Apply, Track, Inspect and Close a Braintree Building Permit
Use the exact town tool for the job. Start a PermitEyes application, search public records, upload drawings, read staff messages, pay fees, request inspections or recover an old open permit.
This Braintree-specific guide also explains local shed and pool rules, stamped plot plans, stormwater permits, ADUs, Stretch Energy Code requirements and the new Building Division fee schedule effective July 1, 2026.
Choose the Exact Braintree Task You Need
Braintree Next-Step Finder
Select the situation that matches your problem.
Braintree Building Division Address, Phone and Hours
Confirm the Property Is Inside Braintree
Use Braintree PermitEyes when
- The job site is within the Town of Braintree.
- The Braintree public permit search returns the address.
- The street and number appear in the PermitEyes dropdowns.
Verify before filing when
- The mailing address resembles Quincy, Weymouth, Randolph or another community.
- The property is close to a town boundary.
- The street or number does not appear in PermitEyes.
Which Braintree Permit Fits the Project?
Project |
Start with |
Local requirement to check |
|---|---|---|
New home, addition or structural alteration |
Building permit |
Stamped plot plan, zoning, energy, stormwater, trade and outside-department review |
Roofing, siding, windows or doors |
Building permit |
Product, structural and contractor information |
Deck, porch, dormer, garage or wall |
Building permit |
Setbacks, stamped plot plan, framing and foundations |
Any storage shed |
Building permit |
5-foot side/rear setbacks, 20 feet from street and no front-yard placement |
Pool deeper than 24 inches |
Pool/building permit |
10-foot side/rear water-line setback, 20 feet from street, enclosure and gate safety |
Electrical service, wiring or fixtures |
Electrical permit |
Licensed electrician and related building work |
Plumbing or gas work |
Plumbing/gas permit |
Licensed plumber or gas fitter must obtain the permit |
Sheet metal or HVAC duct work |
Sheet metal permit |
Mechanical plans and associated electrical/building scope |
Sign installation or replacement |
Sign permit |
Zoning, size, lighting, location and structural attachment |
ADU, change of use or commercial fit-out |
Pre-review first |
Zoning, occupancy, fire, accessibility, water/sewer and Planning conditions |
Apply Online in Seven Clear Steps
Create or open your PermitEyes account
Use the applicant login. Account registration alone does not submit an application.
Select New Application
Choose the Building Division and the permit type that matches the project.
Choose the exact street and number
PermitEyes uses dropdown lists. Do not type a nearby address when the correct property is missing.
Submit the preliminary application
Complete the scope, owner, contractor, cost and project information, then submit.
Upload files with the paperclip icon
Return to the home page, select the application and attach plans, pictures, specifications, licenses and insurance documents.
Use the eye and chat icons
The eye opens the Transactions Monitor. The chat bubble shows questions and lets you reply to town staff.
Pay, obtain issuance and print the permit
Pay when PermitEyes calculates the fee. Do not begin work until the permit number and issued status appear.
What to Prepare Before Starting the Application
Property and project
- Exact address
- Owner name
- Clear scope
- Construction value
- Existing use
- Proposed use
Contractor package
- Contractor of record
- License information
- Workers’ compensation affidavit
- Insurance binder
- Written contract
- Trade contractor details
Plans and approvals
- Stamped plot plan when required
- Existing/proposed plans
- Structural details
- Energy documents
- Fire/Health/Planning approvals
- Stormwater documents
When Braintree Requires a Stamped Plot Plan
A stamped plan is expected for
- A new structure.
- An addition to an existing structure.
- A vertical addition.
- Projects where setbacks, easements, grades or wetlands must be verified.
A mortgage plan is usually not enough
Braintree explains that mortgage plans are rough approximations prepared for lending, not zoning compliance.
The town says they may be usable for limited non-permanent work such as an above-ground pool or shed when no grade change is proposed.
Plot-plan item |
Braintree guidance |
|---|---|
Who prepares it? |
A Registered Land Surveyor; the plan must bear the surveyor’s stamp. |
What must be shown? |
Setbacks, structures to be demolished, easements, driveway setback and slope, trees 8 inches or larger and existing/proposed grades where applicable. |
Can the owner draw an addition on an old plan? |
No. The town’s FAQ says the owner cannot add the proposed addition to the plan. |
New-house foundation check |
A certified as-built plot plan is required after the foundation; framing cannot proceed until it is submitted. |
Two Braintree Projects With Exact Local Requirements
Storage shed
- Permit required for any size
- 5 feet from side lines
- 5 feet from rear line
- 20 feet from street
- Not allowed in front yard
- Check easements and grade
The town says a light-frame shed up to 600 square feet does not require a frost-protected foundation; confirm the current code and anchoring detail for the proposed shed.
