Building Department

Mission

The mission of the Building Department is to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the Town’s residents and visitors through the enforcement of the State and local laws, bylaws, and regulations.

About the Department

The Building Department is charged with the enforcement and interpretation of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR and the Access Regulations, 521 CMR, as adopted, Westford Zoning Bylaws and Chapter 40A of Massachusetts General Laws.

 The Building Department enforces the compliance of the conditions on the Variances and Special Permits granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals and assist in the enforcement of the Planning Board restrictions of Site Plan Approval. The Building Department issues permits for all construction regulated by the State Building Codes and performs all related inspections. The Building Department works in cooperation with the Westford Fire Department for fire protection of all new and existing buildings.

Building Department News & Updates

ONLINE PERMITTING

We are pleased to announce that you may complete the following permits fully online:

 Electrical – Plumbing – Gas
* Roof – Windows – Doors – Siding
* Insulation/Weatherization/Air Sealing
Certificate of Inspections 

You need to upload the following to complete the online permitting:

  • Licenses
  • Certificate of Insurance which lists the Town of Westford as the Certificate Holder
  • Contract
  • Plans

Last but not least – Sign it electronically

 Once these steps are fully completed and reviewed, we will send you an email with a link to pay for it online. 

 * You will need to come in and pick up the Job Weather Card and post it at the job location or mail a self-addressed stamped envelope so we can mail it to you.

 ANY PERMIT NOT LISTED ABOVE - ONCE ENTERED ONLINE NEEDS TO BE SUBMITTED IN PERSON OR MAILED TO US, WITH HARD COPIES OF ALL THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.

 As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Permits Are Required for the Following:

New Dwellings
Additions
Renovations/Remodeling
Exterior Siding/Trim
Windows – Doors
Insulation – Weatherization
Decks – New
Decks – Replacement/Repairs
Sheet Metal – HVAC
Wood Stove
Pools – Inground
Pools – Above Ground
Demolition
Solar
Tents
Trenches
Signs
Curb Cuts
New Commercial
Commercial – Tenant Fit Ups
Electrical
Plumbing / Gas
Certificate of Occupancy
Certificate of Inspections (110)

NOTICE to all Contractors & Subcontractors

A copy of current license for the discipline and valid insurance are required with every application regardless if you provided them on a prior project at a previous time.

  • Workers Compensation Affidavit (with the Town of Westford named)

 

Act on Application

Please be advised per 780 CMR Massachusetts State Building Code 9th Edition, the Building Official has 30 days to act on an application, and 48 hours to perform an inspection.

 Currently, we do not foresee this time frame, but please plan accordingly.

Certified Plot Plans

New dwellings, accessory buildings, pools, any extension to the existing footprint of a building, such as an addition, porch, or deck require a plot plan. When the permit application is submitted, a proposed plot plan is required with application. Before a Final building inspection, an As Built plot plan is required. In some cases, the Building Commissioner may require a foundation certification before the issuance of a building permit. The certified plot plan must be issued from a registered land surveyor to include their stamp and signature.

Demolition Permits

Once you have applied for a demolition permit online, please print, have the owner sign application, and bring to the Building Department to start the process. We will send a copy to the Historical Commission (if it is within the 85 years) and circulate it through the Permitting Department. (You also need to apply for a demolition permit from the Board of Health, please contact them directly at (978) 692-5509.) The required sign offs are listed on the demolition permit.

Open Permits

It is the responsibility of the Licensed entity Contractor, Plumbing, Gas, Electrical/Owner to call for (Final Inspections of all permits). Permits that do not have a final inspection will be stamped that a Final Inspection is required, then it will be put in the building folder. The folders are public records that are looked at by contractors, residents, insurance companies, real estate agents, attorneys, appraisers, etc. It is very important to have a final inspection as it closes out that permit and ensures that the work completed was inspected. Open permits can potentially create problems when you are trying to sell your property.

File Requests

All files are kept in the basement of the Town Hall and depending on permitting counter activity it can take awhile to retrieve them. Phone requests for files will be given an approximate time as to when the files will be available to view. Requests made at the permitting counter may not be immediately filled and may require returning later or another day to view the file. If you are coming in to look at a file, please come in by 3:30.