Apply, Track, Inspect and Close a Shrewsbury Building Permit
The Town of Shrewsbury uses OpenGov for building, electrical, plumbing, gas, sheet-metal and related permit applications. Applicants can upload plans, read departmental comments, pay online, receive electronic issuance and track the permit record from one account.
This guide explains the current $12-per-$1,000 building fee, Massachusetts contractor requirements, project exemptions, SELCO electrical dependencies, zoning review, inspections and commercial occupancy steps.
Choose the Exact Shrewsbury Permit Task
Open the Route That Matches Your Project
Each panel identifies the first action and the document most likely to delay review.
Home addition or major renovation
Prepare floor plans, structural plans, elevations, energy-code information, smoke and carbon-monoxide details and a certified plot plan prepared by a registered land surveyor. Separate electrical, plumbing, gas and sheet-metal permits may apply.
Basement finish
Use the Town’s 10th Edition Basement Finishing Guide. Show each room’s use, emergency escape and rescue openings, ceiling height, fire blocking, insulation, alarms and all trade work. Open Shrewsbury guides.
Deck
Use the Shrewsbury Deck Construction Guide. A very limited ground-level detached deck may be permit-exempt under the Town’s FAQ, but attached, elevated, exit-serving or larger decks generally require review. Confirm setbacks before designing.
Shed or accessory building
The Town FAQ lists a shed not greater than 200 square feet as exempt from a building permit. Zoning setbacks, easements, lot coverage, height and utility restrictions still apply.
Swimming pool
A prefabricated pool less than 24 inches deep is listed as permit-exempt. Other pools require the applicable building and electrical permits, barrier documentation and safety review. Open pool guidance.
Electrical service, solar or new home
Obtain a SELCO Work Request number when required. The current fee table marks new homes, temporary services, solar installations and service upgrades as requiring a SELCO number. Open SELCO work requests.
Accessory Dwelling Unit
Start with the Town’s ADU guide and verify zoning, owner authorization, parking, utilities, building-code separation, egress, energy and trade-permit requirements before submitting construction plans.
New business or change of use
Confirm the proposed use with Planning before signing a lease. A building permit, Certificate of Occupancy, sign permit, trade permits, Fire Department approvals and business licenses may all be required.
Shrewsbury Building Inspector Contact Information
Monday–Thursday: 8:00–9:00 AM and 3:00–4:30 PM.
Friday: 8:00–9:00 AM. Appointments are required.
Shrewsbury Issues the Building Permit—Related Work May Need Another Approval
Building Inspector commonly handles
- Building permits
- Electrical permits
- Plumbing permits
- Gas-fitting permits
- Sheet-metal permits
- Building inspections
- Certificates of Occupancy
- Certificates of Inspection
Another department may also be required
- Planning Board or ZBA
- Water and sewer permits
- Driveway or trench permits
- Board of Health approvals
- Fire-protection permits
- SELCO work request
- Conservation approval
- State professional licenses
Which Shrewsbury Permit Fits the Work?
Project |
Start with |
Also check |
|---|---|---|
New home, addition or structural renovation |
Building permit |
Certified plot plan, energy, structure, zoning and separate trade permits |
Change of use or occupancy classification |
Planning and building review |
Zoning use, accessibility, egress, fire protection and Certificate of Occupancy |
Basement finish |
Building permit |
Room use, egress, alarms, insulation and trade permits |
Electrical installation or service work |
Electrical permit |
Licensed electrician and SELCO work-request number when listed |
Plumbing or gas work |
Plumbing or gas permit |
Application must be filed by the licensed plumber or gas fitter |
Ductwork or sheet-metal installation |
Sheet-metal permit |
Mechanical equipment and electrical work may need separate permits |
Shed not greater than 200 square feet |
Zoning check |
The FAQ lists a building-permit exemption, but setbacks and easements still apply |
Fence up to seven feet |
Zoning and property-line check |
The FAQ lists a building-permit exemption, subject to exact code conditions |
Pool deeper than 24 inches |
Building and electrical permits |
Barrier, alarm, access, equipment and deck requirements |
Commercial sign or banner |
Sign and zoning review |
Electrical permit, landlord approval and structural attachment |
Work the Town FAQ Lists as Building-Permit Exempt
Small structures
- Accessory building not greater than 200 square feet
- Fence up to seven feet high
- Retaining wall not greater than four feet unless supporting a surcharge
- Ground-level detached deck not larger than 200 square feet
Limited outdoor work
- Prefabricated pool less than 24 inches deep
- One- and two-family play structures
- Plastic-film greenhouse
- Self-supported window awning extending less than 54 inches
Finish and ordinary work
- Painting and wallpaper
- Tile, carpet, cabinets and countertops
- Sidewalk and driveway work handled through DPW
- Ordinary repairs, including limited roof or siding repair
Apply for a Shrewsbury Permit in Seven Steps
Confirm zoning and every permit type
Identify the building, electrical, plumbing, gas, sheet-metal, Fire, DPW and land-use approvals required for the full project.