Swimming pool
- Permit when water depth exceeds 24 inches
- 10 feet from side/rear lines to water line
- 20 feet from street line
- Not allowed in front yard
- Residential enclosure at least 4 feet
- Self-closing, self-latching gate
When the house forms part of the enclosure, doors leading to the pool must be alarmed under the town’s published guidance.
Know What to Click and What the Status Means
👁 Eye
Opens the Transactions Monitor for sign-offs, fees, issuance, inspections and workflow status.
📎 Paperclip
Uploads requested or supporting plans, specifications, licenses and other PDF documents.
💬 Chat
Sends and receives messages between the applicant and town staff.
✏️ Pencil
Edits the application before issuance when the workflow permits changes.
Schedule and Prepare for Braintree Inspections
Before requesting
- Permit is issued
- Correct inspection selected
- Work is ready
- Work remains visible
- Safe access provided
- Site contact available
Keep at the site
- Issued permit
- Approved plans
- Required reports
- Access instructions
- Trade permits
- Prior correction notes
Use the July 1, 2026 Building Division Fee Schedule
Correct fee-check sequence
- Select the exact permit type.
- Enter an accurate project value and scope.
- Submit the application and attachments.
- Wait for PermitEyes to calculate the charge.
- Open the fee workflow and review each item.
- Compare it with the current official schedule.
Payment tools
PermitEyes includes a Pay Now workflow. Town instructions also explain that alternative payment arrangements may be discussed with staff through chat.
Do not submit a duplicate permit because a fee looks wrong. Send the application number and the questioned line item to the Building Division.
Land Disturbance Can Require a Separate Stormwater Permit
Published activity |
Current application fee |
|---|---|
Existing building / drain connection |
No charge |
Land disturbance over 2,500 but under 6,000 square feet |
$100 |
New or redeveloped single- or two-family house |
$250 |
Commercial/industrial disturbance of 2,500–5,000 square feet |
$400 |
Commercial/industrial disturbance of 5,001–21,779 square feet |
$500 |
Certificate of Completion — single/two-family |
$100 |
Certificate of Completion — all others |
$200 |
Check Outside Reviews Before Finalizing Plans
Zoning
Confirm district, use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, parking and whether ZBA relief is needed.
Planning
Use for Planning Board conditions, site development, subdivision and larger residential or commercial proposals.
Conservation
Ask before work near wetlands, rivers, streams, vernal pools or regulated resource areas.
Special Preparation for ADUs and New Construction
Accessory dwelling unit
Braintree maintains a dedicated ADU page with a presentation, a water/sewer submetering certification form and an ADU water and sewer FAQ.
- Confirm legal use and building-code path.
- Review water/sewer metering requirements.
- Coordinate egress, fire separation and trade permits.
- Use the current ADU materials before design.
Stretch Energy Code
Braintree applies the Stretch Energy Code to new home and commercial construction. The town states that new-home applications must include an energy-modeling report prepared by a HERS-rated professional.
- Budget for energy modeling early.
- Coordinate envelope, HVAC and plans.
- Confirm the current Massachusetts code edition.
Know Who Should Pull Each Permit
Building permit
Braintree says the contractor is responsible for obtaining the building permit on an owner-occupied one- to four-family property, although an owner may act as their own contractor.
An owner who pulls the permit may lose protections available through the Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor program and may accept added job-site liability.
Plumbing and gas
A homeowner cannot obtain plumbing or gas permits for regulated work. A licensed plumber or gas fitter must obtain the permit and perform the permitted work.
The town notes limited exceptions such as repairing a leaking faucet working part or clearing a clogged pipe.
Search Online First, Then Request Missing Records
Open Braintree Public View
Search application number, permit number, site address, owner, application type or status.
Open the complete record
Check issue date, inspection entries, result, status and whether the permit remains open.
Use FOIA Direct for unavailable files
The Building Division makes permits, inspections, plans and correspondence available for review or copying.
Make the request searchable
Include the full address, map/lot if known, approximate year, permit type, contractor or prior owner and exact documents needed.
Old Permit Not Closed? Use This Recovery Checklist
Collect before calling
- Permit number
- Application number
- Property address
- Original scope
- Approved plans
- Contractor details
- Inspection history
- Current photographs
Ask the Building Division
- Which final is missing?
- Is the permit expired?
- Can it be reactivated?
