Building

ATTENTION CONTRACTORS


Beginning on May 1, 2026, the Building Division will begin printing issued building permits.  Contractors will be required to pick up their building card prior to starting work, hours for permit pick up will be 7am -3:30 pm M-F.  The building cards are required to be on site along with a set of approved building plans.  If at any point you require a second copy, you will be charged a $100 fee.  If the permit card is not on site when the inspection is conducted, you will fail the inspection and pay a reinspection fee.

 

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Building Division is to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the Town's residents and visitors through the enforcement of the State and local laws, bylaws and regulations.

ABOUT THE DIVISION

The Building Division is charged with the enforcement and interpretation of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR and the Access Regulations, 521 CMR, as adopted, Article VIII of the Andover Code, Andover Zoning Bylaw, and Chapter 40A of Massachusetts General Laws. The Building Division also enforces Article 33 of the Andover Bylaw, Demolition of Historically Significant Buildings and Structures, and Article 36 of the Andover Bylaw, Ballardvale Historic District Bylaw.

The Division enforces the compliance of the conditions on the Variances and Special Permits granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals, and assists in the enforcement of the Planning Board restrictions of the Site Plan Certificates of Approval. The Division issues permits for all construction regulated by the State Building Codes, and performs all related inspections. The Division works in cooperation with the Andover Fire Department for fire protection of all new and existing buildings. Included within the Building Division are the Electrical Inspector, Plumbing Inspector and Sealer of Weights and Measures. The Building Division issues permits for all types of construction and performs periodic inspections, which are required to obtain Certificates of Inspection under State Building Code, Table 110.

Accessory dwelling units (ADU's)

On August 6, 2024, Governor Healey signed the Affordable Homes Act into law (Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024). Section 8 of the Affordable Homes Act amends the Zoning Act to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's) up to 900 square feet to be built by right in single-family zoning districts.  An ADU is a small residential living space located on the same lot as another home. An ADU must:

  • Maintain a separate entrance, either directly from the outside or through an entry hall or corridor shared with the principal dwelling sufficient to meet the requirements of the state building code for safe egress
  • Be either no larger than half the gross floor area of the principal dwelling or 900 square feet, whichever is smaller
  • Meet local municipal restrictions, including, but not limited to, additional size restrictions and/or restrictions or prohibitions on short-term rental if the city or town decides to impose these  

SITE PLAN REVIEW PROCEDURES FOR ADU APPLICATIONS

ADU Application

APPLYING FOR A PERMIT

View information regarding the boards and commissions that the Building Division oversees:

BUSINESS CERTIFICATES

The obtain a Business Certificate from the Town Clerk, you first must apply for a Zoning Verification Letter through the Building Division.  To apply, please click the following link: ZONING VERIFICATION LETTER


FEES, FORMS, AND RESOURCES

Access fee schedules and important forms and checklists related to the permit application process. 

Frequently asked questions

View FAQs regarding a variety of Building Division topics.

OPen Permits

For open permits to be reviewed for potential closure, an official public records request must be submitted. Important: Only the current property owner or permit holder is permitted to submit these requests. We cannot accept requests from prospective buyers, agents, or other individuals.

 

To submit your public records request, please follow the steps below:

 

1. Visit the following link: https://andoverma.qscend.com/311/request/add

2. In the "Issue Location" field, enter the property address.

3. In the "Type of Issue" dropdown, select "Public Records Request" and then "Building."

4. In the "Comments" section, please provide your contact information, your relationship to the property, and the permit numbers you wish us to consider closing.


For more detailed information on open permits, please refer to the attached  Open Permit Memo. 

PUBLIC RECORDS REQUESTS

Looking for a plot plan or other documents related to a specific Andover property? Public Records Requests can be submitted online or by completing the following form.