Building Department

About the Building Department

The Building Department is responsible for the review, inspection and permitting for new construction and/or alterations to any structures within the Town.

  • Reviews building permit applications and issues appropriate permits
  • Enforces the State of Massachusetts plumbing, gas, and electrical codes
  • Conducts safety inspections of day-care centers, restaurants, educational facilities, and multi-family residences of more than four units
  • Enforces numerous Town bylaws and State regulations

It also has the authority to issue fines on persons or properties violating the Town's General By-Laws, Zoning By-Laws, and Building Code Regulations.

Please Note

Please be advised as per 780 CMR Massachusetts State Building Code 10th Edition, the Building Official has 30 days to act on an application, and 48 hours to perform an inspection.

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

Online Permitting Available

The Town of Tyngsborough is happy to announce that homeowners and contractors can apply for and pay for permits online. We have partnered with ViewPoint to bring you what we think is the simplest, most intuitive permit issuance software out there. Applications can be submitted online or in person at Town Hall

Online permitting saves trips to Town Hall and will save time as multiple staff members can review the same project simultaneously. If you have any trouble along the way, we will be happy to assist you.

If you have additional questions, please send us an email.

Start an application

To schedule a Safety Plumbing Inspection for a sewer connection, you must come to the Building Department at Town Hall and complete the form in person. This cannot be done with the online permitting system.

Notice To All Contractors & Subcontractors

A copy of your current license for the discipline and valid insurance (as follows), are required with every application regardless of whether you provided them on a prior project at a previous time:

Building Department Documents

  1. 12 Tips to Know Before Starting a Project (PDF)
  2. Building Application Control Construction Commercial (PDF)
  3. Building Application Debris Disposal (PDF)
  4. Building Permit Review Checklist for Swimming Pools (PDF)
  5. Code - 780-CMR Ninth Edition Base Code Amendments (PDF)
  6. Code - 780-CMR Ninth Edition Residential Code Amendments (PDF)
  7. Finished Basement Requirements (PDF)
  8. Form - Temporary Advertising Application 2021 (PDF)
  9. Residential Deck Construction Guide (PDF)
  10. Swimming Pool Installation Brochure (PDF)
  11. Tyngsborough Guide on Finished Basements (PDF)
  12. Workers Compensation Affidavit Form (PDF)

Construction Control Documents - State of Massachusetts

The State of Massachusetts has several Construction Control documents prepared for projects that require them. 

Building, Gas, Plumbing & Electrical Fees

Costs Effective March 1, 2024 as Approved by the Tyngsborough Select Board

  1. Department Fees Revised March 2024

Building Decks - Special Information

A Building Permit is required to build or install a deck. The deck must comply with zoning, wetlands, and septic system setbacks. It will also be reviewed for floodplain and building code compliance. The following are requirements for a typical deck project, there could be other regulations that are not addressed or are specific to your project that might apply. The more information that is on the plans the easier it will be to help you comply with applicable regulations under our jurisdiction.

Applications can be obtained at the Building Department. Please read and complete all applicable sections. Information required for review must include:

Completed application form, if contractor, they must sign as an applicant with the homeowner's signature and copy of licenses and insurance.

Homeowners applying for a permit must complete an application and an affidavit exempting them from the home improvement contractor law. Owners pulling their own permits or dealing with unregistered contractors for applicable home improvement work do not have access to the arbitration program or guaranty fund under MGL C. 142A.

Plot plan of the property indicating the proposed location of the deck. The plot plan must be stamped by a registered land surveyor. A mortgage survey plan may be acceptable depending on the proposed setback and is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The building department may have a plot plan of your property on file. You may file a request for a property file. If there is one, you can obtain a copy for 25 cents.

Two sets of plans indicating the material used in the construction, size, and spans of framing members and beams. The plan should indicate how the deck would be supported, for example, 10-inch diameter concrete piers 48 inches below grade, height and spacing of guardrails and handrails, rise and run of stairs, elevation above grade or other surface, lag bolts to house and joist hangers.

If all the information submitted is sufficient, the reviewing process usually takes 7 to 14 days this time frame varies depending on season. (Spring and fall are our busy seasons and may take longer) Upon approval, you will receive an approved set of plans and a building permit card that is required to be made visible from the street. We require two inspections one at excavation prior to concrete and one at the finish to assure compliance with plans and to verify connections to the house. Inspection requests are required a minimum of 24 hours prior to inspection. Most inspections can be done the day after the request. Information required for the request must include street address, permit number, and type of inspection.

The approved plans are required on-site for all inspections. If you have any questions or have a specific situation that is not typical you can contact the Building Department at 978-649-2300, ext. 112.