Building Department

Building Department update as of August 21, 2020

The Building Department is open.

VISITORS

We are here to help you.  If you’d like to speak with us please give us a call.  Do not come to our offices without an appointment because we will not be able to meet with you at that time.

BUILDING PERMITS

We are processing all permits for all work. The staff is working in ways that maintain social distancing and given our precautions and the demand for permits, wait times for permit processing may be longer than normal. All permit applications must be submitted electronically at https://needhamma.viewpointcloud.com/  We no longer accept paper permits.  

PAYMENT

Payment may be made by check, e-check and credit card.  Please reference both your Permit Number and the Property Address.  You may drop off your check in the mail slot at our main door at 500 Dedham Avenue; USMail it to 500 Dedham Ave., Needham, MA 02492; pay by e-check (no processing fee); or pay by creditcard (2.95% Processing Fee).  Payment by creditcard is generally posted within two to three business days.

INSPECTIONS

Inspections are performed daily through noon time and the permit applicant must be present at all inspections.  Contact our office (781-455-7550, Ext. 309) to schedule two+ days in advance.  Do not leave a phone message to schedule an Inspection, you must call and speak directly with an Associate. To familiarize yourself with our inspection procedure, please read this:

                 Inspection Procedures during COVID-19 Outbreak 

2nd / IRRIGATION WATER METERS

All water meters are installed by the Water Department only. Tampering with the Town of Needham's water supply will result in a fine.

The Water Department is not currently installing 2nd meters on existing structures due to Covid-19.  We suggest you check back here in January 2021 for an update.

SCANNING AND UPLOADING DOCUMENTS IN VIEWPOINT 

Many of the attachments that we receive with the VPC Permit Applications are photographs taken with iPhones and iPads.  Photographs aren’t clear pictures.  If you have an iPhone or iPad, please check out Apple’s Document Scanner that is in the Notes tab.  This produces a clear image therefore allowing us to process your permit quicker.  Please check it out at:   https://www.imore.com/how-use-document-scanner-iphone-and-ipad

SMOKE DETECTOR INSPECTIONS

For Smoke Detector inspections, please click this link Executive Order

ON LINE PERMITTING

All applications must be submitted via ViewPoint Cloud (VPC) On-Line Permitting:

https://needhamma.viewpointcloud.com/

UPDATED  For more ViewPoint Cloud information please click here


Responsibilities

The Building Division staff enforces state building, electrical, plumbing, gas, mechanical codes, and sheet metal as well as local zoning by-laws and Architectural Access Board Regulation.

Services

Our staff:

  • Conducts periodic safety inspections of multi-family dwellings, restaurants, schools, religious institutions, museums, and other places of assembly
  • Issues permits
  • Inspects construction sites

Main Phone Number - 781 455-7550, Ext. 309

Staff Members

  • David A. Roche, CBO
    Building Commissioner - Ext. 308
  • Erik J. Tardif
    Assistant Building Commissioner - Ext. 341
  • Bernard Ashley
    Local Building Inspector - Ext. 335
  • Jim Grover
    Local Building Inspector - Ext. 310
  • Larry V. DiBona
    Plumbing & Gas Inspector - Ext. 311
  • Scott W. Chisholm
    Wiring Inspector - Ext 312
  • John J. McGourty
    Wiring Inspector - Ext 333
  • Lyn B. Heintz
    Administrative Specialist - Ext. 309
  • Rick Rutherford 
    Department Assistant - Ext 332
  • Sheila Whisler
    Department Assistant - Ext. 215

QR Building Department WebsiteQR Symbol

Scan this QR symbol with a smartphone and it will take you to the Building Department website.