Permits, Inspections & Fees
Prior to any sale or transfer of a residence:
Massachusetts General Law, chapter 148 section 26F½ and
527 CMR 1.00:13.7.6
mandates that upon the sale or transfer
of any residence, the local fire department must inspect the
residence for carbon monoxide alarm compliance. After a
successful inspection, the local fire department will issue a
Certificate of Compliance indicating that the residence meets
the carbon monoxide alarm requirements. Smoke alarm and
CO alarm inspections can be conducted in the same visit. Smoke alarm inspections known as a 26F inspection are also required on certain homes before the sale or transfer of ownership.
*These inspections are required to be done before the closing date; not after. This is required of all sellers and new owners and pertains to any sale or transfer, including those between family members or a family and an estate.
Scroll down for information on:
• Fee Schedule
• Permit & Inspection Updates
• FAQ’s
• Address Markers
• Plan Reviews (New Construction or Renovation)
• Smoke & CO Detector Inspections (26F)
• Hot Work Permits (from Fire Chief Only)
• Dumpster & Trench Permits (from Town Building Inspector only)
• Residential Burn Permits – Residential (January 15 – May 1)
• Agricultural Burn Permits (from Fire Chief Only)
• Recreational Outdoor Fires (nee: fire pits, chimeneas)
• Old/Expired Fire Extinguishers
• KNOX Box Requirements
• Massachusetts Fire Regulations (CMR) and MGL’s
• Public Records Requests
Updated June 2022
Permit & Inspection Updates
1. The Sunderland Fire Department will no longer accept pre - populated permits for oil burner installations. This means that the installer must fill in their license number and name on the permit application in front of the Fire Inspector immediately after the completed installation is inspected.
FAQ's - Permits, Inspections & Fees
What primary services do you offer?
The Sunderland Fire Department Inspections team handles all required plan reviews for new fire systems, all smoke detectors inspections, CO detector inspections, fire alarm systems and more. They conduct all mandatory Fire Inspections and issue permits per MGL and CMR527, all applicable laws, building codes, town bylaws and more.
This includes the required 26F Smoke and CO detector inspections anytime a residence changes ownership, including transfers between family members.
They issue the following permits:
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors (required before any sale or transfer of a home residence
• Propane,
• LPG tanks
• Truck Tank permits
• Bonfire permits (per State code & regs.)
• Residential Open Burn permits (Seasonal)
• Agricultural burn permits
• Oil tank permits
• Hot work permits
and more!
How do I schedule an inspection or get a permit?
You must schedule an inspection or permit at least 7 business days in advance. The only exception to this are the annual Residential Open Burn permits that are all done online. Last minute requests cannot be guaranteed.
What if I have to cancel an appointment?
*ALL CANCELLATIONS OF PERMIT OR INSPECTION APPOINTMENTS MUST BE DONE BY SENDING AN EMAIL TO OUR INSPECTIONS TEAM.
What are the rates of your services?
Please scroll down this page to download the PDF copy of our current Fee Schedule
Address Markers
Make sure we can find you! Our Sunderland Volunteer Firemens' Association offers low cost reflective Address Markers for your property. Download the form below and return to the Fire Department. All information is listed on the form. Cost is $10 per sign. The markers are free to town residents over the age of 65 with proof of age.
Plan Reviews - New or Renovations
A revised plan review process that corresponds to Commonwealth of Massachusetts Building Codes has been implemented by the Sunderland Fire Department. Individuals requiring fire department plan reviews shall submit two (2) full-size copies of the building plans to the Fire Chief for initial review.
Included in these plans shall be the location(s) of existing and proposed smoke detector, heat detector, and carbon monoxide detector units. In the event additional information regarding the proposed project is required we will contact individual submitters to discuss the scope of the plans and the requirements for same.
It is important to remember the individual submitting the plan is responsible for placing the detector locations as stated above prior to submittal. Submitted plans not following this protocol will be rejected.
Our Inspections Team remains available to answer questions regarding the plan review process and assist residents, developers, and builders to help complete their proposed projects in a safe and efficient manner following all applicable fire and building codes.
Smoke and CO Detector Inspections
Are you selling or transferring ownership of your home? You will need a Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector Inspection completed by the Fire Department. This includes home transfers between family members. All Inspections must be schedule at least 7-business days in advance.
Every home must have working smoke and CO alarms. You must have a certificate of compliance that shows your smoke and CO alarms meet certain standards when you sell or transfer a home, even if it is between family members. This page helps you determine if your alarms meet requirements or must be replaced, and how to get a certificate of compliance.
1. Find out when your home was built and the date the last building permit was issued for any renovations. Call the local building department if you don’t know.
2. Call the local fire department to schedule your inspection as soon as you have a closing date. The department will issue a certificate of compliance if your alarms pass the inspection.
