Danvers Building Permits, Inspections & Official Services
If you are planning construction, remodeling, electrical work, plumbing, a new deck, demolition, a commercial build-out, or another regulated project in Danvers, Massachusetts, the office you normally need is Town of Danvers Inspectional Services.
This is an important distinction. Danvers also has a Public Works “Building Division,” but that division maintains Town-owned buildings and school properties. For private-property permits, code questions, plan review, certificates, and construction inspections, start with Inspectional Services.
- Department: Inspectional Services
- Address: 1 Sylvan Street, Danvers, MA 01923
- Main phone: 978-777-0001, ext. 3061
- Building Commissioner: Tim Hudon — ext. 3064
- Building Inspector: Steven Latulippe — ext. 3066
- Electrical Inspector: Mark Fialkowski — ext. 3063
- Plumbing/Gas Inspector: Kevin M. Daly — ext. 3067
Danvers Inspectional Services Contact & Office Hours
| Item | Official Information |
|---|---|
| Department | Town of Danvers Inspectional Services |
| Office | Inspectional Services Office, 1 Sylvan Street, Danvers, MA 01923 |
| Main telephone | 978-777-0001, ext. 3061 |
| Monday–Wednesday | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM–7:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM–12:00 PM |
When can you speak with an inspector?
Danvers publishes narrower inspector counter hours. These are useful if you need to discuss plans, a correction, an inspection issue, or a project-specific code question.
- Monday–Wednesday: 8:00–9:00 AM and 1:00–2:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00–9:00 AM, 1:00–2:00 PM and 5:00–6:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00–9:00 AM
For a complicated project, call before making a special trip. Inspector availability can change when staff members are performing field inspections.
What Does the Danvers Building Department Handle?
Inspectional Services reviews construction plans, issues permits, performs inspections, and enforces the Massachusetts State Building Code, accessibility requirements, Town bylaws, and Danvers zoning rules.
Permit activity published by the Town in 2026 includes:
- Residential building permits
- Residential short-form building permits
- Commercial building permits
- Electrical permits
- Plumbing permits
- Gas fitter permits
- Mechanical / sheet-metal permits
- Sign permits
- Demolition permits
- Accessory dwelling unit-related building permits
- Certificates of occupancy
- Certificates of inspection
- Preservation or historic-related applications where applicable
Do You Need a Building Permit in Danvers?
A permit is commonly required when work involves new construction, an addition, structural alteration, reconstruction, significant remodeling, demolition, changes affecting regulated building systems, or a new use or occupancy.
Small projects can still trigger zoning or trade-permit requirements. Danvers publishes separate checklists for accessory structures, fences, pools and hot tubs, residential setbacks, sheds, solar projects, and demolition of swimming pools.
Do not assume that a small shed, fence, deck, replacement system, or interior renovation is automatically permit-free. Property location, zoning district, project dimensions, structural work, utilities, and the exact scope can change what is required.
The safest first check is the Town’s Fees, Forms & Checklists page. If the project does not clearly match a published checklist, contact Inspectional Services before work begins.
How to Apply for a Danvers Building Permit Online
Danvers uses an online permitting system for building and related applications. Older Town pages may still display a ViewPoint Cloud address because the permitting platform transitioned into the OpenGov system. Use the current Town-linked portal rather than searching for a third-party permit service.
-
Identify the exact project.
Write a plain-language scope such as “construct a 12-by-16 rear deck,” “renovate kitchen and relocate plumbing,” or “replace existing electrical service.” A clear scope helps the reviewer determine which permits apply. -
Check zoning and property restrictions first.
Confirm setbacks, use restrictions, accessory-structure rules, lot coverage, height, and any project-specific zoning requirements. This is especially important for additions, sheds, decks, pools, signs, new dwelling units, and commercial work. -
Prepare your documents.
Depending on the job, this can include plans, specifications, a certified plot plan, contractor information, construction valuation, owner authorization, energy-code documents, and other supporting approvals. -
Open the official Danvers permit portal.
Go to Danvers OpenGov Permitting. Create an account or sign in. -
Select the correct application type.
Choose residential building, short-form residential, commercial building, electrical, plumbing, gas, sheet metal, sign, demolition, certificate, or the other application that matches your work. -
Enter the property and project details carefully.
Use the correct Danvers address, owner details, contractor information, estimated cost, and complete description of work. Incorrect or incomplete information can slow review. -
Upload the requested documents.
Do not submit blank placeholders just to move through the form. If the application requests a plan, authorization, license, or other supporting document, attach the correct file. -
Submit and pay the required fee.
Follow the portal instructions for payment. The amount can depend on construction value, property type, permit category, and separate trade work. -
Watch for reviewer comments.