Create or access the OpenGov account
Open the Shrewsbury storefront, register with an active email address and retain the case-sensitive login information.
Select the correct permit application
Choose the application that matches the work rather than placing electrical, plumbing or gas work only inside the building description.
Enter a complete scope and construction value
Describe dimensions, rooms, structural changes, equipment, occupancy and all affected systems. Include labor and materials in the construction value.
Upload every required document
Submit code-compliant plans, a certified plot plan when required, energy documents, product details, contractor credentials and outside approvals.
Track comments and upload coordinated revisions
OpenGov shows missing documents, departmental comments and approvals. Revise every affected sheet and identify the new revision date.
Pay and confirm electronic issuance
Pay online, by cash in the Building Inspector’s Office or by check payable to the Town of Shrewsbury.
Minimum Documents for a Complete Building Application
Property and scope
- Legal property address
- Owner information
- Applicant contact details
- Existing conditions
- Detailed proposed work
- Total construction value
Construction plans
- Floor plans with room uses
- Structural framing plans
- Engineered-lumber details
- Exterior elevations
- Sections and connection details
- Equipment specifications
Site, energy and safety
- Certified plot plan
- Setbacks and easements
- Energy-code compliance
- Smoke and CO alarms
- Egress doors and windows
- Outside agency approvals
Local Issues to Solve Before Submitting Plans
Project |
Prepare |
Common missed dependency |
|---|---|---|
Accessory Dwelling Unit |
ADU guide, floor plan, legal bedroom and egress details, parking, utilities and energy documents |
Zoning and occupancy requirements |
Basement finish |
Existing/proposed plans, room uses, ceiling heights, egress, insulation, alarms and fire blocking |
Bedroom egress and concealed trade work |
Deck |
Plot plan, footing layout, ledger or freestanding design, framing, guards and stairs |
Setbacks and lateral-load connection |
Pool |
Plot plan, pool dimensions, barrier form, gate, alarm, electrical bonding and equipment location |
Pool barrier and electrical inspection |
Ductless HVAC |
Equipment sheets, condenser and head locations, electrical and refrigerant details |
Required building, electrical, mechanical or sheet-metal applications |
New single-family home |
Certified plot plan, complete construction documents, energy compliance, radon checklist and utility approvals |
Stretch-code, SELCO, DPW and final occupancy approvals |
Solar installation |
Structural attachment, electrical one-line, equipment specifications and site layout |
SELCO Work Request number |
Work near a property line |
Registered survey, exact setbacks and easement locations |
Zoning relief or redesign before building review |
Know Who Should Pull the Building Permit
Contractor application package
- Construction Supervisor License
- Home Improvement Contractor registration
- Workers’ compensation certificate
- Business and contact information
- Complete project contract
- Required licensed trade contractors
Homeowner permit limitations
- The property must be the owner’s occupied home.
- The owner assumes responsibility for code compliance.
- The owner may lose access to the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund for the project.
- People hired for covered construction work still require applicable registration and licensing.