Then, follow these steps to make sure you home will pass the inspection:
1. Using the date your home was built and the date the last building permit was issued, figure out the smoke and CO alarms requirements for your home. These requirements are listed by date in the Guide to Massachusetts Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Requirements When Selling a One- or Two- Family Residence. You can download the PDF copy by clicking the button below.
2. List the location of all smoke and CO alarms in your home.
3. Determine the age of each alarm. The date of manufacture is stamped on the front or back of most alarms. If you have to remove an alarm from its bracket to get the information, be sure to replace the alarm when you are finished. If there is no date on an alarm, it has expired and must be replaced.
4. Compare your existing alarms and the requirements for your home to determine if you must replace any or all of the alarms in your house.
5. If your smoke and/or CO alarms do not meet the requirements for your house and need replacement, you can purchase and install new equipment yourself or hire someone to do so. You may need an electrician to replace hard-wired alarms.
6. Battery-powered smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old, or have expired must be replaced with alarms with 10-year, sealed, non-rechargeable, non-replaceable batteries. They must be photoelectric and have a hush feature to silence nuisance alarms.
7. After your new smoke and CO alarms are installed, test them.
8. The initial inspection fee for a smoke/CO detector inspection is $50. If your home fails the inspection, the re-inspection fee is $25 for each time we have to come back to re-inspect.
9. ALL FEES are payable to: The Town of Sunderland. You must notate "inspection" on the memo line of the check or money order.
10. ALL FEES are due at the time the Inspector arrives at your home. NO EXCEPTIONS.
If you have questions about the requirements for your home or inspection and certificates, please email our Inspections Team.
Hot Work Permits
Issued by the Fire Chief only. Please email our Inspections Team.
Burn Permits - Residential
Annually from January 15 to May 1
Available online only - NOT via phone.
All Residential Open Burning is allowed by the MA DEP. It is their rules and regulations along with M.G.L. and CMR’s that govern the Open Residential Burn Season from January 15 thru May 1 of each year.
Burn days cancelled due to weather conditions are overseen by MA DEP. The Fire Chief may also not allow burning on any given day during the burn season.
Shelburne Control will no longer be issuing permits via phone.
If a homeowner wishes to burn and cannot or will not use the website, they will need to call the fire department ahead of time (at least 5 days in advance) and arrange for a permit through Fire Chief Benjamin. ***Burn permits cannot be applied for via phone to Sunderland Fire at the last minute or day of.
How to obtain a permit:
• Permits are only issued ON THE DAY that you wish to burn.
• Permits are only issued between 8:30 AM and 1:00 PM. You must be 18 or older to apply.
• Burning in only allowed between 10:00am and 4:00pm. All fires must be fully out by 4:00pm; no exceptions.
• Permits are only issued ONLINE.
• ALL BURNING MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 75 FEET FROM BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES PER DFS
• No permits are issued IN ADVANCE due to the potential for changing weather conditions.
• No burning is allowed on Sundays in Sunderland.
• All fires must be 100% extinguished and out by 4:00 PM.
• You absolutely CANNOT BURN without a properly issued PERMIT.
More Rules & Regulations:
You may only burn BRUSH! All other materials are illegal. No leaves, grass, hay, stumps, building debris or any other materials are allowed to be burned.
Burn piles must be kept to a safe and reasonable size. The homeowner can be ordered by any FD personnel to make a pile smaller, move it away from combustible sources, etc.
All open burning must be a minimum of 75 feet from buildings or structures.
Any open fire must be constantly attended at all times by the permit holder.
You must have an appropriate means to extinguish an open air fire completely at the end of the day or if requested by the Fire Department at any other time.
The person burning each day must be able to produce the burn permit if requested by SPD or SFD personnel.
The Fire Department can refuse or cancel a permit at any time. (Example: Violation of permit regulations, or change in weather conditions.)
The MA DEP can cancel burning on any day due to weather conditions. Plan ahead as the burn season will not be extended past May 1st.
Do you have more to say and show? You can do it in this section. Add pictures and a short description to show visitors more of whatever it is you want.
For more information and the text of Massachusetts Regulation 310 CMR 7.07, "Open Burning," see the Open Burning Regulations (external link) of the Massachusetts Bureau of Forest Fire Control
Burn Permits - Agricultural
Agricultural burn permits are only issued by the Fire Chief. They are good for a full year.
Please contact the Fire Department clerk at least 7 business days in advance of when you wish to obtain this special permit. Last minute requests are not guaranteed to be fulfilled.
Recreational Outdoor Fires (i.e.: fire pits, chimineas)
ALL FIRES MUST BE PRIMARILY USED FOR COOKING PER 527 CMR, MGL 48, AND THE MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. Please read the PDF included below for the full list of rules and regulations that pertain to all recreational fires/fire pits/chimineas. It is the responsibility of the resident and property owner to follow the included information.
