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Fall River, MA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Trigger
Notify division on work completion
Response time
Inspection within 24 hours
Before concealing work
Inspection required, § 10-193
Utility connection
Requires § 10-192 certificate

Summary

Fall River requires anyone finishing permitted work to notify the Inspectional Services Division, which must inspect within 24 hours, and nothing may be concealed from view until that inspection is approved.

Upon the completion of the work authorized by any permit issued under the provisions of Article II of this chapter, except an annual permit, it shall be the duty of the person performing the work to so notify the Inspectional Services Division on inspection cards provided by it for that purpose. The Inspectional Services Division shall inspect, or cause to be inspected, the installation within 24 hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, of the time such notice is given, or as soon thereafter as practicable.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4739915; v14 updated 2025-12-23; through 12-23-2025).

Full Breakdown

Once permitted work under Article II is complete, § 10-191 requires the person who did the work to notify the Inspectional Services Division using its inspection cards; the Division must inspect within 24 hours, excluding weekends and legal holidays. Under § 10-193, any installation to be hidden from view, behind walls, under flooring, and similar, cannot be concealed until the Division has inspected and issued the § 10-192 certificate of approval. That certificate is also required before a utility may connect electric service to the installation.

Violations & Fines

Concealing work before inspection, or connecting utility service without the § 10-192 certificate of approval, violates § 10-193 and § 10-196 and is punishable under § 10-31.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close up a wall before it's inspected in Fall River?
No, § 10-193 bars concealing any installation until the Inspectional Services Division has inspected and approved it.
How fast does the City inspect after I notify them?
Within 24 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, per § 10-191.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fall River

Building PermitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsCarbon Monoxide DetectorsSome RestrictionsPlumbing PermitsSome RestrictionsElectrical PermitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: CompostingLight Restrictions

All Fall River rules

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