Custom House Plans in Boston, MA

What's different about building in Boston

• ★Boston's Inspectional Services Department issues permits, and most of the city uses the Specialized or Stretch energy code.
• ★Zoning Board of Appeal relief is often needed for new single-family homes on nonconforming lots.

Building requirements

Building a house in Boston, MA: what the code requires

Statewide residential code

Building code

Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR, IRC-based with extensive amendments) applies statewide.

Energy code

Base, Stretch or Specialized Opt-in energy codes apply depending on the municipality. Many cities and towns use the Stretch Code.

Climate zone

IECC climate zone 5. Insulation, windows and HVAC are sized to match.

Typical frost depth

42–48 in. Footings must extend below the local frost line (confirm with your building department).

Foundations

Raised or pier foundations where flood zones apply; slab inland.

Who can draw the plans

Single-family homes can generally be designed by a non-licensed home designer. A licensed engineer's stamp is often required for structural items, engineered foundations or special hazard zones, or when the local building official asks for it.

Engineer stamp

If your jurisdiction requires sealed drawings, add our Massachusetts Engineer Stamp / Permit-Ready package ($750).

Massachusetts-specific rules & hazards

• ●Title 5 septic regulations apply to homes without sewer, with percolation tests required.
• ●Wetlands Protection Act review by the local Conservation Commission near water.
• ●Cape Cod and coastal areas have flood and wind design requirements.
• ●Heavy roof snow loads and steeper, well-braced roof framing
• ●Flood-zone elevation and coastal foundation requirements

Summary for planning only. Codes, editions and local amendments change, so always confirm current requirements with the building department that will issue your permit. Our designers check your jurisdiction before drawing.

Towns, villages & rural counties

Permit checklist for building in Boston and surrounding towns

Requirements differ town by town. Use this checklist with your local building, zoning and health departments, and include what you learn in your design instructions. We'll draw to it.

1. 01Find who issues permitsIncorporated towns and cities usually have a building department. In unincorporated areas it's the county building or planning office, or a state agency, or in some rural areas nobody. Call before you buy the lot.
2. 02Zoning & setbacksCheck the zoning district for minimum lot size, front, side and rear setbacks, maximum height, lot coverage and whether barndominiums, ADUs or metal buildings are allowed.
3. 03HOA & deed restrictionsSubdivisions often restrict minimum square footage, exterior materials, roof pitch, garage orientation and outbuildings. These can be stricter than the town code.
4. 04Septic & well permitsWithout city sewer or water, you'll need a percolation (perc) test and a septic permit from the county health department, plus a well permit.
5. 05Driveway & culvert permitConnecting to a public road usually needs a driveway or culvert permit from the town, county or state DOT.
6. 06Floodplain development permitIf any part of the lot is in a FEMA flood zone, you'll need a floodplain permit and an elevation certificate, and the lowest floor must be at or above the Base Flood Elevation plus any local freeboard.
7. 07Energy code complianceMost jurisdictions require an energy compliance report (REScheck or similar) showing insulation, windows and HVAC meet the adopted energy code.
8. 08Engineering stampMany building officials require a licensed engineer's seal for foundations, beams, trusses, or high wind, snow or seismic zones. Add our Engineer Stamp option at checkout.
9. 09Utility & fire accessRural lots may need a fire-apparatus access road, a water supply for firefighting, or wildfire (WUI) defensible-space and ignition-resistant materials.
10. 10Inspections scheduleA typical sequence is footing, foundation, framing, rough MEP, insulation and final. A certificate of occupancy is issued after final inspection.

Popular styles around Boston

From $1,450

Colonial Plans in Massachusetts

Symmetrical facade, center hall, dormers and timeless proportions.

From $1,050

Cottage Plans in Massachusetts

Cozy footprints, steep roofs, window boxes and storybook charm.

From $1,300

Coastal & Beach Plans in Massachusetts

Raised foundations, big porches and breezy layouts built for wind and water.