Staff Members:

Gary W. Calderwood, Building Commissioner
Ken Ward, Assistant Building Inspector
Barbara A. Pulaski, Administrative Assistant

Building Commissioner's In-Office Hours:

Monday: 8:30am - 10:30am
Wednesday: 8:30am - 10:30am
Thursday: 6:30pm - 8:00 pm
Friday: 8:30am -10:00am

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Ensuring all legal and code requirements are met before permits are issued
• Issuing Building Permits
• Inspections to ensure safe construction, consistent with building codes and local ordinance
• Enforcing City of Newburyport Zoning Bylaws, State Building Code, and Sign Codes.
• Investigating building and zoning complaints
• Citing violations and imposing fines when necessary
• Issuing occupancy permits
• Annual inspection of all places of assembly

Building Permit Fees:

$50.00 for the first thousand dollars of estimated work value and $10.00 for each additional thousand or part thereof.

Check-List to be submitted with all Applications:

Prior to submission of your application, please check this list of REQUIRED ITEMS (other items may be required as needed) to ensure a complete submission for review only. Incomplete applications will be returned.

1. Completed application form.
2. Site plan required for new homes/additions.
3. Two (2) sets of structural plans including foundation, framing, and window schedule.
4. Signed energy calculation form, "Appendix J"
5. Copy of construction supervisor license and/or home improvement license.
6. Full copy of all applicable Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Board, and/or Conservation Commission decisions recorded at the Registry of Deeds in Salem, MA, if required.
7. Plum Island construction needs to be approved by the Conservation Commission and the Board of Health.
8. Swimming pool permits need to be signed by the Board of Health and require Construction drawings by the manufacturer including a copy of the filter system specification.