Old/Used Fire Extinguishers
Can I get my fire extinguisher recharged at the Fire Station?
Can I dispose of my old Fire Extinguisher at the Fire Station?
No, the fire department does not have the capacity to recharge fire extinguishers or dispose of old/used ones. According to Massachusetts General Law, we are not permitted to recommend the services of companies to perform services such as these. Therefore, if you need a fire extinguisher recharged, we recommend you consult or search online for a local fire extinguisher company that can handle this for you. The typically charge a nominal fee per fire extinguisher to either re-charge it or dispose of it.
KNOX Box Requirements
Purchasing a KNOX Box:
Purchasing a key vault (Knox Box)
Knox Box is the only acceptable key vault for use in the Town of Sunderland. To purchase a Knox Box key vault you may
go to the https://www.knoxbox.com/Products web site to order.
Then click the RED “Buy” button in the upper right-hand corner. Our ordering parameters have been established on the site.
***For buildings containing an elevator with elevator lobby an elevator Rescue Key Knox
Box will be required.
Location and installation of the Knox Box:
• The Knox Box shall be located at the fire department’s primary response location.
• The box shall be installed at a mounting height of 48”
• The box is installed by its owner.
• The vault shall contain all interior and exterior master keys to include fire alarm keys.
• The building owner’s contact information shall be contained in the key vault.
• Upon sale or transfer the property the owner’s contact information should be check and updated.
After Installation:
Once the key box is installed you need to contact the fire department office within 24 hours to
arrange for someone to come and secure your keys in the key box.
Maintenance:
Once a year the lock should be cleaned and lubricated.
Massachusetts Fire Regulations and MGL's
The Fire Service and Fire Safety in Massachusetts fall under the Department of Fire Services and Office of the State Fire Marshal. Here are some of the most important items governing or related to fire safety and fire services in the Commonwealth:
•Massachusetts Legislation - General Laws; Chapter 148: Fire Prevention
•527 CMR 1.00 Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code
In addition to, but not superseding the Massachusetts' General Laws and CMR/Fire Regulations, the town of Sunderland has several bylaws that pertain specifically to fire and emergency services and/or safety. These include but are not limited to the following:
• Part II, Chapter 49 - Buildings, Numbering of
• Part II, Chapter 56 - Emergency Response and Access
• Part II, Chapter 57 - False Burglar and Fire Alarms
• Part II, Chapter 104 - Smoke and Heat Detectors
You can click the buttons below to go directly to each website where these are found:
Public Records Requests
All requests for Public records related to any permit, inspection, fire report or any open and/or closed violations for an address fall under the Massachusetts Public Records law. The Massachusetts Public Records Law applies to records created by or in the custody of a state or local agency, board or other government entity. A copy of the Commonwealth's guide to this law can be accessed by clicking the button below. Additionally, the Town of Sunderland has published a guide to all public records requests of any town department. That PDF guide can be read or downloaded by clicking the button below.
All public records requests need to be fulfilled within 10 business days, not counting holidays. For any records request the following will apply:
What are you requesting?
You must include the full address of said property and the types of records you are looking for. Missing information will result in a delay in completing your request. For example, just a company name will not suffice, you must include an actual property address. Example of records include but are not limited to: permits, fees, UST or AST records/inspections, violations, fire reports, etc.
Costs:
Any public records request will take upwards of 1-2 hours minimum or more. In accordance with the Massachusetts Public Records Law, a fee may be charged for the time it takes to research, print, scan, copy or complete any public records request. The cost is $25/hour. The fees for printing/making copies is $0.05/per page additional.
Before any work commences, you will receive an email with an outline of how long it will take to complete your request and if there will be any fee charged. If a fee will be charged, that approx. amount will be included in the email. *These costs are estimates as the total time required to complete this task may take more than 2 hours. All checks must be made payable to: Town of Sunderland
How do you wish to receive the documents?
USPS or via email? You must specify this before the request can be completed. Failure to note how you wish to receive the public records back will result in a delay of your request.
Additional Information:
Environmental issues or requests for records of such, concerning any property address, should be sent to Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. They are the governing and responding agency should these types of calls occur in any town, city, county or other municipality in the Commonwealth. This is in reference any records of hazardous waste activity, storage and/or incidents at the property/address.
Requests for records from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services from their Code Compliance office must be sent to them. We do not have copies of their records.
How do I contact you if I still have questions?
The items on this page should answer all of your questions. PLEASE SCROLL DOWN & READ the section below that pertains to your item. If you cannot find the information you need below or have additional questions that are not covered in each section or the downloadable PDF documents, please contact us. The fastest and easiest way to reach any member of our Inspections Team is to email them. They do not have regular station hours. Use the button below to send them a direct email that they will all receive. Please allow up to 2 business days for someone to get back in touch with you.