Approvals for a retail tenant fit out in Massachusetts

Design & Permit Documents

• Energy Code Package (Base, Stretch or Specialized Code)

  Check locally

  New lighting and equipment may need an energy code report with the permit.

  Agency

  Local building official

  State rule

  Check which energy code the town adopted. Stretch and Specialized Code towns need a HERS rating or Passive House for new homes.

  Source

  mass.gov

• Permit Drawing Set

  Required

  Commercial work needs drawings signed and sealed by a design professional for the permit review.

Permits & Construction Authorizations

• Building Permit

  Required

  A tenant fit-out needs a building permit for the new layout and systems.

  Agency

  Building commissioner or inspector of buildings

  State rule

  The building official must issue or deny the permit in writing within 30 days of filing under the state building code.

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  mass.gov

• Plumbing Permit

  Likely

  Needed when restrooms, sinks or piping change.

  Agency

  Local plumbing and gas inspector

  State rule

  Only a licensed plumber can take out the permit, before work starts. The inspector acts on the application within two working days.

  Source

  mass.gov

• Electrical Permit

  Required

  A fit-out almost always adds or moves circuits and lighting.

  Agency

  Local inspector of wires

  State rule

  The electrician gives the inspector of wires the permit notice before starting or within five days after starting.

  Source

  malegislature.gov

• Mechanical / HVAC Permit

  Likely

  A fit-out usually changes ducts, diffusers or units.

• Fire Protection Permit

  Likely

  Sprinkler heads usually move with new walls and ceilings.

• Fire Alarm Permit

  Check locally

  Only when the fire alarm devices change.

• Sign Permit

  Check locally

  Only when the tenant puts up new signs.

• Certificate of Occupancy and Use

  Likely

  A new tenant usually needs a certificate of occupancy before it opens.

  Agency

  Building commissioner or inspector of buildings

  State rule

  The building commissioner issues the certificate within 10 days once the final inspection finds no violations.

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  mass.gov

Land Use & Entitlements

• Landlord or Condo Board Approval

  Likely

  The landlord usually approves the plans before they go to the town.

• Zoning Permit

  Check locally

  Many towns check that the new tenant use is allowed with a zoning permit or certificate of use. In Massachusetts the building inspector enforces zoning and must withhold a building permit that would violate it.

  Agency

  Building commissioner or inspector of buildings

  Source

  malegislature.gov

Environmental & Site Authorizations

• Asbestos Inspection and Notification

  Likely

  A commercial space is checked for asbestos before renovation. In Massachusetts the asbestos removal notice goes to MassDEP 10 working days before the removal starts.

  Agency

  MassDEP

  Source

  mass.gov

Sources

• mass.govEnergy Code Package (Base, Stretch or Specialized Code)
• mass.govBuilding Permit
• mass.govPlumbing Permit
• malegislature.govElectrical Permit
• malegislature.govZoning Permit
• mass.govAsbestos Inspection and Notification

Items with no source link come from the national list and are decided by the town or the site. Ask the local office.

Other project types in Massachusetts

• New single family home
• New multifamily building
• Deck or porch