Apply Online, Clear Historic and Coastal Reviews, Then Schedule Salem Inspections by Phone
Salem uses OpenGov for applications, payments and permit tracking—but not for inspection requests. Building, plumbing and gas inspections must be scheduled by phone. Electrical permits and inspections are handled through the separate City Electrician’s office.
This guide explains the correct permit route, current valuation-based fees, 10th Edition Massachusetts code, historic-district approvals, demolition delay, ADUs, wetlands, coastal-resilience review, contractor documents and final permit closeout.
Choose the Salem Permit Task You Need
Salem Project Route Finder
Choose the project to see the likely permit path and the local approval most often missed.
Salem Inspectional Services Address, Phone and Hours
Service window |
Published hours |
|---|---|
Inspector counter hours |
Monday–Thursday: 8–10 AM and 12–1 PM; Thursday: 5–7 PM; Friday: 8–9 AM |
Field inspection hours |
Monday–Friday: 9 AM–12 PM; Monday–Thursday: 1–4 PM |
Electrical Permits and Inspections Use Different Contact Details
Check Five Salem Overlays Before Finalizing the Plans
1. Zoning district
Confirm the allowed use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, parking and whether the property or structure is already nonconforming.
2. Local historic district
Salem has four local districts: McIntire, Lafayette Street, Washington Square and Derby Street.
3. Wetlands and waterways
Work near wetlands, riverfront, floodplain or coastal resource areas can require Conservation Commission approval.
4. Coastal Resilience Overlay
The C-ROD viewer identifies projected 2070 sea-level-rise base flood elevations inside the City overlay.
5. Urban-renewal or design review
Downtown and redevelopment-area projects may require Salem Redevelopment Authority or Design Review Board approval.
Parcel and assessor information
Confirm the map, lot, ownership and property characteristics before searching old records or preparing a site plan.
Which Salem Permit or Approval Fits the Project?
Project |
Start with |
Important Salem requirement |
|---|---|---|
New one- or two-family house |
Building permit |
Zoning, plot plan, architecture, structure, 10th Edition code, energy, utilities, workers’ compensation and separate trade permits |
Addition or structural alteration |
Building permit |
Existing/proposed plans, setbacks, structural details, energy documents, historic review and trades |
Kitchen or bathroom remodel |
Building and trade permits |
Scope, wall changes, electrical, plumbing, gas, ventilation, smoke/CO and construction value |
Accessory dwelling unit |
ADU project in OpenGov |
Building permit, Certificate of Fitness and applicable electrical, plumbing and gas permits |
Deck, porch or exterior stairs |
Building permit |
Plot plan, setbacks, footings, ledger, stairs, guards and historic approval when visible in a local district |
Roofing, solar or wood stove |
Building permit category |
City currently treats mechanical/sheet metal, pools, roofing, solar and wood stoves under building-permit fees |
Exterior windows, doors or siding |
Historic check first |
Certificate of Appropriateness or Non-Applicability can be required before the building permit |
Pool, spa or hot tub |
Building permit |
Site placement, barrier, alarms, electrical bonding, accessibility where applicable and Conservation review near protected areas |
Electrical work or EV charger |
Electrical permit |
State-licensed electrician and separate City Electrician inspection scheduling |
Plumbing or gas work |
Plumbing or gas permit |
Permit granted to licensed tradespeople and inspection booked by phone through Inspectional Services |
Demolition |
Demolition and historic review |
Utility releases, Health, Fire and municipal signoffs, debris disposal and demolition-delay review when applicable |
Business sign |
Sign permit |
Sign ordinance, zoning, building/electrical scope, historic or design review and landlord authorization |
Commercial fit-out or change of use |
Zoning and commercial review |
Use, occupancy, accessibility, egress, Fire Prevention, Health, electrical, plumbing/gas and Certificate of Occupancy |
Apply Through Salem OpenGov in Eight Steps
Confirm the property and scope
Use GIS and zoning resources to verify the map, lot, district, use and site constraints.
Complete required prior approvals
Historic, Zoning Board, Planning Board, Conservation, SRA, Fire, Health or Engineering approval can be needed before permit issuance.
Create or sign in to OpenGov
An email address and saved password are required to manage applications, payments, revisions and future permit work.
Select the correct department and record type
Choose Inspectional Services for building, plumbing and gas applications. Electrical and Fire applications use their own portal categories.
