Southborough, MA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Southborough's inspection rules sit in Chapter 62, Building Construction, and run through the Inspector of Buildings, an office established by § 62-3. The Select Board appoints the Inspector to a three-year term, and no one can be appointed who lacks at least five years' experience as a builder, civil engineer or architect or as a superintendent, foreman or competent mechanic in charge of construction.

Section 62-3(D) defines the job. The Inspector enforces all laws and regulations relating to the construction, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, equipment use and occupancy, location and maintenance of buildings and structures, except as otherwise provided. He inspects all building operations within the Town and has the right of entry at reasonable hours. He requires that all workmanship and building materials be of good quality and that types and methods of construction follow generally accepted standards of engineering practice. In case of violation, he orders the suspension of the work in writing, and the notice states the conditions under which work can be resumed.

Section 62-6(B) adds the construction-phase duty: the Inspector inspects all buildings or structures during construction to see that the provisions of the regulations are complied with and that the construction is prosecuted safely. The chapter does not list separate inspection stages such as footing, framing or final; the inspection duty runs through the whole construction period.

The process ends at occupancy. Under § 62-7(A), it is unlawful to use or permit the use of any building or premises, or part of one, that has been created, erected, changed or converted in its use or structure, until the Inspector of Buildings issues a certificate of occupancy certifying that the conditions of the permit have been fulfilled. Under § 62-7(B), on request of the permit holder or the owner, the Inspector can issue a temporary certificate of occupancy for part of a building, provided the temporary use would not jeopardize life, limb or property. Section 62-4 requires the Inspector to keep records of applications, permits, certificates, inspections, reports and notices or orders, and to report to the Select Board annually and whenever the Board requests.