Inspectional Services

Note: The deadline for submitting cases to heard at the next ZBA Meeting is 30 days prior to the next scheduled meeting.


Residential and Commercial Permits

The City of Amesbury implemented OpenGov for all residential and commercial permit applications and renewals, including sign permits and fence permits. Paper applications will no longer be accepted.

City Ordinances 

For questions about many regulations, including sidewalks obstructions, please view the City ordinances.

Stretch Code “Residential Cash Flow Analysis”

The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) hired an independent building energy consulting firm to look at the cost-benefit equation of building a representative set on new single-family and multi-family homes to the updated 2023 Stretch Code and the Specialized Code. More information.

Trash & Dumpsters

Regulations regarding trash and recycling, especially for the Central Business District, can be found under the Department of Public Works. Dumpster permits must be obtained by DPW.

Neighbor's Fallen Trees and Plantings

Inspectional Services cannot assist with fallen trees from a neighbor's property. Unfortunately, this is a private matter and usually handled through your homeowner's insurance. Massachusetts State Law says that your neighbor will not be legally responsible for a healthy tree that falls. If the tree is decaying, that may be a different situation. In either case, consult your homeowner's insurance on how best to proceed and address your concern.

Massachusetts Law about Neighbors and Trees. 

A quick guide to the issues of neighbors and trees, put out by the State of Massachusetts. Go to: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-neighbors-and-trees

INSPECTIONAL SERVICES FEES

Municipal Council Approved 10/28/25:  BILL No. 2025-110
Previous Fee Adjustment 2011

Effective 11/12/25

Building Permit Fees

PermitFee

Residential & Commercial Permits

$75. application fee /     $14. per $1K 

Fence

$25. non-boundary / $45. boundary

Certificate of Inspection

$75. /per building & $5. / per unit

Occupancy Permit - Residential

$50.00 

Occupancy Permit - Commercial

$100.00 

Permit Extension (6 months)

$75.00 

Re-Inspection (each)

$50.00 

TEMPORARY Signs

$50.00

Work Started Without Permit

Double Permit Fee - Min. Fee $400.


Electrical Permit Fees

PermitFees

Residential & Commercial permits

$75. application fee / $14. per $1K 

 New Home 

$450.00 

Re-Inspection (each)

$50.00 

Work Started Without Permit

Double Permit Fee - Min. Fee $400.


Plumbing & Gas Permit Fees

Residential

 $80. application fee / $14. per $1K 

Commercial

 $110. application fee / $14. per $1K 

Re-Inspection (each)

 $50.00 

Work Started Without Permit

Double Permit Fee - Min. Fee $400.

Inspectional service permitting disclaimer for electric, plumbing, and gas permits:

Electrical, Plumbing and Gas permits at this time will only be issued to Massachusetts licensed plumbers, gasfitters, or electricians. Permits are issued in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws - MGL 143-3L in the case of wiring permits and MGL 142-13 in the case of plumbing and gas permits. Homeowners cannot apply for any of these types of permits at this time. In accordance with M.G.L. c. 147,s.57-61, security work requires Department of Public Safety “S” License.