Methuen, MA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Section 10.2A of the Methuen Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance makes the Building Commissioner the administrator of the zoning ordinance. Under subsection (1), pursuant to the State Building Code, the Building Commissioner can require plans and specifications needed to determine compliance with all pertinent laws of the commonwealth. Buildings, structures or signs cannot be erected, substantially altered, moved or changed in use, and land cannot be substantially altered or changed in principal use, unless in compliance with then-applicable zoning and after all necessary permits have been received under federal, state or local law.

Subsection (2) governs the application. It must be accompanied by a plan at a scale of one inch equals 40 feet, prepared by a Massachusetts licensed engineer or land surveyor. The plan shows the actual shape and dimensions of the lot, the exact location and size of all buildings or structures already on the lot, the location of new buildings or structures, the lines within which they are to be erected, and the existing and intended use of each building or structure. The Building Commissioner then grants the permit or disapproves the application within 30 days of receipt.

Subsection (3) bars issuance of any permit if the building, structure or lot as constructed, altered, relocated or used would violate the ordinance, and a refusal must state the reason in writing. Subsection (4) requires a certificate of occupancy signed by the Building Commissioner before a new, substantially altered or relocated building is used. Subsection (5) authorizes a temporary permit for storage of construction materials, equipment and site trailers on a publicly funded project for a period not in excess of 12 months. Subsection (6) lets the Building Commissioner retain an outside expert for a large or complex proposal, with the cost borne in full by the applicant.

A refused applicant has a route to the Board of Appeals under § 10.3B(1)(c), which hears appeals by any person aggrieved by inability to obtain a permit under M.G.L. c. 40A, §§ 8 and 15. The Board has five members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.