Introduction to Fall River Building Permit Fees
If you're planning a home renovation, new construction project, or any building-related work in Fall River, Massachusetts, understanding the local permit fees is crucial. The City of Fall River's fee schedule, recently amended on September 10, 2024, outlines detailed costs for building permits under § 10-38, plumbing and gas permits under § 10-121, and electrical permits under § 10-176. These fees ensure compliance with building regulations and help fund city services.
In this blog post, we'll dive into these specific sections to provide clarity on Fall River building permit fees, plumbing permit costs in Fall River, MA, and electrical permit fees. Whether you're a homeowner tackling a DIY project or a contractor managing commercial builds, this guide will help you budget accurately.
Fall River Building Permit Fees (§ 10-38)
Building permits are essential for maintenance, renovations, and new constructions in Fall River. The fees vary based on the project's scope, with tiered pricing for smaller jobs and per-square-foot rates for larger ones. Here's a breakdown:
Maintenance and Renovations
For smaller projects like updates to existing structures:
| Project Value | Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $1,000 | $46 |
| $1,001 to $2,000 | $52 |
| $2,001 to $3,000 | $58 |
| $3,001 to $4,000 | $64 |
| $4,001 to $5,000 | $70 |
| $5,001 to $10,000 | $75 |
| $10,001 and above (per $1,000) | $9 |
New Construction
Fees for brand-new builds are calculated per square foot, including basements and decks for residential, and all accessible areas for commercial:
| Type | Fee per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Residential | $0.19 |
| Commercial | $0.22 |
Other Building Permit Fees
Additional specific fees include:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Wood-burning stove | $31 |
| Moving a building | $250 |
| Demolishing a building | $125 |
| Written zoning opinion | $37 |
| Certificate of occupancy (Residential) | $62 |
| Certificate of occupancy (Commercial) | $125 |
| Re-inspection | $37 |
| Certificate of inspection for special use groups (state-mandated) | $75 (with an additional $137 for certain cases) |
These Fall River building permit fees ensure safety and zoning compliance. If you're unsure about your project's classification, visit https://www.fallriverma.gov/departments/index.php.
Plumbing and Gas Permit Fees in Fall River, MA (§ 10-121)
Plumbing and gas work requires separate permits to prevent hazards like leaks or improper installations. Fees are categorized by residential, commercial, and industrial, with processing fees plus per-fixture or per-appliance costs. Gas fees scale with BTU ratings.
Plumbing Permit Fees
| Category | Processing Fee | Per Fixture/Appliance |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | $43 | $12 |
| Commercial | $72 | $14 |
| Industrial | $86 | $17 |
Gas Permit Fees (Residential)
| BTU Range | Base Fee | Per Appliance/Item |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 199,000 | $43 | $12 |
| 200,000 to 299,000 | $65 | $12 |
| 300,000 to 399,000 | $86 | $12 |
| 400,000 to 499,000 | $108 | $12 |
| 500,000 to 599,000 | $130 | $12 |
| 600,000 to 699,000 | $151 | $12 |
| 700,000 to 799,000 | $173 | $12 |
| 800,000 to 899,000 | $194 | $12 |
| 900,000 to 1,000,000 (No Limit) | $216 | $12 |
Gas Permit Fees (Commercial)
| BTU Range | Base Fee | Per Appliance/Item |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 199,000 | $65 | $14 |
| 200,000 to 299,000 | $86 | $14 |
| 300,000 to 399,000 | $108 | $14 |
| 400,000 to 499,000 | $130 | $14 |
| 500,000 to 599,000 | $151 | $14 |
| 600,000 to 699,000 | $173 | $14 |
| 700,000 to 799,000 | $194 | $14 |
| 800,000 to 899,000 | $216 | $14 |
| 900,000 to 999,000 | $238 | $14 |
| Over 999,000 | Add $22 per 500,000 BTUs or ratio | $14 |
Gas Permit Fees (Industrial)
| BTU Range | Base Fee | Per Appliance/Item |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 199,000 | $72 | $16 |
| 200,000 to 299,000 | $101 | $16 |
| 300,000 to 399,000 | $122 | $16 |
| 400,000 to 499,000 | $144 | $16 |
| 500,000 to 599,000 | $173 | $16 |
| 600,000 to 699,000 | $194 | $16 |
| 800,000 to 899,000 | $238 | $16 |
| 900,000 to 999,000 | $266 | $16 |
| Over 999,000 | Add $24 per 500,000 BTUs or ratio | $16 |
Additional notes: Late filing (work started without permit) doubles the fee, and re-inspection costs $43. For tips on avoiding these plumbing permit costs in Fall River, MA pitfalls, see our https://www.fallriverma.gov/departments/inspectional_services/building/index.php.
Need help with permits and paperwork? Contact us for expert assistance.
Electrical Permit Fees in Fall River (§ 10-176)
Electrical work must meet safety standards, and permits cover everything from full wiring to alarms. Fees are flat rates for most items, with surcharges for non-compliance.
Key Electrical Permit Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Complete residential wiring (with oil/gas burners and attached garage) | $100 |
| Complete residential wiring (with electric heat and attached garage) | $119 |
| Temporary service and meter work | $56 |
| Garage (separate from home) | $50 |
| Major appliances (per unit) | $37 |
| Outlets, receptacles, switches, fixtures (old house, per rehab unit) | $62 |
| Increase or replace service | $62 |
| Swimming pools, septic systems | $50 |
| Fire alarms, burglar alarms | $37 |
| Oil burner, gas burner, or electric heat | $37 |
| Annual permit | $312 |
| Carnivals - concessions | $62 |
Commercial Electrical Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Estimated cost $1 to $3,000 | $50 |
| Each additional $1,000 | $5 |
| Re-inspection | $31 each |
Surcharge for starting work without a permit doubles the fee, and late applications add $62 per day.
Planning an electrical upgrade?
Official Fee Schedule: Download the complete Fall River Permit Fee Schedule PDF (includes Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Gas fees)
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FAQs on Fall River Permit Fees
Stay Compliant with Fall River Permit Fees
Navigating Fall River, MA building permit fees, plumbing permit costs, and electrical permit fees doesn't have to be overwhelming. By understanding these costs upfront, you can avoid surprises and ensure your project runs smoothly. Always apply for permits early to dodge surcharges.
