Introduction
Planning a construction, renovation, or installation project in New Bedford, Massachusetts? You'll need the right permits from the City of New Bedford Department of Inspectional Services. Whether you're embarking on a home renovation, constructing a new commercial space, or simply installing a new appliance, dealing with city permits can feel overwhelming.
The Department of Inspectional Services in New Bedford handles everything from building and electrical to plumbing and gas permits, ensuring safety and compliance with local codes. This comprehensive guide explains the current building, electrical, plumbing, and gas permit fees plus answers to common permit questions.
Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, or business owner, this article will help you:
- Understand New Bedford permit requirements
- Estimate permit costs
- Avoid fines and delays
- Navigate the application process smoothly
Important Note: These fees are based on schedules effective as of January 2005 (with some updates through 2018 for building and 2017 for electrical), so always double-check with the department for the latest rates contact them at 508-979-1540 or visit their office at 133 William Street, Room 308.
If you're ready to apply, head over to the city's Inspectional Services page for forms, applications, and more details on the process. Applications typically require plans, descriptions of work, and sometimes a plan review fee. Let's dive in!
1. Building Permits: Fees
Building permits cover new construction, additions, alterations, and miscellaneous work like sheds or pools. Fees are calculated per square foot or as flat rates, with minimums.
Residential Building Permit Fees
One & Two Family:
- New Construction/Additions – $0.25 per sq. ft. (min. $150) + $125 plan review
- Alterations – $0.10 per sq. ft. (min. $100)
Multi-Family (Three+ Units):
- New Construction/Additions – $0.35 per sq. ft. (min. $300) + $125 plan review
- Alterations – $0.20 per sq. ft. (min. $200)
Commercial & Industrial Building Permit Fees
- New Construction/Additions – $0.45 per sq. ft. (min. $300) + $125 plan review
- Alterations – $0.30 per sq. ft. (min. $150)
Other Common Building Permit Costs:
- Certificate of Occupancy – $100 (residential) / $200 (commercial)
- Decks – $75
- Driveways – $30
- Fences – $30
- Residential Roof – $30
- Commercial Roof – $0.10 per sq ft (min $100)
- Siding – $30 (residential) / $75 (commercial)
- Windows/doors – 3% of cost (min $25)
- Pools – $30 (above ground) / $50 (in-ground)
- Sheds/Accessory Buildings – $0.15 per sq. ft. (min. $50)
- Solar Systems – $50 residential / $300 commercial + $125 plan review
- Signs – $25 residential / $75 commercial
For full details on miscellaneous items like decks ($75), fences ($30), or solar systems ($50 residential + $125 plan review), consult the official building fee schedule.
Skip the paperwork hassle. Our experts handle New Bedford permits from start to finish.
2. Electrical Permits: Fees
Electrical fees vary by residential vs. commercial, with percentages of cost for larger projects or flat rates for smaller ones. Updated as of October 2017.
Residential Electrical Permit Fees:
- New Construction – $200 per dwelling unit
- Remodeling/Additions – $45 + $1 per switch, receptacle, or fixture
- Major Appliances – $45 + $10 each
- Services – $45 up to 200 AMPS (+$25 per additional 100 AMPS or meter/panel)
Commercial & Industrial Electrical Permit Fees:
- New Construction – 3% of total electrical cost (min. $50 for contracts under $3,000; full contract required for larger)
- Switches, Receptacles & Fixtures – $50 + $2 each
- Major Appliances/Machinery – $50 + $15 each
Special Electrical Items:
- Fire/Burglar Alarms – $45 + $2 per hard-wired device (flat $45 for battery-powered)
- Solar Systems – 3% of contract cost
- Signs – $50
- Pools – $45 per inspection (residential)
- Annual Electrical Permit – $300
- Re-inspections – $35 per additional inspection
- After-hours work – $50 per hour per person (min 3 hours)
For solar (3% of contract cost), signs ($50), or pools ($45 per inspection residential), see the full schedule.
3. Plumbing Permits: Fees
Plumbing permits are required for new installations, alterations, appliances, and more. Fees are often based on fixtures plus a base rate.
Residential Plumbing Permit Fees:
- New Single Family – $40 + $7 per fixture (min. $40)
- Alterations/Additions – $25 + $7 per fixture (min. $25)
Commercial & Industrial Plumbing Permit Fees:
- New Construction – $40 + $7 per fixture
- Alterations/Additions – $30 + $7 per fixture
Plumbing Extra Fees:
- Water Heater – $20 residential / $30 commercial
- Backflow Preventors – $25
- Solar Systems – $25
- Demolition – $25
- Inspection of incomplete/defective work – $25
- Work started without permit – $25 (fees may double)
Note: All installations must be tagged, and new services tested with an inspector present.
Our New Bedford specialists know the exact requirements and can expedite your application.
4. Gas Permits: Fees
Gas permits handle appliances, heaters, tests, and commercial setups. Fees are flat rates per item or based on BTUs.
Residential Gas Permit Fees:
- New Main – $20
- Appliances (range, dryer, oven) – $15 each
- Grills or combination ranges/ovens – $20 each
- Furnace/Boiler – $25 each
Commercial & Industrial Gas Permit Fees:
- New Main (up to 500,000 BTU) – $35
- New Main over 500,000 BTU – $35 base + $30 over that, plus $3 per additional 100,000 BTUs
- Roof Top Units & Generators – $45 permit + $30 main
- Temporary Heat – $25 per 100,000 BTU
- Re-inspection fees – $25 for incomplete or defective work
As with plumbing, tags are required on installations, and tests must be witnessed by an inspector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Our New Bedford permit experts are standing by to help with your specific project needs.
Why Work With a Permit Service?
Navigating city permit rules can be time-consuming. Hiring a professional permit service helps you:
- Avoid costly delays and fines
- Ensure all paperwork is complete
- Save hours of application and inspection scheduling
Need Help Pulling a Permit in New Bedford? Our team at www.omegapermits.com can manage all your building, electrical, plumbing, and gas permit applications from paperwork to final inspection.
We hope this comprehensive FAQ guide simplifies your permit process! If you're a contractor or homeowner in New Bedford, bookmark the official page for updates. Key reminders:
- Always verify current fees before applying
- Submit complete applications to avoid delays
- Don't start work without proper permits
- Keep inspectors informed of project progress
Have your own permit story or question? Stay safe and compliant with all your New Bedford construction projects!
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. Always verify with the City of New Bedford for the most up-to-date fees and requirements.
