Due to concern from COVID-19 please read below for modifications and additional protocols for field inspections of electric, plumbing, gas, mechanical and building permits. In order to ensure safety for all they will be conducted as follows:

• Please request inspections on-line or by calling the office at 978-623-8620. If you get a recorded message please leave a voicemail indicating the permit number, address and type of inspection requested as well as a contact name and number.
• Staff will return your call and schedule the inspection within 24 hours.
• On the morning of the inspection the appropriate inspector will contact you between 8:00am and 10:00am to work out the specific details as to how the inspection will be conducted.
• Siding, service, trench, roof, foundation, footing and other exterior inspections that do not require entry will continue unabated.
• We will be conducting all exterior inspections and public safety inspections (fires or unsafe structures). Interior inspections as specified below.
• Interior Inspections: Depending upon the scope of the project, alternative inspection methods, such as 3^rd party reports, affidavits, Facetime, video or photos may be accepted but are not guaranteed. Please call the main office number to schedule.
• Our online permitting system is up and running. You may still apply for all permits online. Any questions please contact us.

FOR UP TO DATE Local COVID-19  information please visit www.andoverma.gov 

Our Mission

The mission of the Building Division is to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the Town's residents and visitors through the enforcement of the State and local laws, bylaws and regulations.

About the Division

The Building Division is charged with the enforcement and interpretation of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR and the Access Regulations, 521 CMR, as adopted, Article VIII of the Andover Code, Andover Zoning Bylaw, and Chapter 40A of Massachusetts General Laws. The Building Division also enforces Article 33 of the Andover Bylaw, Demolition of Historically Significant Buildings and Structures, and Article 36 of the Andover Bylaw, Ballardvale Historic District Bylaw.

The Division enforces the compliance of the conditions on the Variances and Special Permits granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals, and assists in the enforcement of the Planning Board restrictions of the Site Plan Certificates of Approval. The Division issues permits for all construction regulated by the State Building Codes, and performs all related inspections. The Division works in cooperation with the Andover Fire Department for fire protection of all new and existing buildings. Included within the Building Division are the Electrical Inspector, Plumbing Inspector and Sealer of Weights and Measures.

The Building Division issues permits for all types of construction including, but not limited to:

• Additions and alterations to all structures
• Business
• Chimneys
• Commercial and industrial buildings
• Dormitories
• Institutional buildings (nursing homes)
• Multi-family as well as single family dwellings
• Pools
• School buildings (both public and private)
• Signs

Building officials also perform periodic inspections for those buildings, which are required to obtain Certificates of Inspection under State Building Code, Table 108.