2: Inspections/Permits Steps & Forms

Welcome to the Hadley Fire Department’s official guide for inspections, permits, and plan reviews. We take the life safety of our residents, visitors, contractors, technicians, employees and emergency response personnel very seriously. From residential inspections to complex commercial plan reviews, every process we oversee is designed to mitigate inherent dangers within the built environment. For this reason, we are specific and detailed in our enforcement of all applicable Massachusetts General Laws, 527 CMR 1.00, and NFPA standards. By following these regulations and standards, we ensure a safer community for those who live, work, visit and respond to emergencies in Hadley.

Notice to Applicants: Permitting, Plan Review, and Compliance

All parties performing regulated work within the Town of Hadley must comply with the procedures of the Hadley Fire Department, use official department forms, and submit all applicable fees.

Please plan accordingly:

• A minimum of two (2) weeks’ advance notice is required for any permit or inspection that does not require a plan review.
• Any permit or inspection requiring a plan review may take up to 30 business days, which is the minimum allowable review period.
• Due to recent staffing reductions, the department is currently operating with significantly limited personnel. At this time, only the Fire Chief is certified and authorized to conduct permit issuance, inspections, and plan reviews.
• We respectfully ask that applicants refrain from making repeated calls or emails requesting expedited service. All submissions are processed in the order they are received and dated.

Statutory Compliance

In accordance with M.G.L. c. 148 and the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code (527 CMR 1.00), required permits must be issued and plan reviews completed prior to the commencement of any work. Starting work without a permit is a violation of state law and may result in enforcement action, including stop-work orders and fines.

Terms of Use

By accessing the forms below, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

• Submission Requirements: Applications must be submitted in full, including all supporting documentation and fees, to be considered a "complete submission."
• Review Timeline: Per 527 CMR 1.7.12.1, the Fire Department has up to 30 business days to complete a plan review once a complete package is physically received.
• Inquiries: Please contact the Fire Prevention Office only after you have thoroughly reviewed all information and FAQs provided on this website.

Policy Statement: Contractor & Owner Responsibility

All property owners, tenants, contractors, subcontractors, installers, licensed professionals, and certified technicians are responsible for obtaining all required Fire Department permits, plan reviews, and inspections prior to performing any regulated work. Ignorance of the permit requirement does not exempt any party from compliance.

Independent Authority of the AHJ Fire Department requirements are mandatory under Massachusetts General Laws, 527 CMR, and applicable NFPA standards. They are enforced exclusively by the Fire Chief or the designated Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) within the Fire Department.

• This authority is independent of any other municipal official or department.
• Approvals from wiring inspectors, building commissioners, or plumbing/gas inspectors do not satisfy or waive Fire Department requirements.
• Fire Department permits are in addition to, and do not replace, any permits issued by the Hadley Building Department or other regulatory authorities.

Enforcement and Penalties

Any person or entity who begins work, performs installations, alters systems, occupies a space, or conducts regulated operations without first obtaining all required Fire Department approvals may be subject to immediate enforcement action.

Enforcement actions may include, but are not limited to:

• Stop Work Orders: Immediate suspension of all work activities.
• Correction of Work: Required removal, modification, or correction of non-compliant work at the owner/contractor’s expense.
• Administrative Penalties: Re-inspection fees or withholding of Certificates of Occupancy.
• Legal Remedies: Issuance of written orders, civil penalties, fines, or other remedies available to the AHJ under Massachusetts law and 527 CMR.

Fees

• No paying on site, on the day of inspection allowed.

•  All fees must be submitted with your permit or inspection application.

• Incorrect fees will result in a delay.

• Refer to the Fee Schedule PDF below before calling with questions.

• Make checks or money orders payable to: Town of Hadley.

• Emergency repairs are the only exception and must be approved verbally by the Fire Chief.

$ Fee Payment Updates as of 9/24/2025:

Hadley Fire is beginning slowly with online bill and fee payments. To start only 2 items are available for paying online: 

1. Annual Life Safety Inspections
2. Dumpster Permits

• These will be available to pay through the town’s website using the UNIPAY system. UNIPAY is already used by several town departments.