Log back into the permit record and respond to correction requests. An application being submitted does not mean the permit has been issued. -
Start regulated work only after approval.
Keep the issued permit, approved plans, and required permit documentation available for the project and inspections.
What Should You Prepare Before Applying?
Every job is different, but preparing the following information before opening the application can save time:
- Exact property address
- Owner’s name and contact information
- Clear description of existing and proposed work
- Estimated construction cost
- Scaled construction drawings when required
- Site or certified plot plan when required
- Dimensions and setbacks for exterior work
- Contractor and license information
- Owner authorization if an agent is applying
- Electrical, plumbing, gas, HVAC or sheet-metal scope
- Energy-code information when applicable
- Prior zoning, fire, planning, conservation or other approvals if required
Danvers states that a property owner or the owner’s duly authorized agent may apply for a building permit. When an owner appoints an agent, the authorization should identify the property, owner, and agent.
Danvers Building Permit Fees for 2026
The Town’s current published building-permit fee sheet is effective March 27, 2025 and remains the fee schedule linked by Inspectional Services for 2026.
| Permit / Project | Published Fee |
|---|---|
| Residential new construction | $10 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost |
| Residential addition | $10 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost |
| Residential remodel | $10 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost |
| Minimum residential building fee | $50 |
| Commercial / multi-family / condos — new | $14 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost |
| Commercial / multi-family / condos — addition | $14 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost |
| Commercial / multi-family / condos — remodel | $14 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost |
| Minimum non-residential fee | $75 |
| Residential certificate of occupancy with building permit | $20 |
| Certificate of occupancy without building permit | $25 |
| Residential reinspection | $50 |
| Commercial reinspection | $75 |
The fee sheet instructs applicants to round estimated construction cost up to the next whole $1,000.
Example: if a residential project is valued at $18,500, round it to $19,000. At $10 per $1,000, the basic building permit calculation is $190 before any separate trade permits or other applicable charges.
Demolition fees
- 1- and 2-family: $25 for the first 1,000 square feet, plus $10 for each additional 1,000 square feet.
- Other buildings: $100 for the first 1,000 square feet, plus $25 for each additional 1,000 square feet.
View the official Danvers building permit fee sheet ↗
Electrical Permit Fees
The Town also publishes a separate electrical fee schedule effective March 27, 2025.
| Electrical Work | Published Fee |
|---|---|
| Residential with building permit | $2 per $1,000 of total building cost |
| Minimum residential | $50 |
| Commercial / multi-family / condos with building permit | $3 per $1,000 of total building cost |
| Commercial without building permit | $3 per $1,000 of job cost; $75 minimum |
| Temporary service — residential | $50 |
| Temporary service — commercial | $50 |
| New service / service change — residential | $75 |
| New service / service change — commercial up to 400 amps | $100 |
| Above-ground swimming pool electrical permit | $50 |
| In-ground swimming pool electrical permit | $100 |
Low-voltage fire alarm, security, data and telecommunications work is also listed at $2 per $1,000 residential with a $50 minimum, and $3 per $1,000 commercial with a $75 minimum.
Plumbing, Gas & Sheet-Metal Permits
Danvers has separate trade-permit applications and fees. Plumbing and gas work is inspected by the Plumbing/Gas Inspector, while sheet-metal work uses its own fee schedule.
The Town’s sheet-metal fee schedule currently linked by Inspectional Services is effective March 27, 2025:
- Residential: $10 per $1,000 for new work, additions and remodels; $50 minimum.
- Commercial, multi-family and condos: $14 per $1,000; $75 minimum.
The Town also continues to link a plumbing and gas fee sheet marked effective August 2, 2018. Because that document is older than the current building and electrical schedules, confirm the amount shown in the live permit application before relying on the older plumbing/gas sheet for payment.
Danvers states that plumbing and gas-fitting work must be performed by properly licensed professionals, and plumbing/gas inspections are conducted in the presence of the applicable licensed plumber or gas fitter.
Required Building Inspections in Danvers
Getting the permit is only the first half of the process. The permit holder is responsible for requesting the required inspections and obtaining a final inspection so the permit can be closed.
| Inspection Stage | What Danvers Checks |
|---|---|
| Excavation | Excavation depth before work proceeds; the Town checklist references a minimum four-foot depth from existing average grade where applicable. |
| Footing | Footing preparation and reinforcing steel when required, before concrete is poured. |
| Foundation | Foundation reinforcing and required connections before concrete is poured. |
| Backfill | Waterproofing, drainage, radon provisions and other required items before backfilling. |
| Rough | Framing, fire blocking/caulking, weatherproofing and related rough work. Required electrical and plumbing rough inspections must be completed first. |
| Insulation | Insulation after installation but before wallboard or sheetrock covers it. |
| Final | Completion of the project. Required electrical, plumbing and Fire Department finals must be completed first when applicable. |
How to request an inspection
The Town’s current public pages make the permit holder responsible for scheduling inspections but do not publish one universal scheduling method for every permit category. A practical approach is:
- Have your permit number and property address ready.
