Building


Attention Contractors and Homeowners 

On January 1, 2023 the new Stretch Code for Residential Low Rise construction will take effect with no over lap of the past code. All new building permit applications submitted on January 1, 2023 and moving forward will need to meet these requirements. Below is a link that contains information related to the new regulations. 

Stretch Energy Code Development 2022:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stretch-energy-code-development-2022#new!-release-of-final-code-language-for-stretch-code-update-and-new-specialized-stretch-code-


Webinar Overview of the Final Code Language. 

 On November 2, 2023 DOER held a webinar to provide an overview of the updates to the Stretch Code and New Specialized code. The Webinar recording and Slides from the Webinar are available in the above link. 


Apply for all permits online: 
   Andover MA On-line Permit Portal

The Town of Andover and the Andover Building Division are committed to ensuring safety for all.  Protocols for field inspections of electric, plumbing, gas, mechanical and building permits have been established as follows:

  • Please request inspections on-line or by calling the office at 978-623-8620 at least 24 hours prior to the desired inspection date.
  • Please provide: permit number, site address, type of inspection required, contact name, and telephone number.
  • Staff will schedule the inspection on the next available date, unless another date is requested and is available. 
  • The inspection is not scheduled until confirmed by staff. 
  • By 8:00 a.m. on the morning of the confirmed inspection date, the appropriate inspector will contact you to discuss specific details as to how the inspection will be conducted and at what time. 
  • Siding, service, trench, roof, foundation, footing and other exterior inspections that do not require entry will continue unabated. 
  • We will be conducting all exterior inspections and public safety inspections (fires or unsafe structures).
  • Interior Inspections: Depending upon the scope of the project, alternative inspection methods, such as 3rd party reports, affidavits, FaceTime / video, or photos may be accepted but are not guaranteed. Please call the main office number to verify.
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 including, but not limited to:

  • Additions and alterations to all structures
  • Business
  • Chimneys
  • Commercial and industrial buildings
  • Dormitories
  • Institutional buildings (nursing homes)
  • Multi-family as well as single family dwellings
  • Pools
  • School buildings (both public and private)
  • Signs

Building officials also perform periodic inspections for those buildings, which are required to obtain Certificates of Inspection under State Building Code, Table 110.

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