Code Enforcement

PERMIT FEE INCREASE ~ Click here for our new permit fee schedule, updated July 1, 2020.

ONLINE PERMITTING IS HERE! CLICK ON THE LINK ON THE LEFT THAT READS "ONLINE PERMITTING" TO GET STARTED.

**ATTENTION** - MAY 18, 2020 UPDATE REGARDING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN BEDFORD.

Prior to any construction projects beginning/resuming, all contractors must read and comply with the Safety Standards for Construction released by the Governor’s Office on May 18, 2020.

These safety standards can be found here.  Prior to releasing any permits, the Code Enforcement Director will require all contractors to sign and submit a Certification Form assuring that they have read, understand and will implement the applicable State Protocol related to construction projects in the Commonwealth up to and including the MA COVID-19 CHECKLIST for CONSTRUCTION. 

For more information, please click here.

IMPORTANT DEPARTMENT UPDATE REGARDING COVID-19 -- UPDATED APRIL 7, 2020

IMPORTANT – ALL CONTRACTORS MUST READ – COVID-19 UPDATE INVOLVING CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY IN BEDFORD

9th EDITION BUILDING CODE

PERMITTING GUIDE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

NEW BUILDING HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS - EFFECTIVE MAY 2, 2016

NEW TEARDOWN POLICY - EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 1, 2015

Mission Statement:

"The purpose of the Code Enforcement Department is to promote the general health, safety and welfare of the people of the Town of Bedford through fair, consistent, unbiased enforcement of all applicable codes & regulations associated with buildings & structures, land use activities and land preservation."

The Code Enforcement Department is responsible for ensuring public safety, health, and welfare insofar as they are affected by building construction and land use activities. This department enforces the Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR, the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board Regulations 521 CMR, the Bedford Zoning Bylaws and any other applicable rules, regulations and laws related to building construction and safety and land use activity including but not limited to the Massachusetts Electrical Code and the Massachusetts Plumbing and Gas Code. Code Enforcement is also responsible for overseeing the protection of wetlands, waterways and floodplains through the Conservation Department.

Also under the umbrella of the Code Enforcement Department are the Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic District Commission, Historic Preservation Commission and Weights and Measures.