- Confirm the work is completely ready for the inspection you are requesting.
- Check your online permit record for an inspection-request option or instructions.
- If the permit record does not make the next step clear, call Inspectional Services at 978-777-0001, ext. 3061.
- For electrical, plumbing or gas work, coordinate through the responsible licensed trade professional.
- Do not proceed past a required inspection point until the required approval is received.
Important fee update: an older Danvers inspection checklist still mentions a $25 reinspection charge. The newer building permit fee schedule effective March 27, 2025 lists $50 for residential reinspections and $75 for commercial reinspections. For 2026 planning, use the newer published fee schedule and confirm the live charge with the Town.
Final Inspection & Closing an Open Permit
A permit is not finished simply because construction is physically complete. Danvers requires permit holders to arrange the required final inspection at the end of the job.
Before requesting the building final:
- Complete all permitted construction.
- Resolve previous correction items.
- Complete required electrical final inspection.
- Complete required plumbing or gas final inspection.
- Complete applicable Fire Department approvals.
- Make sure approved plans and permit information are available.
This final step matters when selling, refinancing, remodeling again, or researching a property’s permit history. Danvers specifically states that an open permit is considered a violation by Inspectional Services.
How to Check Danvers Building Permits & Property Records
Danvers has been digitizing its property folders and provides different record routes depending on when the permit was issued.
- July 2009 through May 30, 2023: permits are accessed through the Town’s older permit-record link.
- Starting May 30, 2023: records are available through the OpenGov/ViewPoint system and can be searched by address.
- Before 2009: the Town says older records require staff retrieval and may take up to 24 hours to access during the digitization project.
On newer records, an Active status can mean either an application is still in process or a permit remains open. A closed permit is shown as Complete.
Does the Town have your old building plans?
Sometimes. Danvers says some older plans remain in its archive, while newer plans may have been uploaded directly to the permit application. The Town also notes that it does not provide certified plot plans as a municipal service.
If your project requires a certified plot plan, do not substitute a mortgage survey unless Inspectional Services specifically confirms that it satisfies your particular requirement.
Certificate of Occupancy in Danvers
A certificate of occupancy confirms that applicable building requirements have been satisfied for occupancy. It is commonly relevant to new buildings, certain changes of use, new tenant spaces, and other projects where occupancy approval is required.
The Town’s building fee schedule lists:
- $20 for a certificate of occupancy with a building permit.
- $25 for a certificate of occupancy without a building permit.
Do not assume every project requires the same close-out document. Some work closes with a final inspection, while other projects require a certificate of occupancy or another certificate.
Certificates of Inspection for Existing Buildings
Some existing buildings require periodic inspection under Massachusetts building-code requirements. Danvers specifically identifies uses such as:
- Places of assembly
- Theaters and lecture halls
- Educational buildings
- Religious buildings
- Restaurants
- Day-care facilities
- Hotels and extended-stay properties
- Public swimming pools
- Multi-family buildings with three or more units
The frequency depends on the occupancy classification. Danvers publishes a separate periodic-inspection schedule with certification periods and fees, generally ranging from $50 to $100 for the listed categories.
Building Codes That Apply in Danvers in 2026
Danvers administers the Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR, together with applicable accessibility regulations, local bylaws, and zoning requirements.
Massachusetts 10th Edition Building Code
The Massachusetts 10th Edition of 780 CMR became effective October 11, 2024. The concurrency period with the 9th Edition ended June 30, 2025, so permit applications submitted in 2026 generally use the 10th Edition.
The 10th Edition is based on Massachusetts-amended versions of the 2021 International Codes, including the IBC, IRC, IEBC, IMC, IECC and other adopted model codes.
Massachusetts 10th Edition Building Code resources ↗
Energy code in Danvers
Massachusetts recognizes Base, Stretch and Specialized energy-code levels. State adoption records updated in 2026 list Danvers under the Base Energy Code, not the Stretch or Specialized Code.
That is important because a nearby municipality may follow a different energy-code level. Do not copy energy requirements from another Massachusetts town simply because the construction project looks similar.
Danvers Zoning Comes Before Many Building Permits
A building design can satisfy structural code and still fail zoning. Before spending heavily on plans, confirm the rules affecting your specific lot.