You can access the online payment page from:

• The Town of Hadley website homepage by clicking on the “Online Payments” icon at the top of the page or
• By using this link: Hadley – Fire Department - https://unipaygold.unibank.com/CustomerInfo.aspx?Customerid=2787

Note:

• All fields are required to be filled out when paying online
• All instructions are laid out when you use this system.
• You must save and print your PDF receipt after payment.
• All permit/inspection forms are below; scroll to bottom of this page.

Over the course of the next several months we will begin to add other permits and inspections to online bill pay system. Our goal is to have everything available by next year.

Questions? Email us: fireadmin@hadleyma.gov

Permits Forms

• Use only the correct and current forms available at the bottom of this page.

• Incorrect or outdated forms will delay processing.

• Incomplete forms will delay processing.

• For unlisted permits not below, visit MA.gov for the latest applications.

Timelines

• Permits with PLAN REVIEWS: Allow up to 30 business days as per 527 CMR for permits that require plan reviews.

• Permits but NO PLAN REVIEW: Submit at least 2 weeks in advance of when you need the approval or inspection.

• IMPAIRMENT PLANS only (no permit): Submit at least 2 weeks in advance of annual service/testing appointment.

• FOOD TRUCKS: Submit at least 2 weeks before the event.

• HOMEOWNERS & REALTORS: Submit at least 2 weeks before you want the inspection.

Submitting Permits & Fees

• Mail or drop off ALL required documents along with the fee.

• No emailing of documents or permit forms EXCEPT for Dumpster Permits.

• Submissions without all materials or the fee will delay processing.

• Address and an Email must be on the permit form.

• If the owner's name/email are required on the form, you must included it.

• Incomplete permit forms will delay processing.

• Emergency work must be verbally approved by the Fire Chief.

Scheduling Inspections or Permits

• Use only the current forms available at the bottom of this page.

• Incorrect or outdated forms will delay processing.

• Name, email and phone# of person to call for scheduling must be on form.

• Once we receive the complete permit form, docs & fees – we will call you to schedule.

Plan Reviews

• Plan reviews may take up to 30 business days. Plan accordingly.

• Use the left-hand menu (#6 for Solar and #7 for Other) for ALL instructions for what is required.

• This will include permit application, fee, properly sized plan drawings and cut sheets. 

• Check these pages first before calling if you have questions.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Inspections

• Full details on page #4 in the left-hand menu.

• Required before any sale or transfer of property; use Permit #2 below.

• Installations of new hardwired or alterations of hardwired alarms require Permit #3 or #4 below. May need plan review.

• Inspections must be scheduled before closing; not after.

•  Send in your permit and fee at least 2 weeks prior to when you want your inspection date.

• Emergencies can occur the day of your inspection and could result in a reschedule. Plan accordingly, do not wait until the last minute.

Food Truck Vendors

• Permits are required for all mobile food trucks, food vendors and food trailers that use fuel or electricity to cook or run a generator.

• Two permits are required: 1 from the Fire Department and 1 from the Board of Health (apply on their web page).

• Vendors selling pre-packaged food do not need a permit from the Fire Dept.; BUT - vendors selling pre-packaged items that use fuel or a generator must have a permit/pay fee.

• Everyone submits an application with Fee (if applicable) at least 2 weeks in advance to Hadley Fire for the Fire Dept. permit.

• A $50 fee applies if using fuel or generators.

• NO FEE if not using fuel, but inspection is still mandatory.

• Everyone who had to submit for a Fire Dept. Food Truck permit gets inspected.

• Inspections occur on the day of the event during setup.

• Failed inspections will result in prohibition from operating.

Dumpster Permits

• Pay online by using this link: Hadley – Fire Department - https://unipaygold.unibank.com/CustomerInfo.aspx?Customerid=2787

• Save and also print out your receipt after payment
• Use form #11 below, fill it out and sign it
• Email this form and your receipt to: fireadmin@hadleyma.gov
• Once approved, we will email you back a signed permit.
• $25 fee is per dumpster.

• Must submit completed form and receipt, then receive the signed approved permit from the Fire Chief BEFORE delivery of the dumpster.

• Last-minute requests are not accepted.