Upload all plans and supporting documents
Use readable file names and submit the complete coordinated set rather than isolated pages.
Pay through the legitimate City process
OpenGov supports integrated payment. Plumbing and gas guidance also identifies online credit-card or e-check payment and City check options.
Respond to every correction
Update all affected sheets, include a response letter and confirm that zoning, historic, fire and trade information remain coordinated.
Wait for formal issuance before starting
Download the issued permit and approved documents, display the permit at the site and follow the required inspection sequence.
Prepare a Complete Salem Permit Package
Property and approvals
- Address, map and lot
- Existing use and occupancy
- Plot or site plan
- Zoning decision
- Historic certificate
- Conservation order or determination
- Planning/SRA decision
- Owner authorization
Construction documents
- Existing and proposed floor plans
- Exterior elevations
- Building sections
- Foundation and framing
- Structural calculations
- Energy-code documents
- Product specifications
- Fire and life-safety plans
Legal and contractor forms
- Workers’ compensation affidavit
- Construction Supervisor License
- Home Improvement registration
- Licensed trade information
- Construction-control documents
- Debris disposal affidavit
- Permit contact sheet
- Owner insurance waiver when applicable
Salem Building-Permit Fees and Common Additional Charges
Permit or service |
Current City-listed amount |
|---|---|
Building-permit base fee |
$75 for residential and commercial building permits |
One- or two-family residential work |
$15 per $1,000 of total project cost, plus the $75 base |
Three or more units, large condominium or commercial work |
$20 per $1,000 of total project cost, plus the $75 base |
Mechanical, sheet metal, pool, roofing, solar or wood stove |
Current building-permit valuation rate for the residential or commercial category |
Demolition, sign or tent |
$75 base plus the applicable residential or commercial valuation rate |
Certificate of Occupancy for existing building or separate CO |
$150; no separate CO fee listed for new construction tied to its building permit |
Permit extension |
$65; written request, active work and six-month extension limit |
Building reinspection |
$75, payable before the reinspection |
304 Certificate |
$150, plus $25 late charge when applicable |
110 Certificate |
$100, plus $25 late charge when applicable |
Salem Building-Permit Fee Planning Tool
Enter the total project cost stated in the application. This uses the City’s current $75 base and valuation rate.
Planning estimate only. The City may apply its own valuation, rounding, trade fees, Fire fees, planning charges, state surcharges or additional reviews. The official invoice controls.
Electrical Charges Are Separate From the Building Fee
Electrical item |
City-listed fee |
|---|---|
Minimum electrical permit | $30 |
New work or renovation | $3 per $1,000 of building-permit valuation |
Pool electrical work | $30 |
Service-panel change | $40 |
HVAC/control wiring without building permit | $50 per unit |
Electrical reinspection | $30 |
Electric-vehicle charging station | $30 each |
Solar electrical fee | $3 per $1,000 of building-permit valuation |
Use the OpenGov ADU Project to Group the Required Applications
Minimum permits
Salem identifies a building permit and Board of Health Certificate of Fitness as minimum ADU approvals.
Possible trade permits
Electrical, plumbing and gas permits may also be required depending on the conversion or new construction.
Nonconforming property
A property or principal dwelling that is already nonconforming can require a Zoning Board finding before the building permit or occupancy approval.
Obtain the Historical Commission Certificate Before the Building Permit
Property inside a local historic district
- Check the McIntire, Lafayette Street, Washington Square and Derby Street maps.
- Exterior work may require a Certificate of Appropriateness.
- Work that does not alter regulated appearance may require a Certificate of Non-Applicability.
- Submit the Historical Commission application through OpenGov.
- Do not begin exterior work until the certificate and building permit are issued.
Structure outside the district but 50+ years old
- Check whether demolition-delay review applies.
- Submit a request to waive the demolition delay through the City system.
- Complete required public review before demolition-permit issuance.
- Obtain utility, Fire, Health and municipal demolition signoffs.
- Document the debris hauler and licensed disposal facility.
