Newton, MA · About 3 mi from our Waltham shop
Newton jobs start with paperwork. We handle it.
In Newton, any house over 50 years old gets historic review before exterior changes, and a tree permit is needed whenever exterior construction happens, even if no tree comes down. We file those with the building permit so the work starts when it should.
Thirteen villages, one set of city rules
The city describes itself as built around 13 village centers, many shaped by railroads, rivers and mills. We work in all of them, and whether you are in Waban or Nonantum, the same permit office reviews the job.
- Auburndale
- Chestnut Hill
- Newton Centre
- Newton Corner
- Newton Highlands
- Newton Lower Falls
- Newton Upper Falls
- Newtonville
- Nonantum
- Oak Hill
- Thompsonville
- Waban
- West Newton
Before we start
Newton's rules, in the order they usually come up
Newton layers historic review, tree protection, floor area limits, stormwater permits and an all-electric ordinance on top of the state building code. Here is what each one asks for, taken from the city's own pages. The city confirms which apply when it reviews your permit.
- 1
Historic review over 50 years
Any Newton property more than 50 years old is subject to historic review for proposed exterior alterations, and the Newton Historical Commission reviews any partial or total demolition. Partial demolition means removing, altering or enveloping 50% or more of any single elevation or roof surface.
- 2
Four local historic districts
Properties in the Auburndale, Chestnut Hill, Newtonville and Newton Upper Falls local historic districts need Historic District Commission approval for any exterior change, including driveways, walkways and other hardscaping.
- 3
Tree permit for exterior work
Newton requires a tree permit any time exterior construction takes place, whether or not trees are involved, and a permit to remove any tree with a trunk six inches or wider. Construction is barred inside a protected tree's Tree Save Area (the drip line, or 1.5 feet of radius per inch of trunk diameter, whichever is greater) except as the permit allows.
Source: City of Newton Urban Forestry: Tree Preservation Ordinance
- 4
Floor area ratio limit
Newton caps a house's gross floor area as a ratio of lot size, with the limit set by zoning district and lot size. Space finished inside the existing building envelope does not count against FAR; the city's FAR calculator gives the figure for a given lot.
- 5
Specialized energy code
Newton adopted the Specialized Stretch Code on March 6, 2023, and every complete building permit application received after January 1, 2024 is subject to it.
- 6
Fossil-fuel-free ordinance
Newton is one of the communities in the state's fossil-fuel-free demonstration program: new construction and major renovations must use electricity for heating, cooling, cooking and clothes drying, and electricity or solar thermal for hot water. Since January 1, 2026, major renovations and additions over 1,000 square feet must be fully all-electric.
- 7
Stormwater permit thresholds
Newton's stormwater ordinance requires a permit from DPW Engineering before land-disturbing work over set thresholds, including a new home of four or fewer units, 401 to 1,000 square feet of new impervious surface, a new retaining wall for a grade change, or a trench that needs dewatering. The stormwater plan is prepared by a registered professional engineer.
Source: Newton Ordinance C-8 (2022): Stormwater Management and Erosion Control
- 8
Newton ADU ordinance
Any single- or two-family home in Newton can add one accessory dwelling unit, allowed by right up to 1,000 square feet or half the main house's floor area, whichever is smaller. A detached ADU of 1.5 stories and 22 feet or less must sit at least 5 feet from side and rear lines; ADUs cannot be short-term rentals.
Source: City of Newton Planning: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
From a Newton customer
A Newton basement, in the owner's words
This review came from a Newton homeowner after we finished their basement. The photos below are from jobs around Greater Boston.
“My wife and I would like to thank the people at HouseCraft for the superb work your company performed on our recent basement remodeling project. The finished basement looks far better than we anticipated when we first started to think about the project. Their craftsmanship and hard work adds a special touch to the finished project.”
Mike Moshes · Newton, MA
Photos: our work around Greater Boston. See the full gallery →
Services in Newton
What Newton homeowners call us about
Basements lead the list here: finishing space inside the existing house does not count against Newton's floor area ratio limit. Every other service has its own Newton notes too.
Most asked about in NewtonBasement finishing in NewtonTurn an unused basement into a family room, gym, office or guest suite: insulated, framed and built to code.
Kitchen remodeling in NewtonLayouts, cabinets, counters, plumbing & trim.
Bathroom remodeling in NewtonTile, showers, tubs, vanities & plumbing.
Home additions in NewtonFamily rooms, bedrooms, sunrooms & garages.
New construction in NewtonNew homes and full rebuilds, start to finish.
Iron work in NewtonStaircases, railings, gates & window guards.
Newton lets you finish any space inside your existing house without regard to FAR. Before you design an addition, look down.
That rule is on the city's own FAR page. The basement is often the cheapest square footage you can permit here.
Questions
Newton questions, answered plainly
Why does my Newton remodel need a tree permit if I'm not cutting any trees?
Because Newton requires a construction tree permit whenever exterior construction work takes place, whether or not trees are removed. The point is to protect the root zone of trees on your lot and your neighbor's during the work.
Is my house in a Newton historic district?
Only if it sits inside one of the four local historic districts: Auburndale, Chestnut Hill, Newtonville or Newton Upper Falls. Historic Preservation staff can confirm the boundary, and outside the districts a house over 50 years old still gets historic review for exterior alterations and demolition.
Did the 2025 flood map change affect Newton houses?
For some, yes. FEMA adopted new flood maps for Newton on July 8, 2025, which moved some properties into a flood zone and others out, and work in a FEMA or city floodplain goes to Conservation staff to see whether a wetlands permit is needed.
Can I keep a gas stove if I add on in Newton?
Not on a large job. Since January 1, 2026, Newton requires major renovations and additions over 1,000 square feet to be fully all-electric, with no option to keep gas cooking.
Other towns near Newton
Where this information comes from
- City of Newton: Historic Preservation (review FAQs)
- City of Newton ISD: Energy Code / Fossil Fuel-Free
- City of Newton Urban Forestry: Tree Preservation Ordinance
- City of Newton: Residential Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
- City of Newton Planning: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
- Newton Ordinance C-8 (2022): Stormwater Management and Erosion Control
- City of Newton Conservation Office: Floodplains and Stormwater
- City of Newton DPW: Updating and Repairing Water and Sewer Services
- City of Newton: NewGov permitting guide
- Historic Newton: Villages
Rules change. These are summaries of Newton'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 work on a Newton house? Start with a free estimate.
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