- Are revised plans needed?
- Can the contractor change?
- Are trade permits open?
- Are fees outstanding?
- What proves closure?
Fix Common PermitEyes and Inspection Problems
Problem |
Likely cause |
Best next step |
|---|---|---|
Street or number missing |
Wrong jurisdiction, address format or database issue |
Do not select another property; call 781-794-8070 |
Account created but no application |
Registration was completed without selecting New Application |
Log in and start a new Building Division application |
Application has no attachments |
Files were not added after preliminary submission |
Select the application and use the paperclip icon |
Status remains pending |
An unexpanded sign-off, fee or review is incomplete |
Open the eye icon and expand each Transactions Monitor row |
Staff asks for more information |
Missing or unclear plans, licenses, cost or scope |
Upload the exact requested file and reply through chat |
Online payment will not open |
Popup blocker or browser issue |
Allow popups, retry in a current browser or ask staff about another payment method |
Inspection cannot be scheduled |
Permit not issued or a hold remains |
Check the Issue Permit workflow and contact staff |
Work differs from approved plan |
Field change was made without revision approval |
Pause affected work and ask whether amended plans are required |
What to Say When You Contact Braintree
“I plan to [exact work] at [full Braintree address]. The property is a [one-family, two-family, multi-family or commercial building]. Which permit, stamped plan, trade permits and outside reviews are required?”
“Application [number] shows [status]. I opened the Transactions Monitor but cannot identify the remaining step. Which sign-off, document or fee is outstanding?”
“Permit [number] at [address] remains open. Which inspection or document is missing, and what must the current owner submit to obtain final closure?”
Do Not Finish Until Every Permit Is Closed
- Correct jurisdiction confirmed
- Correct permit category selected
- Stamped plot plan submitted if required
- Zoning and outside reviews cleared
- Permit number issued
- Approved plans kept on site
- Required work left visible
- Inspection results reviewed
- Failed items corrected
- Trade permits finaled
- Certificate obtained if required
- Final cost documents submitted if required
- Main permit closed
- Closure proof saved
Braintree Town Hall Building Division Map
Open the Correct Braintree Service
Braintree Building Division FAQs
Where do I apply for a Braintree building permit?
Use the Town of Braintree PermitEyes applicant portal. Create or open an account, select New Application, choose the Building Division permit type, submit the application and add required documents with the paperclip icon.
How do I search Braintree permits without an account?
Use the PermitEyes Public View page. Search by application number, permit number, site address, owner, application type or status, then open the record to review available permit and inspection information.
What are the Braintree Building Division hours?
The current Town Hall schedule is Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM and Friday from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Call before visiting for a specific inspector.
Does every shed in Braintree need a permit?
Yes. Braintree states that any size shed requires a permit. The published setbacks are 5 feet from side and rear lot lines and 20 feet from the street, and a shed cannot be placed in the front yard.
When does a Braintree pool require a permit?
The town’s FAQ applies the pool requirement to a structure holding water more than 24 inches deep for swimming or recreational bathing. The published local guidance also includes setbacks and residential enclosure requirements.
Can I use my mortgage plan as a plot plan?
Usually not for a permanent structure or addition. Braintree says a plot plan must be prepared and stamped by a Registered Land Surveyor. A mortgage plan may have limited use for an above-ground pool or shed where no change in grade is proposed.
Can a homeowner pull plumbing or gas permits?
No for regulated plumbing or gas work. Braintree states that a licensed plumber or gas fitter must obtain the permit and perform the work, subject to narrow exceptions such as certain simple repairs or clog clearing.
Which Braintree fee schedule should I use?
Use the Building Division fee schedule effective July 1, 2026. PermitEyes calculates the application charge after submission; compare the live charge with the current official schedule before paying.
How do I upload plan-review corrections in PermitEyes?
Log in, select the application and use the paperclip icon to add the revised files. Use clear file names, then use chat to tell town staff what was uploaded and which comments the revision answers.
How do I close an old Braintree permit?
Search the permit in Public View, collect the plans and inspection history, then call the Building Division. Ask which final inspection, revised plan, contractor update, fee or certificate is required to move the record to complete status.
Source and Accuracy Note
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the Town of Braintree.
This page was rebuilt from the official Braintree Building Division, PermitEyes instructions and public search, current fee page, Building Division FAQs, Planning, ADU, Stretch Energy Code, Stormwater and public-records resources.
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.
Permit rules, fees, staff, forms and portal workflows can change. Confirm time-sensitive requirements with the town before filing, paying or beginning work.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.