Middlesex County’s government was abolished as of July 11, 1997, so no county office issues building permits; each city or town handles its own. By the Census Bureau’s 2025 estimates the four most populous municipalities are Cambridge (122,588), Lowell (119,971), Newton (90,741) and Somerville (84,211).
This guide covers Cambridge, Lowell and Somerville. Newton’s Inspectional Services website could not be checked, so contact the city directly.
What requires a building permit in Middlesex County?
The State Building Code draws the same line in every Massachusetts city and town: ordinary repairs need no permit, while work that constructs, alters, repairs, removes or demolishes a building, or changes its use or occupancy, needs one from the local building official.
In Somerville, a building permit is required for all interior and exterior work except painting, tiling and flooring.
Short on time to read all of this?
Get a free quote →Massachusetts has one State Building Code, 780 CMR, for every city and town; towns cannot rewrite it, though many opt into a stricter energy code. The trades run under their own state codes. Massachusetts rules
Who handles permitting in Middlesex County?
| City or town | Building office | Contact and hours |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge | Inspectional Services Department, 831 Massachusetts Ave., 1st Floor | 617-349-6100; Mon 7AM - 6PM, Tue - Thu 7AM - 3:30PM, Fri 7AM - 12PM |
| Lowell | Division of Development Services, City Hall, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Room 55 | 978-674-4144; Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. - Noon |
| Somerville | Building Division of Inspectional Services, 1 Franey Rd. | (617) 625-6600 x 5600, isd@somervillema.gov; Monday - Wednesday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Thursday to 7:00 p.m., Friday to 12:00 p.m. |
| Newton | Website could not be checked | Contact the city directly |
Local rules in Cambridge, Lowell and Somerville
Not sure this scope needs a permit?
Get a free quote →Cambridge
Applications are filed through the city’s online permitting software and are not considered received until an invoice is sent and payment is processed. Buildings in historic or neighborhood conservation districts, landmarks, and any structure over 50 years old proposed for demolition need Cambridge Historical Commission approval. A new or expanded curb cut needs City Council approval before the building permit is issued.
Lowell
The Division of Development Services issues both building and trade permits from City Hall.
Somerville
Permits are applied for through Citizenserve (www.somervillema.gov/citizenserve). A 3 family or larger building or a commercial building needs a licensed contractor to obtain the permit.
Middlesex County permit costs and fees
Lowell (Fee Ordinance, Chapter 150): $50 up to $1,000 of construction cost plus $10 per additional $1,000; certificate of occupancy/completion $75 per unit; re-inspection $50; work without a permit is charged triple the initial fee.
In Cambridge, an application counts as received only once the invoice is paid.
Rather talk it over?
Call 1-855-478-4290 →How to get a building permit in Middlesex County
There is no county office; each municipality permits its own work.
Historical Commission for districts, landmarks and older demolitions; City Council for curb cuts.
In Somerville a licensed contractor pulls permits for 3 family or larger and commercial buildings.
Cambridge’s permitting software or Somerville’s Citizenserve; pay the Cambridge invoice to complete the filing.
Cambridge and Somerville limit construction hours.
Construction hours in Cambridge and Somerville
Cambridge City Ordinance 8.16.80 allows construction in residential areas Monday – Friday 7:00am – 6:00pm and Saturdays 9:00am – 6:00pm; Sunday or holiday work needs a special permit from the Police Department. Somerville allows construction Monday-Friday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Rather not deal with the Middlesex County building department?
Get a free quote →Official Middlesex County permitting resources
These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.
- M.G.L. c. 34B, s. 1 (abolition of county government)
- Cambridge building permits
- Lowell building permits
- Lowell building permit fees
- Somerville Building Division
Frequently asked questions
Does Middlesex County issue building permits?
No. Its government was abolished as of July 11, 1997; each city or town issues its own.
Want this handled start to finish?
Get a free quote →When is a Cambridge permit application considered received?
Only after an invoice is sent and payment is processed.
Do I need a permit for interior work in Somerville?
Yes, for all interior and exterior work except painting, tiling and flooring.
Simplify Middlesex County permitting with Alliance Permitting
- Confirm which city or town building department has the address and how it takes applications
- Prepare the building application and construction documents, plus the trade and local approvals that go with them
- Track the review, schedule inspections and close out the permit with the city or town
Inspections are where schedules slip.
Get a free quote →Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Massachusetts. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.
Ready to break ground in Middlesex County sooner?
Let Alliance prepare, file, and track your Middlesex County permits while your crew stays on the job.
More Massachusetts permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Middlesex County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.