- Electrical, plumbing and gas applications must be submitted by the licensed tradesperson.
When a SELCO Work Request Number Is Needed
Electrical project |
Posted residential fee |
SELCO Work Request? |
|---|---|---|
New house |
$100 plus $0.60 per amp |
Yes |
Temporary overhead service |
$50 |
Yes |
Temporary underground service |
$80 |
Yes |
Solar installation |
$80 |
Yes |
Service upgrade |
$50 |
Yes |
Swimming pool |
$80 |
No |
Addition or remodeling |
$80 |
No |
HVAC, burner or water heater |
$50 |
No |
Codes Used for Shrewsbury Construction Review
Estimate the Shrewsbury Building Permit Fee
The Town calculates both building and sheet-metal permits at $12 per $1,000 of construction value, rounded up to the next whole $1,000, with a $50 minimum. This does not include trade permits, outside reviews or other approvals.
Building and Inspection Fees
Permit or service |
Current fee |
How it works |
|---|---|---|
Residential building |
$12 per $1,000 |
Round construction value up to the next $1,000; $50 minimum |
Commercial building |
$12 per $1,000 |
Same current valuation formula; $50 minimum |
Sheet metal |
$12 per $1,000 |
Round up to the next $1,000; $50 minimum |
Building reinspection |
$50 |
Charged for each reinspection |
$2,000 building project |
$50 |
The calculated $24 fee becomes the $50 minimum |
$10,000 building project |
$120 |
$12 multiplied by ten units of $1,000 |
$25,500 building project |
$312 |
Rounded to $26,000 before calculation |
Plumbing and Gas Fees
Permit |
Fee |
Included or special rule |
|---|---|---|
Residential plumbing |
$100 plus $5 per fixture |
Separate permit for each dwelling unit |
Nonresidential plumbing |
$100 plus $8 per fixture |
Use the full commercial fixture count |
Residential gas |
$100 plus $5 per fixture |
Separate permit for each dwelling or business |
Nonresidential gas |
$100 plus $8 per fixture |
Hood inspection is listed separately |
Residential hot-water replacement |
$60 |
Gas permit required for a gas-fired water heater |
Nonresidential hot-water replacement |
$85 |
Confirm plumbing and gas scope |
Sewer connection |
$60 |
DPW sewer permits and charges may also apply |
External grease trap |
$150 |
Coordinate plumbing, Health and sewer requirements |
Gas hood inspection |
$150 |
Other Fire or mechanical approvals may apply |
Plumbing or gas reinspection |
$50 |
Each additional inspection or reinspection |
Selected Electrical Fees
Electrical work |
Current fee |
Inspection or processing note |
|---|---|---|
New residential unit |
$100 plus $0.60 per amp |
Three inspections; SELCO number required |
Pool |
$80 |
Two inspections |
Addition or remodeling |
$80 |
Confirm the complete wiring scope |
Solar |
$80 |
Two inspections; SELCO number required |
Service upgrade |
$50 |
One inspection; SELCO number required |
HVAC, burner or water heater |
$50 |
Mechanical or gas permit may also apply |
Fire alarm, security or low-voltage wiring |
$50 |
One inspection; Fire approval may also apply |
Commercial electrical |
$100 plus $10 per $1,000 |
Based on full electrical construction cost |
Additional inspection or reinspection |
$50 |
Charged for each additional visit |
Paper electrical application |
$15 extra |
Manual-entry fee; processing may take up to three business days |
Request and Pass Shrewsbury Permit Inspections
Request route
Open the issued OpenGov permit and use the available inspection request or scheduling action.
Call 508-841-8512 when the request option is unavailable or inspector coordination is needed.
Inspector appointments
Appointments are required.
Inspector office hours are Monday–Thursday, 8:00–9:00 AM and 3:00–4:30 PM; Friday, 8:00–9:00 AM.
Reinspection fee
$50 per reinspection
Correct every cited item before requesting another visit.
