About 4 mi from our Waltham shop

New construction in Weston, MA

A new home in Weston is sized by the RGFA cap, timed around septic approval, and may face a 12-month delay if the old house was standing in 1945.

Get a new home estimate Call 617-934-1875

The order matters. The Historical Commission has 21 business days to make an initial determination on a pre-1945 house; if it is positive, a hearing and possibly the delay follow. Meanwhile the septic design, soil testing and stormwater plan can be prepared.

Weston also asks the Planning Board to review new houses on Scenic Roads and on lots where floor area passes the thresholds in the bylaw. We put the floor-area math on the first set of drawings so that question is answered up front.

Weston rules that apply

1
Board of Health permit and septic sign-off
Renovations, additions, new construction, demolition, dumpsters and portable toilets each need their own Board of Health permit in Weston. Projects that add habitable space must include a Title 5 inspection report less than three years old, plus existing and proposed floor plans from basement through attic.
Source: Weston Board of Health: Requirements for Construction Projects (PDF)
2
RGFA house-size cap
A new or replacement single-family home may not exceed the greater of 3,500 square feet or 10% of the lot area, up to 6,000 square feet, in Residential Gross Floor Area without a Planning Board special permit. Garages, finished attics and basements that count as a story above grade are included.
Source: Weston Inspectional Services: Zoning, RGFA and setbacks brochure (PDF)
3
Pre-1945 demolition delay
A demolition permit for any building, or part of one, that existed by January 1, 1945 goes to the Historical Commission first. If the Commission finds the building preferably preserved after a hearing, no demolition permit issues for 12 months.
Source: Town of Weston: Article XXVI, Demolition Delay By-law
4
Stormwater review for exterior work
The town's Stormwater Engineer reviews building permits with exterior changes. New or replacement houses, additions, more than 750 square feet of new impervious surface, or land disturbance over 5,000 square feet or 20% of the parcel can all require a stormwater permit.
Source: Town of Weston: Building Department and Land Use permitting guide

About our new construction →

Questions

New construction in Weston, answered.

Does Weston require all-electric new homes?

Not outright, as far as we can confirm. Reports indicate Weston adopted the state's Specialized Opt-in Energy Code at a November 2023 Special Town Meeting, which applies to new construction and adds solar and pre-wiring requirements for homes that use gas or oil; the Building Department confirms which code applies at permit time.

Our new construction work.

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New construction near Weston.

Where this information comes from

Rules change. These are summaries of Weston'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 Weston?

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