About 3 mi from our Waltham shop
New construction in Belmont, MA
Building new in Belmont means a 12-month stay if the old house is on the significant list, a stormwater permit, and new sewer and storm lines from the main.
Belmont rules that apply
What Belmont requires for new construction.
Demolition delay for listed buildings
For buildings on Belmont's List of Historically Significant Buildings, a demolition or partial demolition permit is paused until the Historic District Commission holds a hearing. If the building is found preferably preserved, a 12-month stay follows while alternatives are explored.
Source: Belmont Historic District Commission: Demolition Delay Process flowchart, 2026 (PDF)
Stormwater and erosion control permit
A permit from the Office of Community Development is required to disturb 2,500 square feet or more, raise a lot's impervious area above 25% of the lot, or place more than 100 cubic yards of fill. The permit packet applies the bylaw to new houses and substantial renovations of one- to three-family homes.
Source: Belmont: Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Rules and Regulations, amended 2023 (PDF)
New sewer and storm services from the main
New sewer and storm drain services must be installed from the main, and existing services can't be reused unless they're lined in place. DPW won't issue a street opening permit until the connection permit is issued.
Source: Belmont: Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Rules and Regulations, amended 2023 (PDF)
Somerset Street scenic road
Somerset Street is a designated scenic road, so the Planning Board must approve any new or widened driveway opening in its stone walls and tree work next to it.
Source: Belmont Office of Planning & Building: Building Permit Application Packet, One and Two Family (PDF)
How new construction goes in Belmont.
A Belmont rebuild starts by checking the List of Historically Significant Buildings. If the house is on it, the demolition permit pauses for a Historic District Commission hearing, and a finding of preferably preserved means a 12-month stay while alternatives are explored.
The packet applies Belmont's stormwater and erosion control bylaw to every new house, and the rules require new sewer and storm services run from the main, with DPW's street opening permit only after the connection permit issues. On Somerset Street, a new driveway cut through the stone walls needs Planning Board approval. New detached buildings in Belmont, ADUs included, follow the Specialized energy code.
Questions
New construction in Belmont, answered.
How long can Belmont delay demolition of my house?
Twelve months, if it's on the significant buildings list and the Historic District Commission finds it preferably preserved after a hearing.
Our new construction work.
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Photos from our jobs around Greater Boston.
New construction near Belmont.
Where this information comes from
- Belmont Historic District Commission: Demolition Delay Process flowchart, 2026 (PDF)
- Belmont: Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Rules and Regulations, amended 2023 (PDF)
- Belmont Office of Planning & Building: Building Permit Application Packet, One and Two Family (PDF)
- Town of Belmont: Buildings Subject to Demolition Delay
- Town of Belmont: Pleasant Street Historic District
- Town of Belmont: Thaddeus Frost House Historic District
- Town of Belmont: Areas with a Distinctive Shared Historic Association & Character
- Town of Belmont: Accessory Dwelling Units
- Belmont ADU Information Event: Belmont ADU Bylaw Simplified (PDF)
Rules change. These are summaries of Belmont's and Massachusetts' published rules as of our last check, not legal advice; your project's permits are confirmed with the town when we file them.
Free estimate
Planning new construction in Belmont?
We'll come out, measure, listen, and send a written estimate. The visit is free and there's no pressure to sign.
Call 617-934-1875