Before the inspector arrives
- Permit is issued
- Permit card is posted
- Approved plans are available
- Correct inspection stage is complete
- Concealed work remains visible
- Safe access is provided
After a failed inspection
- Read the entire correction notice
- Identify the responsible contractor
- Correct all related deficiencies
- Keep corrected work exposed
- Pay a reinspection charge if assessed
- Confirm the new result in OpenGov
Plan Inspections Before Covering the Work
Project stage |
Typical inspection |
Do not proceed until |
|---|---|---|
Excavation and foundation |
Footings, reinforcing, forms, foundation and underground work |
Required elements are visible and approved |
Rough trade work |
Electrical, plumbing, gas and sheet-metal rough inspections |
Concealed trade systems pass |
Framing |
Structure, connections, fire blocking, egress and plan layout |
Applicable rough trade approvals are complete |
Insulation |
Insulation, air sealing and energy-code details |
Wall and ceiling cavities are approved |
Final trades |
Operational fixtures, equipment, alarms and completed systems |
All trade permits receive final approval |
Building final |
Complete project, safety, accessibility and approved use |
Final approval or occupancy authorization is issued |
What Common OpenGov Statuses Usually Mean
Check Zoning Before Leasing or Altering a Business Space
Confirm the proposed use with Planning
Use the GIS property viewer to identify the zoning district, then ask Planning whether the exact business activity is permitted.
Determine whether land-use approval is required
A site plan, special permit, variance, administrative review or other Planning/ZBA process may be required before building permits.
Prepare alteration and occupancy plans
Show the legal use, occupant load, floor layout, accessibility, egress, toilet facilities, fire protection and all construction changes.
Apply for building and trade permits
File building, sign, electrical, plumbing, gas, sheet-metal and Fire applications required for the complete tenant work.
Complete inspections
Finish all building, trade, Fire, Health and other required inspections.
Obtain occupancy authorization
Do not open or use the altered space until the required Certificate of Occupancy or other final authorization is issued.
When a ZBA Application May Be Needed
Current published filing fees
Special permit or variance: $300
The Town states that multiple requests can be included in one application.
Comprehensive permit: $1,000 plus $100 per proposed unit.
Before applying
- Confirm the exact zoning deficiency
- Prepare an accurate certified survey
- Review setback and dimensional rules
- Obtain owner authorization
- Prepare project plans and narrative
- Ask whether consultant fees may apply
Some Existing Buildings Need a Certificate of Inspection
Building use |
Published fee |
Certificate period |
|---|---|---|
Churches, church halls, restaurants, clubs and athletic facilities |
$100 |
One year |
Private schools and educational facilities |
$100 |
One year |
Childcare facilities |
$100 |
One year |
Institutions, hospitals and nursing homes |
$100 first 100 beds; $2 each additional 10 beds |
Two years |
Hotels and motels |
$100 up to five units; $2 per additional unit |
One year |
Multifamily buildings |
$75 plus $2 per dwelling unit |
One year |
Find an Application, Permit or Inspection Record
Log in to OpenGov
Use the account that filed the application to view real-time status, comments, invoices and issuance.
Search by permit or property information
Use the permit number, property address, applicant or other available search field.
Open every related trade record
A single project can have separate building, electrical, plumbing, gas, sheet-metal and Fire permits.
Review inspections and final status
Confirm that rough, final and occupancy-related inspections passed.
Check the Town’s permit reports
Published reports can help identify older applications or activity by period.
Request unavailable records
Use the Town’s Public Records process when older documents, plans or complete files are not available online.
How Shrewsbury Addresses Work Started Without a Permit
Prepare before contacting the Town
- Property address
- Approximate construction date
- Complete work description
- Photos of visible conditions
- Contractor information
- Any old invoices or plans
- Proposed legalization plans
- Licensed professional when required
Ten Shrewsbury Permit Problems to Avoid
- Starting work before the permit is electronically issued.
- Submitting a vague project description.
- Using a construction value that excludes labor or materials.
- Omitting the certified plot plan or survey.
- Ignoring zoning setbacks, easements or lot coverage.
- Missing the SELCO Work Request number.
