The job of the Building Department is to ensure the safety and welfare of the general public by enforcing all State and City Ordinance Building Codes.
Important Notice
Due to the current COVID19 pandemic, legal status/zoning analysis will not be considered until further notice. Please do not request this service. Thank you.
As a matter of public health and safety due to COVID19, effective immediately, the City of Revere Building Department will only be accepting applications online. We will not be servicing any walk-in customers as contractors and homeowners are able to apply for, pay for and print permits from the website. All inspections for the time being will be conducted on a case by case basis decided by the individual inspector. Should you have any questions please contact our office at 781-286-8196.
Apply for a Permit
The City of Revere now requires that all permits overseen by Building Department staff be applied for online only through the City’s new epermitting portal. This includes Building, Plumbing, Gas, Electrical, Mechanical, Sheet Metal Permit, a Certificate of Occupancy, or for Site Plan Review.*
Due to the particularly high level of construction taking place in the City at the moment, please allow extra time to await a response from the Building Department.
Note that by state law, any contractor who has not uploaded into the system a valid contractor license or completed a Workers’ Compensation Affidavit will not be issued a permit until the correct information is made available.
You must provide a working email address where responses from the Building Department can be sent and will be read. Responses may include corrections needed on your application, or a request for payment for an approved permit.
* IMPORTANT: Weekly Site Plan Review Submission Deadline. To fully comply with the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, Site Plan Review applications are due no later than 4PM on the Wednesday preceding the next regularly scheduled Site Plan Review Committee meeting. Applications received after the deadline will be placed on the agenda for the following regularly scheduled Site Plan Review Committee meeting.
Anyone seeking to construct, alter, or demolish a structure or install a sign must first obtain a building permit from a building inspector at the Inspectional Services Department. The building permit must be obtained before the start of any work and must be prominently posted at the job site.
Who can be issued a building, wiring, plumbing or gas permits?
Building permits are issued to construction supervisors licensed by the State of Massachusetts. The State license is only valid for work involving structures of less than 35,000 cu. Ft. As an exception to this requirement, building permits are also issued to homeowners doing work on one or two unit dwellings where they reside or intend to reside. It is noted that when homeowners are issued building permits, they may be liable for contractors working on their property and they are not eligible for protection under the provisions of the Homeowners Improvement Contractor Law. For these reasons, Building Department encourages homeowners to have the building permit taken out by a properly licensed contractor.
Electrical, Plumbing and Gas permits can only be issued to Massachusetts licensed plumbers, gasfitters, or electricians. Permits are issued in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws (MGLs); 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.
As a homeowner can I obtain my own building permit?
For renovations, only the owner who resides in the structure of a 1- or 2-family may obtain a building permit. A person who constructs more than one home in a 2-year period shall not be considered a homeowner.
Do I need a building permit to remodel on the inside of my home?
Permits are required for most interior work. Permits are not required for cosmetic work i.e. painting, wallpapering, carpeting etc. However, you should consult with a building inspector for direction.
Do I need a building permit to install a shed?
If the shed is less than 120 sq. ft, a building permit is not required. However, one must comply with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance for any size shed.
Can the Building Department recommend a contractor, architect, or attorney?
The Building Department is not able to make any recommendations.
Is a building permit required for a pool or deck?
Yes, but you should consult with a building inspector for direction.
How do I contact a building inspector?
All inspectors are in the office Monday thru Friday 8:15 am - 9:30 am and Monday thru Thursday 4-5 pm for questions, applications, fee schedules, etc. You can reach the Building Department by phone at 781-286-8197.
Do I need a zoning variance to make changes to my property — e.g., an additional bedroom, a deck, a fence?
Not necessarily. You should submit your proposed plan to the Site Plan Review Committee, which meets every Tuesday morning at 10 am in the Building Department in the former American Legion building adjacent to City Hall. The Committee will let you know what requirements might be necessary for your project to move forward.
How can I change the zoning classification for my property?
