Apply, Pick Up Your Permit Card, Pass Inspections and Close an Andover Permit
Start with the exact task you need. Apply online, search an existing record, prepare the required documents, request an inspection or fix an old active permit.
This guide uses Andover’s current forms, fees, permit-card rule and inspection sequence so homeowners and contractors can see the next action without searching through multiple departments.
What Do You Need to Do Right Now?
Andover Building Division Phone, Address and Hours
Which Andover Permit Fits Your Project?
Project |
Start with |
Who may apply |
Also check |
|---|---|---|---|
Addition, deck, porch or structural alteration |
Building permit |
Licensed contractor or qualifying homeowner |
Plot plan, zoning, Conservation, Health, Fire or historic review |
Interior remodel, roofing or siding |
Building permit |
Licensed contractor or qualifying homeowner |
Trade permits; plot-plan exception may apply |
Electrical service, circuits, EV charger, heat pump or solar |
Electrical permit |
Licensed electrical contractor |
Building, Fire or utility coordination |
Plumbing fixtures, boiler or water heater |
Plumbing / gas permit |
Licensed plumbing or gas contractor |
Water heaters and oil burners also require electrical permits |
HVAC or sheet-metal work |
Mechanical permit |
Licensed contractor |
Electrical, gas, energy and commercial balancing report |
Dumpster |
Health + Fire permits |
Contractor, homeowner or business where allowed |
Both Health and Fire Prevention permits are listed as required |
Business Certificate |
Zoning Verification Letter |
Homeowner or non-contractor business |
Town Clerk certificate after zoning verification |
Accessory dwelling unit |
Dedicated ADU application |
Property owner or authorized applicant |
Professional plans, IDR and ZBA advisory review |
Demolition or historic structure |
Building + historic screening |
Owner or licensed contractor as applicable |
Preservation demolition delay or Ballardvale review |
Apply for an Andover Permit in Seven Clear Steps
Describe the work in one exact sentence
Name the work, location, size and affected systems.
Check which departments must approve first
Conservation, Health, Zoning, Planning, Ballardvale Historic District, Preservation or Fire approval may be needed before permit issuance.
Prepare the correct plan package
A certified plot plan is generally required except for interior remodeling, siding or roofing. The current checklist also requests signed plans, insurance and contractor documents.
Create the correct account
Contractors and contractor-based businesses should register as Contractor. The Business account type is for non-contractor businesses.
Upload and review every file
Make the scope, project value, plan dimensions and permit categories match.
Wait for issuance and pick up the printed card
After a building permit is issued, the contractor must collect the card before work starts.
Complete inspections and confirm closure
Give at least 24-hour notice, keep work visible and complete all trade finals before the final building inspection.
What Andover May Require Before Issuing the Permit
Core application package
- Completed signed application
- Certified plot plan when required
- Insurance form
- Homeowner exemption if used
- Liability insurance certificate
- Workers’ compensation affidavit
- Signed owner-contractor contract
- HIC and CSL copies when applicable
Plans and prior approvals
- Two signed plan sets
- Planning Board release
- Health approval
- Fire Prevention review
- Engineering design
- Conservation approval
- HERS documentation
- Historic or Preservation approval
Which Department May Need to Approve the Project First?
Project condition |
Contact |
Ask about |
|---|---|---|
Wetlands, buffer area or uncertain upland |
Conservation — 978-623-8630 |
Wetland setbacks, filing type and survey requirements |
Septic property, food use, asbestos, sandblasting or dumpster |
Health — 978-623-8640 |
Title 5, sewer, septic or Health permits |
Setback, use, lot, height or dimensional issue |
Zoning / ZBA — 978-623-8627 |
By-right compliance, variance or special permit |
Subdivision, site plan or Planning condition |
Planning — 978-623-8650 |
Release, special permit or site-plan approval |
New dwelling, new bedroom, alarm, sprinkler or life safety |
Fire Prevention — 978-623-8660 |
Plan review, permits and inspections |
Historic demolition or Ballardvale property |
Building / Preservation |
Demolition delay or Historic District approval |
Andover Permit Fees and Simple Examples
Building permit
Additions and alterations: $25 application fee + $13 per $1,000 of construction cost.
Minimum fee: $25.
Reinspection: $100.
Work without permit: double fee.
Building schedule effective January 2, 2024.
Plumbing and gas
Existing-fixture renovation: $50 + $5 per fixture.
New residential appliance or fixture: $100 + $5 per fixture.
Water heater: $25 each for gas/plumbing.
Reinspection: $50.
Schedule revised March 14, 2024.
Electrical
Residential EV charger: $50.
Heat pump or mini split: $50 per unit.
Residential solar: $175.
Reinspection: $50.
Schedule modified May 9, 2025.
