $150 per 1,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area (Minimum $200)
Off-Street Parking $25 per space (Minimum $100)
Subdivision / Other $200

Not sure which fee applies? Get a quick answer.

Design Review Approval Fees

Item Fee
Signs - Illuminated $300
Signs - Non‑Illuminated (< 10 sq. ft.) $100
Signs - Non‑Illuminated (> 10 sq. ft.) $125
Commercial Facades - Awnings $300
Commercial Facades - Other $300

Certificates & Inspections

Certificate / Inspection Fee
Certificate of Use & Occupancy (Existing Structures) $100 + $15 per dwelling unit
Certificate of Inspection & Certificate of Structures (MSBC 108.5.1) $100 + $15 per dwelling unit
Certificate of Use & Occupancy - Dwelling Unit $50 per unit
Certificate of Use & Occupancy - Commercial Unit $50 + $25 per 1,000 sq. ft.
Temporary / Partial Certificate of Use & Occupancy $50 (or $50 per month)
Lodging House Inspection $100 up to 5 units + $5 per additional unit
Condominium Certificate of Inspection (Article XIX, Section 34) $100 per dwelling unit

For a complete list or specific inquiries, contact the Town of Brookline Building Department. Stay informed and ensure your project complies with all regulations!

FAQs

The minimum permit fee is $50.00.

A penalty of $50 per $1,000 of construction value (or fraction thereof) applies.

Yes. Failure to call for a final inspection within 10 working days is $50. Re-inspections are $50 per inspection.

Most core permits (building, electrical, plumbing, gas fitting, mechanical, sprinklers, demolition, fire alarm, smoke detectors) are $20 per $1,000 of construction value (or fraction thereof).

Board of Appeals plan reviews and Design Review approvals follow fixed schedules (by area, space count, or flat fee) listed above. Check each category for the exact amount.

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