| Q. When is a building permit required?
A. Anyone seeking to construct, alter, or demolish a structure or install a sign
must first obtain a building permit issued by the Building Department. The building permit
must be obtained before the start of any work and must be prominently posted at the job
site.
Q. Who can be issued a building permit?
A. Building permits are issued to construction supervisors licensed by the
State. The State license is only valid for work involving structures of less than 35,000
cu. 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. Please
note 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.
Q. What about the issuance of plumbing, gas, or wiring permits?
A. These permits are only issued to Massachusetts licensed plumbers, gasfitters, or
electricians.
Q. What requirements must be met prior to applying for a building permit?
A. The work must be in compliance with the Brookline Zoning Ordinance.
Q. When must work be started under the building permit?
A. Work must be started within six (6) months of the date the permit is issued. Once
started, the work must be progressing continuously to completion. The Noise By-Law does
not permit construction activities prior to 7:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m.
Q. What about requirements for handicapped persons?
A. The Massachusetts Access Regulations are part of the Building Code and are enforced for new
construction, alterations, and changes in use.
Q. What is the required height of guardrails and handrails?
A. For single- and two-family houses, a deck located more than 30 inches above
grade must have a guardrail of at least 36 inches in height. Handrails must be located at
a height of from 30 inches-28 inches. If the guardrail also serves as the handrail for
open-sided steps, the minimum height is 34 inches. Guardrails for uses other than one- or
two-family structures must be a minimum of 42 inches. |