Request Inspections in the Correct Order
Before requesting
- Give at least 24-hour notice
- Do not request by voicemail
- Display the permit card
- Keep approved plans on site
- Leave work visible
- Provide safe access
Before final inspection
- Trade roughs passed
- Framing passed
- Insulation passed
- Electrical final passed
- Plumbing and gas finals passed
- Building final requested last
How to Close an Active Andover Permit
Who may request the review?
Only the current property owner or permit holder may submit Andover’s open-permit closure request. Prospective buyers and agents are not accepted for this request.
- Open the Town service-request form.
- Enter the property address under Issue Location.
- Select Public Records Request, then Building.
- State your relationship to the property.
- List every permit number you want reviewed.
What the status means
- Active means the permit is open.
- Complete means the permit is closed.
- A building permit needs a passed final inspection.
- Building permits can become invalid after 180 days of inactivity or abandonment.
- Plumbing, gas and electrical permits do not expire, but still need final inspections.
- A new contractor and new permit may be required when the original trade contractor is unavailable.
Call the Correct Permit Specialist
What Andover Requires for an ADU Application
Site plan
- 24-by-36-inch sheets
- Prepared by a registered professional
- Minimum scale of 1 inch = 40 feet
- Property boundaries and contours
- Nearby buildings and structures
- Setbacks and easements
- Wetlands, water and sewer
- Drainage, parking and access
Interior plans
- Main-dwelling floor area
- ADU room layout
- Mechanical, electrical and plumbing design
- Light and ventilation
- Sound control
- Two means of egress
- Fire separation and Smoke/CO
- Ceiling height and circulation
What the Online Permit Status Means
What to Say When You Contact Andover
“I am planning to [exact work] at [full Andover address]. Can you confirm the permit type, plot-plan requirement, prior department approvals and inspection sequence?”
“I am the current owner or permit holder for [address]. Permit [number] shows active. Which final inspection or document is missing, and is the permit still valid?”
“I need the [inspection type] inspection for permit [number]. The card and approved plans are on site, the work is visible and access is available.”
“I have a certified plot plan for [address]. Please help me confirm the zoning district, dimensional rules and whether the proposed project needs relief.”
Do Not Call the Project Finished Until These Are Complete
- Correct permit type selected
- Prior department approvals completed
- Application and plans coordinated
- Permit formally issued
- Printed permit card picked up
- Card and plans displayed on site
- Inspections requested with 24-hour notice
- Trade roughs passed
- All trade finals passed
- Final building inspection passed
- Online record shows complete
- Closure proof saved
Andover Building Division Map
Open the Correct Andover Portal, Form or Fee Schedule
Andover Building Permit and Inspection FAQs
Where do I apply for an Andover building permit?
Use Andover’s current OpenGov portal. Contractors should register under the contractor account type. Property owners may apply for the homeowner permit categories allowed by the Town.
Do I need to pick up a printed permit card?
Yes for issued building permits under the May 2026 rule. Contractors must collect the card before work starts and keep it on site with the approved plans.
What are the Andover Building Division hours?
The Building page lists 7:00 AM–3:30 PM Monday through Friday, while the staff directory lists 7:00 AM–3:00 PM. Inspectors are listed as available from 7:00–8:00 AM. Call 978-623-8620 before visiting.
How much notice is required for an inspection?
Andover’s current checklist requires at least 24-hour notice. Inspection requests cannot be made by voicemail.
What must be available during an inspection?
The printed building permit card and approved plans must be displayed and accessible. The work being inspected must remain visible and safely accessible.
How do I know whether an Andover permit is open?
Search the property in the permit-record portal. Andover identifies open permits as active and closed permits as complete.
Who may request review of an open permit?
Only the current property owner or permit holder may submit the required closure-review request. The Town does not accept this request from prospective buyers or agents.
How much is an Andover building permit?
The current building schedule lists additions and alterations at $25 plus $13 per $1,000 of construction cost. Separate trade and department fees may apply.
Is a certified plot plan always required?
The 2025 checklist generally requires a certified plot plan but lists exceptions for interior remodeling, siding and roofing permits.
What does Andover require for an ADU application?
The current procedure requires a professionally prepared site plan, detailed interior plans, at least five paper copies plus electronic copies, and interdepartmental and ZBA advisory review.
Official Information Used for This Guide
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the Town of Andover. Applications, approvals, inspections, zoning decisions, payments and enforcement must be handled by the Town or its authorized portal.
This page was checked against Andover’s Building Division, current permit portals, 2025 Building Permit Checklist, fee schedules, Open Permit Information Sheet and ADU procedure.
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.
Forms, fees, staff and procedures can change. Confirm time-sensitive details before filing, paying, printing plan sets or requesting an inspection.
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.