Building Issuance Can Depend on Five Other Salem Departments
Department or board |
Common trigger |
Contact or next step |
|---|---|---|
Planning & Community Development |
ZBA, Planning Board, historic, SRA, design review, signs or major redevelopment |
98 Washington Street, 2nd Floor; 978-619-5685 |
Conservation Commission |
Wetlands, waterways, riverfront, floodplain and land subject to coastal storm flowage |
Submit the correct WPA application through OpenGov |
Fire Prevention |
Alarms, sprinklers, commercial occupancy, suppression systems, tanks and pre-demolition review |
48 Lafayette Street; 978-745-7777; fp@salem.com |
Health Department |
ADU Certificate of Fitness, food businesses, grease traps, septic abandonment and regulated establishments |
Choose the applicable Health application in OpenGov |
Engineering / utilities |
Water, sewer, street, drainage, utility release, cross-connection and public-way work |
Confirm Engineering and municipal-utility requirements before excavation |
Use the Massachusetts 10th Edition for New Salem Applications
Building code
Applications filed after June 30, 2025 must use the 10th Edition Massachusetts State Building Code rather than the former 9th Edition.
Energy compliance
Verify the current Massachusetts energy-code and Salem stretch-code requirements for the project’s filing date and building type.
Permit activity
Salem notes that a permit may expire when work does not commence within 180 days unless a valid extension is obtained.
Verify the Correct Massachusetts Credentials
Construction Supervisor License
Permit-required construction must be supervised under the applicable Massachusetts CSL rules unless a lawful exemption applies.
Home Improvement registration
Covered remodeling work on an existing owner-occupied one- to four-unit home generally requires Home Improvement Contractor registration.
Licensed trades
Electrical, plumbing and gas permits must be associated with properly licensed Massachusetts tradespeople.
- Verify CSL status
- Verify HIC registration
- Confirm workers’ compensation
- Confirm electrician license
- Confirm plumber/gas-fitter license
- Use a written construction contract
- Identify who pulls each permit
- Require final inspection closeout
Schedule the Correct Inspection With the Correct Department
Building, plumbing and gas
Call: 978-745-9595, extension 42200
Alternatively, call the specific inspector assigned to the project.
Electrical
Call: 978-745-6300
Alternative: 978-745-9595, extension 52003.
Confirm the permit is issued
An application or payment receipt is not permission to begin regulated work.
Identify the exact inspection stage
Have the permit number, address, inspection type and responsible contact ready when calling.
Keep the approved documents at the site
Display the permit and provide the approved plans, specifications, product information and required reports.
Keep the work exposed
Do not cover framing, insulation, wiring, plumbing, gas piping or fire-protection work before approval.
Provide safe access
Unlock the site, secure pets, provide required ladders and ensure the inspector can safely reach the work.
Correct every failed item
Complete all listed corrections and pay the $75 building reinspection fee in advance when required.
Complete every linked final
Building Final can depend on electrical, plumbing, gas, Fire, Health, historic, Conservation or planning completion.
Do Not Conceal Work Before the Required Stage Passes
Stage |
Have ready |
Do not do yet |
|---|---|---|
Footing and foundation |
Excavation, forms, reinforcing, setbacks and site documents |
Place concrete before approval |
Under-slab or underfloor |
Piping, conduit, framing, drainage and required tests |
Backfill or conceal the work |
Rough building and trades |
Framing, wiring, plumbing, gas, mechanical and fire-protection systems exposed |
Install insulation or wall finish |
Insulation and energy |
Insulation, air sealing and required energy documentation |
Cover before inspection approval |
Final |
Completed permitted scope, working safety systems and every related department final |
Occupy or use the regulated space without required approval |
What Common OpenGov Statuses Mean
Search OpenGov First, Then Request Missing Records
Search OpenGov
Use the permit number when available. Otherwise search by property address or applicant information.
Confirm the correct parcel
Compare the address, map, lot, owner, project description and application date.
Review linked permits
Look for electrical, plumbing, gas, Fire, Health, sign, historic or planning records connected to the project.
Check inspection and occupancy history
An issued permit is not proof that the work passed final inspection or received occupancy approval.
Submit a public-record request
Describe the address, map and lot, date range, permit type and exact records needed.