Common zoning questions include:
- Front, side and rear setbacks
- Allowed property use
- Building height
- Lot coverage
- Accessory structures
- Signs
- Parking
- Additions
- Accessory dwelling or living areas
- Nonconforming lots or structures
View the official Danvers zoning bylaws ↗
When Other Danvers Departments May Be Involved
Inspectional Services is the main construction-code office, but some projects require approvals from other Town departments before a permit can be issued or closed.
| Project Issue | Possible Additional Review |
|---|---|
| Zoning, use, setbacks, site-related approvals | Planning & Economic Development / applicable land-use board |
| Fire alarms, sprinklers, hot work, propane, oil systems, some commercial fire-safety work | Danvers Fire Department / Fire Prevention |
| Wetlands or protected resource areas | Conservation review where applicable |
| Street opening, trench, water or sewer work | Public Works / Engineering |
| Food, public-health or health-regulated use | Danvers Public Health |
| Historic or preservation-related work | Applicable historic or preservation review |
The best time to discover these requirements is before the building application is submitted, not after a reviewer places the application on hold.
Common Danvers Permit Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting work before issuance. Submission is not approval.
- Selecting the wrong application. Residential short-form, full residential, commercial and trade permits serve different work.
- Using only a building permit when trade permits are required.
- Ignoring zoning because the project is small.
- Covering framing, insulation, wiring or plumbing before required inspections.
- Requesting a building rough before required electrical or plumbing rough approvals.
- Forgetting the final inspection. An unfinished permit can remain open after construction is complete.
- Using an old fee amount. Danvers has newer fee schedules for several permit categories.
- Using another town’s requirements. Massachusetts municipalities can have different zoning and energy-code rules.
Nearby & Related Massachusetts Building Department Guides
Permit rules change from one municipality to another. If you are working on projects in more than one Massachusetts community, these guides may also help:
- Beverly Building Department — permits, inspections and fees
- Acton, Massachusetts Building Department guide
- Brockton, Massachusetts Building Department guide
- Bourne, Massachusetts Building Department guide
Danvers Building Department: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Danvers Building Department called?
The office handling private-property building permits and inspections is the Town of Danvers Inspectional Services Department. It administers building permits, code enforcement, plan review and construction inspections.
2. Where is the Danvers Building Department located?
Inspectional Services is at 1 Sylvan Street, Danvers, MA 01923. The main telephone number is 978-777-0001, extension 3061.
3. Can I apply for a Danvers building permit online?
Yes. Danvers uses an online permitting system connected with OpenGov. Create or sign in to your account, choose the correct application, enter the project details, upload required documents, submit the application and complete the required payment steps.
4. How much is a Danvers residential building permit?
The current published residential rate is $10 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost, with a $50 minimum. Danvers instructs applicants to round the estimated cost up to the next whole $1,000.
5. How much is a commercial building permit in Danvers?
For commercial, multi-family and condominium projects covered by the published schedule, the rate is $14 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost with a $75 minimum.
6. How long does a Danvers building permit take?
The Town states that once an application is complete and all prerequisite approvals have been obtained, processing should take no more than 30 days. Project complexity, missing documents and required corrections can affect timing.
7. How do I schedule a building inspection in Danvers?
The permit holder is responsible for arranging required inspections. Check the instructions attached to your online permit record. If the scheduling method is not clear, contact Inspectional Services at 978-777-0001, extension 3061, with your property address, permit number and required inspection stage.
8. What inspections are normally required for construction in Danvers?
Depending on the project, Danvers lists excavation, footing, foundation, backfill, rough building, insulation and final inspections. Electrical and plumbing rough approvals must be completed before the building rough where those trades are involved, and required trade or fire finals must be completed before the building final.
9. How can I look up an old Danvers building permit?
Use the Town’s View Issued Permits page. Records from July 2009 through May 30, 2023 use the older permit system, while permits starting May 30, 2023 can be searched through the newer OpenGov/ViewPoint system by address. Older pre-2009 records may require a staff request.
10. Which building code does Danvers use in 2026?
Danvers enforces the Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR. The 10th Edition is the current statewide building code for 2026 applications. State energy-code records list Danvers as a Base Energy Code municipality.
Before You Submit Your Permit
Spend five minutes checking the basics before pressing submit. Confirm the property address, permit type, zoning restrictions, project valuation, required plans, contractor information, separate trade permits, and any fire or land-use approvals.
That small check can prevent days of back-and-forth. Once your application is complete, use the Town portal for the live permit action and keep your permit record available until the final inspection is approved and the permit is closed.
Information reviewed: October 23, 2026. USBuilding.org is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with the Town of Danvers. Permit requirements, staffing, fees and procedures can change. The Town of Danvers and applicable Massachusetts authorities make final permit and code determinations.