- Letting a homeowner pull a permit for a contractor-led project without understanding the risk.
- Failing to submit separate electrical, plumbing, gas or sheet-metal applications.
- Covering framing or trade work before inspection.
- Assuming the building final automatically closes every trade permit.
What to Say When Contacting Shrewsbury Staff
“I am planning [exact work] at [address]. Which building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, gas, sheet-metal, Fire and DPW approvals apply?”
“OpenGov application [number] received comments dated [date]. I uploaded a complete revised set and a response identifying where each comment was corrected.”
“Permit [number] is ready for [inspection type]. The work is exposed, approved plans are on site and access is available. What is the correct request procedure?”
“I found permit [number] at [address], but it does not appear closed. Which inspection, trade permit, fee or occupancy document remains outstanding?”
Do Not Treat the Project as Finished Until These Are Complete
- Shrewsbury jurisdiction confirmed
- Correct permit types identified
- Zoning use and setbacks confirmed
- Certified plot plan completed
- Planning or ZBA approval completed
- SELCO request obtained when required
- Contractor credentials verified
- Complete documents submitted
- Review comments resolved
- Fees paid
- Permit issued electronically
- Permit card posted
- Inspections completed in sequence
- Trade permits finalized
- Certificate of Occupancy obtained when required
- OpenGov record shows final or closed status
Shrewsbury Building Inspector Office Map
Building office: 508-841-8512.
Inspector appointments are required. Call before visiting or delivering materials that cannot be submitted through OpenGov.
Open the Correct Shrewsbury Portal, Guide or Rule
Shrewsbury Building Permit FAQs
Where do I apply for a Shrewsbury building permit?
Use the Town of Shrewsbury OpenGov permit portal. Create an account, choose the correct application, enter the project information and upload all documents required by 780 CMR and the Town.
What is the Shrewsbury Building Department phone number?
Call the Building Inspector’s Office at 508-841-8512. The office is at Town Hall, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts 01545.
How much is a Shrewsbury building permit?
Residential and commercial building permits cost $12 per $1,000 of construction value, rounded up to the next whole $1,000. The minimum building permit fee is $50.
Does a shed require a Shrewsbury building permit?
The Town’s current FAQ lists an accessory building not greater than 200 square feet as exempt from a building permit. Zoning setbacks, easements, height, lot coverage and other requirements still apply.
Does a fence require a building permit in Shrewsbury?
The Town FAQ lists a fence up to seven feet high as exempt from a building permit. Confirm property lines, zoning, corner visibility and any special site restrictions before installation.
Can a homeowner pull their own Shrewsbury permit?
An owner may apply for a building permit for an owner-occupied home, but assumes responsibility for code compliance and may lose Home Improvement Guaranty Fund protection. Electrical, plumbing and gas permits must be submitted by the licensed tradesperson.
What does a contractor need for a building application?
The Town identifies the applicable Construction Supervisor License, Home Improvement Contractor registration and workers’ compensation certificate as core contractor documents.
How do I schedule a Shrewsbury inspection?
Use the issued OpenGov permit record to request or coordinate the required inspection. Call 508-841-8512 when the portal does not provide the needed option or an inspector appointment is required.
What happens if work was completed without a permit?
The owner must apply as though the work were being built today. Concealed work may need to be exposed, and materials that do not comply with current code may need to be removed or replaced before inspections can be approved.
How do I check a Shrewsbury permit’s status?
Log in to OpenGov to view status updates, missing documents, departmental comments, invoices and issuance. Review every connected building and trade permit before treating the project as closed.
Official Information Used for This Guide
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the Town of Shrewsbury.
This page was checked against the official Building Inspector page, OpenGov portal, application instructions, current fee page, permit FAQs, project guides, staff directory, zoning and Planning pages, SELCO work-request guidance and Massachusetts 10th Edition Building Code resources.
Last verified: July 23, 2026.
Fees, staffing, permit categories, office hours, code interpretations and online screens can change. Confirm time-sensitive details with the Town before filing, paying, purchasing materials or beginning construction.
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.