Fix Common Salem Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely reason |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Inspection request is not confirmed |
It was entered in OpenGov instead of booked by phone |
Call extension 42200 for building/plumbing/gas or 978-745-6300 for electrical |
Building permit is on hold |
Historic, zoning, Conservation, Fire, Health or planning approval is incomplete |
Ask which department hold is active and what exact document clears it |
Exterior work is rejected |
Property lies in a local historic district |
Apply for the correct Historical Commission certificate before resubmitting |
Demolition permit cannot issue |
Utility releases, demolition-delay review or debris information is missing |
Complete the demolition sign-off and Historical Commission process |
Plans reference the 9th Edition |
Plans were prepared under an expired code path |
Revise the code analysis and affected construction details to the 10th Edition |
Inspection fails for missing documents |
Permit or approved plans are not displayed at the site |
Print and post the complete issued package before requesting reinspection |
ADU application is incomplete |
Certificate of Fitness, trades or nonconforming-property review is missing |
Use the OpenGov ADU project questionnaire and complete every grouped application |
Final permit remains open |
A trade, Fire, Health or occupancy approval remains incomplete |
Request a full written closeout list covering all related permits |
What to Say When You Contact Salem
“I am planning [exact work] at [address, map and lot]. Which building, zoning, historic, Conservation, C-ROD, Fire, Health, electrical, plumbing and gas approvals must be completed before construction?”
“Permit [number] at [address] does not appear closed. Which inspection, trade permit, certificate, department hold or occupancy requirement remains outstanding?”
Do Not Consider the Project Complete Until These Are Saved
- Parcel and zoning confirmed
- Historic approval completed
- Conservation and coastal review completed
- Planning, SRA and Fire conditions completed
- Building and trade permits issued
- Permit displayed at the job site
- Approved plans kept available
- Every required inspection passed
- Reinspection fees cleared
- Electrical, plumbing and gas finals completed
- Certificate of Fitness or Occupancy obtained
- Final portal records downloaded and saved
Salem Inspectional Services Location
Open the Correct Salem Permit Resource
Salem Building Department Questions
Where do I apply for a Salem, Massachusetts building permit?
Apply through the City of Salem OpenGov permitting portal. Create an account, select Inspectional Services and the correct permit type, enter the property and project details, upload the required documents and pay the official invoice.
What is the Salem Building Department phone number and address?
Call 978-619-5641 or 978-619-5642. Inspectional Services is at 98 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Salem, Massachusetts 01970.
How do I schedule a Salem building inspection?
Call 978-745-9595, extension 42200, for building, plumbing or gas inspections. Salem specifically states that these inspection requests should not be submitted through OpenGov.
How do I schedule an electrical inspection in Salem?
Call the City Electrician at 978-745-6300 or call 978-745-9595, extension 52003. The Electrical Department is located at 44 Lafayette Street, 2nd Floor.
How much is a Salem residential building permit?
The current City fee page lists a $75 base fee plus $15 per $1,000 of total project cost for work on one- and two-family dwellings. Trade, Fire, planning, reinspection and other fees can be additional.
How much is a commercial Salem building permit?
The current City fee page lists a $75 base fee plus $20 per $1,000 of total project cost for three or more dwelling units, large condominium properties and commercial spaces.
Does exterior work in Salem require historic approval?
Exterior work in the McIntire, Lafayette Street, Washington Square or Derby Street local historic district can require a Certificate of Appropriateness, Non-Applicability or Hardship before the building permit is issued.
What permits are required for a Salem ADU?
At minimum, Salem identifies a building permit and Board of Health Certificate of Fitness. Electrical, plumbing and gas permits may also apply, and a nonconforming property can require Zoning Board review.
Which building code does Salem use in 2026?
New applications must use the 10th Edition Massachusetts State Building Code. Salem stopped accepting applications based on the 9th Edition after June 30, 2025.
How do I find an old or open Salem building permit?
Search the public OpenGov portal using the permit number or property address. Review linked trade permits and inspection history. Submit a City public-record request when the needed plan or document is not available online.
Source and Accuracy Notes
Building-Department.org is an independent informational website and is not the City of Salem or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Applications, payments, inspections, zoning decisions, historic approvals and official records must be handled through the responsible government agency.
This page was rebuilt from Salem’s current Inspectional Services, OpenGov, fees, inspection scheduling, Electrical Department, 10th Edition code, Historical Commission, Conservation Commission, ADU, GIS, Planning and public-record resources.
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.
Fees, office hours, personnel, code requirements, ADU rules, inspection procedures and portal functions can change. Confirm time-sensitive details before filing, paying, purchasing materials 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.