Building Permits in Lowell

Lowell's Division of Development Services administers building and trade permits. Massachusetts' current building code is the 10th Edition of 780 CMR, based on modified 2021 I-Codes; after June 30, 2025, the 10th Edition is the only Massachusetts building-code edition in effect.

Permits, fees and completion

Lowell states that a building permit is required to construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, remove or demolish a structure, change use or occupancy, or install/alter code-regulated equipment. The City currently accepts some trade and limited-scope applications online, but says new-construction and remodel/alteration building applications must be filed with Development Services rather than through that online workflow.

The published fee schedule lists $50 through the first $1,000 of construction cost and $10 for each additional $1,000 or fraction for new buildings, additions, alterations and structures. It also states that construction permits require a Certificate of Occupancy/Completion, listed at $75 per unit. Applicants should use the current City schedule because fees can change.

Lowell publishes specific zoning guidance for some small projects, but those rules are not generalized here into statewide permit exemptions.

Official sources

• Lowell — Building Permits: https://www.lowellma.gov/688/Apply-for-a-Building-Permit
• Lowell — Online Permitting: https://www.lowellma.gov/1631/Online-Permitting
• Lowell — Building Permit Fees: https://lowellma.gov/613/Building-Permit-Fees
• Massachusetts 10th Edition 780 CMR: https://www.mass.gov/handbook/tenth-edition-of-the-ma-state-building-code-780

Disclaimer: Confirm project-specific submittals, inspections, fees and any Massachusetts design-professional requirements before filing.