Important Notices: 

State Building Code:

Effective Permit Application Complete* date 1/1/2025:

*(A complete application has passed ALL of Zoning & other relevant City Departments that are required for the project.)

Per the State of Massachusetts, the 10^th Edition of the Base Building Code (Massachusetts Amendments) will be going into effect on October 11, 2024.  There will be a concurrency period with the 9^th Edition until December 31, 2024.

You will be able to find the promulgated version on the web site, see link below

Board of Building Regulations and Standards | Mass.gov

Fossil Fuel Free Ordinance (1/1/2025)

Newton is one of the 10 Communities in Massachusetts that is participating in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration Project.  All NEW Construction and MAJOR Renovation projects are required to use electricity instead of fossil fuels for heating/cooling /cooking /clothes drying; and for hot water, to use electricity or thermal solar.

Please click here for the details  

Grade Change Ordinance (1/1/2025)

The addition of a newly defined Original Grade & the redefining of the Grade Plane Average have been changed in CH 30 Zoning.  This MAY AFFECT YOUR PROJECT in a variety of ways. The Original Grade MUST be certified on a plot plan by a Mass Licensed professional surveyor PRIOR to commencement of work on the property.

Please click here for the details

Retaining Walls

• Changes to the City of Newton Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 30 Section 5.4.2 regarding retaining walls will be effective on June 1, 2024. Please click here to view ordinance. May 31, 2024 is the last day that Inspectional Services Department will accept Site Plans for zoning review under the previous ordinance. 

Online Permitting

Any application that is submitted online through the NewGov portal will require a user name and password to enter the site. 

Applications are submitted through our online portal at: 

https://newtonma.viewpointcloud.com

To search for permit record information, refer to the following web page:

https://newtonma.viewpointcloud.com/search

Step-by-Step Instructions to search for permit records

 

In addition to the daily schedule, all Building Inspectors have office hours: 7:00am - 9:00am. Electrical and Plumbing/Gas Inspectors have office hours: 7:00am - 9:00 am, 3:00pm - 4:00pm.

The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) is responsible for insuring that buildings are constructed safely and used properly. ISD enforces the provisions of the state building code, city zoning ordinance (Chapter 30 - Zoning Ordinance), and other applicable ordinances. ISD issues permits to allow the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, and demolition of buildings and structures, as well as the installation of equipment and the location, use and occupancy of all buildings, structures and land.

 

Request for Zoning Enforcement:

• Can be submitted online here

Resources

• Home Energy Rating System Index Report (HERS Rating)
• HERS Rating Report 2010-2015
• Floor Area Ratio Worksheet & Calculator
• Fence Ordinance
• City Ordinances
• Irrigation Water Meters

FAQ's

What are the allowable construction hours?
Construction activity must comply with the city's noise ordinance. In general, construction noise may be generated only during the hours listed below. Refer to Newton revised ordinances 2012, Sec 20-13 for additional details and restrictions.

• Monday-Friday: 7AM - 7PM
• Saturday: 8AM - 7PM
• Sundays & Holidays: Not permitted except by permit approved by the Mayor

Upcoming Events

• City Clerk - Electronic Posting Board
• Land Use Committee
  • - Special Permits
• Planning and Development - High Interest Projects
• Commission on Disability