Frequently Asked Questions

You can search for permit records by property address via the Andover Town Website. Visit andoverma.gov and click on the “Permits and Licenses” button on the center of the page. Next, click on the “Search” tab found on the top right-hand corner.  In the “Locations” search box, search for the address.   Once you select the desired address, you can view all associated permits. Open permits are listed as “active” and closed permits are listed as “complete”. Click on the record number for further details. 

There are several inspections that take place during the life of a permit. In order for a permit to be closed out administratively, the project would need to “pass” the final inspection.  If there is a permit showing as active/open, it is likely that a final inspection was never performed. It is the duty of the original licensed contractor/permit holder to call the Building Division to request the inspection.

• Building Permits:  A permit cannot be closed out until a final inspection takes place.  However, we cannot inspect under EXPIRED permits. Building permits that have inactivity and/or don't have the required final inspection become invalid/expired after 180 days.  780 CMR § 105.5 states in part, “Every permit shall become invalid…if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced.” 
• Plumbing, Gas & Electrical Permits:  Unlike building permits, plumbing, gas, and electrical permits never expire. However, in order to be closed out, a final inspection would need to take place.  The work to be inspected must be accessible to the inspector. If you cannot get in touch with the original licensed contractor/permit holder but you are insistent on closing out a permit, you would need to hire a new contractor, apply for a new permit, and undergo a final inspection. Please note that under the new permit, the work to be inspected would need to be compliant with current code.

If you have proof that a final inspection was done, please provide our department with the necessary documentation. You would need to provide the original permit card showing the required signatures. 

Building Permits:                                          Electrical Permits:                                 Plumbing Permits:

Chris Clemente                                               Paul Kennedy                                          Mike Magliaro

978-623-8621                                                 978-623-8622                                          978-623-8623

chris.clemente@andoverma.us                  paul.kennedy@andoverma.us              michael.magliaro@andoverma.us

Building Permits:            

Eric Tetreault 

978-623-8624

eric.tetreault@andoverma.us

A plot plan is a plan of the survey done of the property which shows the location of the principal structure(s) and accessory structures. The survey is prepared by a state licensed land surveyor. You can request a copy of a plot plan through the Building Division. In some cases, but not all, we may have one on file. If our office does not have one on file, your next step would be to request one through the Registry of Deeds.

The Essex North Registry of Deeds is located at:

Northern Essex Registry of Deeds
1 Union St. Suite #402
Lawrence, MA 01840

Main Line: (978) 557-1900

Generally, minimum setbacks and other dimensional restrictions can be found in Appendix A, Table 2, Section 4.1.2 (Table of Dimensional Requirements) of the Zoning By-Law (see chart below). Setbacks are not quoted over the telephone because each lot/project is unique. Please bring a plot plan into the office, where we’ll be happy to answer your questions.

In response to multiple inquiries requesting determination of the maximum occupant load the following is the Town of Andover’s policy in accordance with the Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR and the Massachusetts Fire Prevention Code 527 CMR.

1.  Consult the number of “Maximum Occupants” listed on your Certificate of Inspection which is required to be posted in a “conspicuous place in close proximity to the main entrance.”
2. If your Certificate of Inspection is not current, complete a new “Certificate of Inspection Application” which may be found at www.andoverma.gov under the Building Divisions, Fees, Forms and Checklists.
3. If you do not have a Certificate of Inspection and are one of the listed occupancies for which such is required per 780 CMR, Table 110 (copy below), you will need to complete the “Certificate of Inspection Application” found at www.andoverma.gov under the Building Divisions Fees, Forms and Checklists section, AND submit a current “Occupant Load Count and Egress Analysis” prepared and stamped by a Massachusetts Registered Architect for review by this office prior to an inspection taking place. Once an inspection has occurred this office will issue a current Certificate of Inspection for the occupant to post on the premises.

RAILING, STEPS, AND LANDING REQUIREMENTS FOR 1 & 2 FAMILY DWELLINGS AND COMMERCIAL PER 780 CMR 9^TH EDITION.

