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New construction in Waltham, MA
New homes and rebuilds in Waltham: if the old house is 75 or older, the demolition permit goes to the Historical Commission before anything comes down.
Waltham rules that apply
What Waltham requires for new construction.
Demolition delay at 75 years
Under Chapter 23, a demolition permit for a building 75 or more years old, in whole or in part, goes through the Historical Commission first; a house of unknown age is treated as over 75. If the Commission finds it significant and, after a public hearing, preferably preserved, a twelve-month delay applies.
Inflow and infiltration mitigation
Work that adds wastewater to Waltham's sewer must remove four gallons of groundwater or stormwater inflow for every gallon added, or, for smaller flows, pay a one-time fee in lieu if the city's sewer bank has room. The City Engineer administers it.
Source: Waltham Code, Sec. 16-32: Infiltration and inflow mitigation fee
State wetlands rules only
Waltham has no local wetlands bylaw, so the Conservation Commission applies the state Wetlands Protection Act: work within 100 feet of a wetland or 200 feet of a river or perennial stream likely needs a filing, either a Request for Determination or a Notice of Intent.
Source: Waltham Conservation Commission: Conservation Permit FAQ
Stretch energy code
The state's adoption list shows Waltham on the Stretch Energy Code since July 2012 and not on the Specialized Code. New homes and large additions follow the stretch requirements.
Source: Mass. DOER: Building Energy Code Adoption by Municipality
How new construction goes in Waltham.
Waltham's Chapter 23 lets the Commission find an old building significant and, after a public hearing, hold demolition for twelve months. We gather the photos and the description of the replacement house that the application asks for so the review starts complete.
A new house also means a new or upgraded sewer connection, and Waltham requires inflow and infiltration mitigation when the flow goes up. The new home is built to the Stretch Energy Code, which the city has used since 2012.
Questions
New construction in Waltham, answered.
How long can Waltham delay tearing down my old house?
Up to twelve months, if the Historical Commission finds the building significant and, after a public hearing, preferably preserved. If it finds the house not significant, the Building Inspector can issue the demolition permit.
Our new construction work.
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Photos from our jobs around Greater Boston.
New construction near Waltham.
Where this information comes from
- Waltham Code, Chapter 23: Delayed Demolition
- Waltham Code, Sec. 16-32: Infiltration and inflow mitigation fee
- Waltham Conservation Commission: Conservation Permit FAQ
- Mass. DOER: Building Energy Code Adoption by Municipality
- City of Waltham: Building Department
- Waltham Zoning Code, Sec. 3.2 Definition of uses (3.23 ADUs)
- City of Waltham: Engineering Department
- Waltham Engineering FAQ: Where do I discharge my sump pump?
- City of Waltham: Historical Commission
- City of Waltham: 2026-2031 Streets Under Moratorium
Rules change. These are summaries of Waltham'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.
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Planning new construction in Waltham?
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