Building Department

Gas, Plumbing, Electrical Fee Increases

Effective Immediately, new Plumbing, Gas and electric permit charges are in effect

2025 Electrical Fee Schedule

2025 Plumbing and Gas Fee Schedule

Demolishing a Building?

If so, National Grid requires you provide the Building Dept with a sign off that the gas has been disconnected properly.

This is required whether you have gas or not for safety reasons.

Here is a link to the form: LINK

Please provide confirmation from National Grid with your application.

Energy Code Updates

**** NEW ENERGY CODE UPDATES****

Please see link to updates to the Energy Code from February 2025

Accessory Dwelling Units

IMPORTANT -- see info HERE

10th Edition New Deck Requirements

If you are submitting for a deck permit after 7/1/25 you will need to meet the new requirements as outlined in Chapter 5 of the IRC, please see link to Section R507 Exterior Decks.

Chapter 5 - Massachusetts Residential Code 10th Edition

Commercial Builders

Are you starting a Construction or Demo project?

Mass DEP requires filing an AQ-06 10 days prior to the start See below excerpt from DEP and form attached, proof of filing must be provided to Bldg Dept prior to start

The Construction/Demolition Notification Form must be submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) for all construction, demolition, or renovation projects except those at residential buildings containing less than 20 dwelling units. (Note: the USEPA requires notification of demolition of any building except for residential structures with less than four (4) units.)

This form must be submitted at least 10 working days before the start of construction or demolition work.

BWP AQ06 INFO

Inspections

Please note the Building Department ONLY schedules inspections via phone.

Please contact us at 978-448-1109 to schedule your inspections

Thank you

Unvented Propane Gas UNVENTED Propane or Gas Heaters require a permit from the Fire Dept.
Please contact the Fire Dept at (978)448-6333 to obtain a permit.

Zoning Bylaws You can look at the Town’s By Laws and Charter on the eCode360 website. Zoning information can be found under Section 218.
Direct link to Section 218, Zoning

Installing a new pellet, wood, or gas stove or insert Please include a copy of the installation manual with your permit

Installing a Pool If you are installing a pool, please print out the pool checklist and submit all the applicable information with your Building Permit.
Pool Checklist

Finishing Basement or Attic If you want to finish your basement, please print out the Attic or Basement Checklist and submit all the applicable information with your Building Permit.

Home Improvement Contractors Please review your contracts to ensure they contain the fourteen (14) items required per MGL 142A , if not please submit executed Affidavit for Home Improvement Contractor with your permit application.

Sample Contract
Sample Affidavit

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) The Building Department has published a list of Frequently Asked Questions that can answer several common questions that we receive. View the FAQs Here.

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About

The Building Commissioner works under the general supervision of the Select Board, but has independent statutory authority under the state zoning and subdivision control laws for the issuance of permits under, and the enforcement of, the state building code.

A major responsibility of the Zoning Officer is the interpretation and enforcement of local zoning to ensure compliance with zoning standards voted by Town Meeting.

In cooperation with the Fire Chief and other Town officials, the Building Commissioner/Zoning Officer:

* insures that public safety standards are met in all buildings, public and private, and in the development that occurs within the Town
* appoints, under the provisions of MGL Chapter 142, Section 11, the Plumbing and Gas Inspectors, and supervises their work, as well as that of the Assistant Zoning Officer, and the Wiring Inspector

In Groton, the Building Commissioner acts in an advisory capacity in the supervision of the repair and alteration of municipal buildings, and is responsible for an annual inspection of all public buildings.

The Building Commissioner has a part-time, shared office assistant. Through arrangements with the Building Inspectors of neighboring towns, an Alternate Building Inspector with the same duties and responsibilities is available during vacation and other times when the Building Commissioner is not available.

Contact Information

Email: building@grotonma.gov
Phone: (978) 448-1109
Fax: (978) 448-1113
Hours: Monday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, Tuesday-Thursday: 8:00 – 4:00 pm, Friday: 8:00 – 1:00 pm