780 CMR R 312 - Guardrails 

Guardrails are required for anything over 30 inches high. 

Guardrails need to be at least 36 inches high 

Spacing between balusters - Cannot allow an object 4 inches or more in diameter to pass through. (780 CMR R 312.1.3) 

Handrail Grip Size - Cross section with outside diameter of at least 1 1/4 inches and not more than 2 inches. (780 CMR R 311.7.8.3) 

STAIRWAYS/STEPS FOR 1 & 2 FAMILY DWELLING

Stairways shall not be less than 36 inches in clear width. (780 CMR R 311.7.1) 

780 CMR R 311.7.5.1 & R 311.7.5.2: 

Maximum riser height shall be 8 1/4 inches. 

Minimum tread depth shall be 9 inches 

780 CMR R 311.3: 

Landings - Interior Landing – 36 inches x 36 inches 

Exterior Landings – 36 inches wide by 42 inches deep 

The floor area or landing shall not be more than 1 1/2 inches lower than the top of the threshold on the interior side nor more than 8 1/4 inches lower than the threshold on the exterior side. 

STAIRS FOR OTHER THAN 1 & 2 FAMILY DWELLINGS IN A THREE OR MORE DWELLING UNIT AND COMMERCIAL STAIRS (EXCLUDING FIRE ESCAPES) 

Maximum riser height shall be 7 inches – Minimum 4 inches 

Minimum Tread depth shall be 11 inches 

STAIRS: See 780 CMR 1011

GUARDRAILS: See 780 CMR 1015

HANDRAILS: See 780 CMR 1014

A building permit is required for sheds exceeding 200 square feet.  The shed must be at least 5 feet from the side and rear property line. If your property contains wetlands, please check with the Conservation Department regarding the placement of the shed. 

If the fence is over seven feet in height, a building permit is required. There is no requirement regarding which way the fence faces. The State Building Code, 780 CMR regulates the height of the fence. Fence can be installed close to the property line, as long as no part of it extends over a neighbor’s property.

The State of Massachusetts requires a Massachusetts Licensed Plumber or Gas Fitter to apply for permits and to perform plumbing and gas fitting work.

It is required that a Massachusetts Licensed Electrician applies for electrical permits and performs all the work. Permits are required for all wiring jobs, whether big or small. 

The Town of Andover has several districts with different set back requirements. In addition the Zoning By-Law has special requirements concerning recreational structures in section 4.2.4. You will need a plot plan and speak with a Building Inspector to determine what the setback requirements are. The Inspectors are available Monday through Friday from 7 to 8 a.m. You need to check with the Conservation Division regarding wetland setbacks and with the Health Division regarding sanitary code requirements. A self-closing and self-latching fence is required for a pool as soon as the pool can hold water.          By-Laws

The following is for guidance only. No document could cover all possible scenarios or situations. Please consult with the Building Division should you have additional questions regarding pool barriers after reviewing this document. A BUILDING PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR ANY POOL, JACUZZI, STRUCTURE THAT HOLDS 24" OR MORE OF WATER.

The barrier provisions contained within Section 305 of the 2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code apply to indoor and outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs with water depths greater than 24”. This includes “portable”, "temporary" and “inflatable” swimming pools. Required pool barriers or fences must be at least 48” high and constructed to prevent climbing by children. Access gates must be self-closing and self-latching, swinging away from the pool with hardware arranged so that the gate cannot be opened from the side opposite the pool.

For above ground pools, the wall of the pool may serve as the barrier, provided it meets the 48 inch height requirement and access to the pool is via a “closable, lockable ladder” A removable ladder is NOT acceptable unless it is closable and lockable. 

In addition to outside walls or fences as barriers any doors or windows from the dwelling (where the walls of the dwelling are used as a portion of the pool enclosure) with direct access to the pool area must be equipped with alarms that are listed and labeled as a water hazard entrance alarm in accordance with UL 2017. The alarm must be audible in all portions of the home and activated when the door is opened.