Photovoltaic & Energy Storage Systems

• Permit applications all include the Solar Plan Review checklist that is attached to the permit. Use these specific ones at the bottom of the page: 

• #24 – Photovoltaic PV Solar Plan Review – Application/Permit & Checklist (for any residential or commercial building roof mounted system)
• #25 – Photovoltaic STAND ALONE & Accessory Structure - Application/Permit & Checklist (for any residential or commercial building system – NOT ON ROOF)
• #26 – Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Plan Review – Application/Permit & Checklist (residential or commercial) REQUIRES A SITE VISIT TOO.

• More detailed info on PV Plan Reviews and what is required in #3 in the left-hand menu.

• Submit hard copies via mail with required documents and fees. Do not email plans unless requested.

• Site visit required for ESS or Battery Walls (scheduled via Building Department).

• Plan reviews take up to 30 business days.

• Include all relevant codes and information on page 1.

• Include conduit placement on the plan drawings.

Solar PV Placard & Labeling Requirements - Town of Hadley

All solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed within the Town of Hadley must have all required rapid shutdown placards and labeling installed at the time of system installation and prior to inspection. This requirement is mandated by:

• NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code / NEC), including Articles 690.12, 690.56(C), and 110.21(B)
• 527 CMR 1.00 (Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code), incorporating NFPA 1
• Town of Hadley local permitting requirements

All labeling and placards must strictly conform to the formatting guidelines and standards as pictured and outlined in the solar plan review checklist and must include all information shown in the graphic image example. Placards must be:

• Permanently affixed and durable (per NEC 110.21(B))
• Clearly visible and properly located at all required equipment, including:
  • Service equipment
  • Rapid shutdown switch
  • All required disconnects
• Installed with code-compliant wording and format

Required Installation Standard

• Placards and labels must be installed on the day of system installation
• Placards must be installed prior to inspection
• Approved plans must match field installation
• Submission or approval of plans does not relieve the installer of responsibility to ensure full compliance in the field.

Installer Responsibility

All required placards and labeling are considered part of the solar PV system installation. The permit holder / installing contractor is solely responsible for the proper installation of all required placards and labels in accordance with:

• NFPA 70 (NEC)
• 527 CMR 1.00
• Town of Hadley requirements and Solar Plan Review Checklist

Placards shall not be deferred, mailed, or assigned to the property owner for installation.

Failure to install required placards at the time of system installation will be considered incomplete work and a code violation.

Enforcement & Penalties

Failure to install required placards at the time of installation will result in enforcement action in accordance with 527 CMR 1.00 and Massachusetts General Laws. Possible actions include:

• Failed Inspection / Withholding of Approval
  • Systems will not pass inspection until all required placards are properly installed.
• Reinspection Fees and Delays
  • Additional inspections will be required at the applicant’s expense.
• Stop Work Orders
  • Issued under 527 CMR 1.00 and Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 148, requiring all work to cease until violations are corrected.
• Orders to Correct / Code Violations
  • Issued for noncompliance with:
    • 527 CMR 1.00
    • Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 148 Section 10A
• Fines and Penalties
  • Violations may be penalized under:
    • Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 148 Section 34A
    • Each day the violation continues may constitute a separate offense.
• Permit Suspension or Revocation
  • For repeated or willful noncompliance.
• Non-Criminal Disposition (Ticketing)
  • Enforced in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40 Section 21D.

Inspection Policy

Any system found without required placards installed at the time of inspection will result in:

• Immediate inspection failure
• Required correction prior to reinspection
• No exceptions

Residential Open Burn Season

• Burn season is from January 15 to May 1.
• Permits must be filled out in person on the day of burning.
• Updated information is posted each January on our website.

Agricultural Burn Permits

• Contact the Fire Station for more information.
• These are available from the Fire Chief only.

Links

Click link ⇒ Preparing your home for a Smoke Detector of CO Alarm inspection

Click link ⇒ MA fire regulations to reference all new 527 CMR 1 and referenced NFPA (2021 ed.) fire regulations and permit/inspection guidelines.

Click link ⇒  Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work ; Fire Safety Requirements in Massachusetts 

The Massachusetts permit & inspection forms below must be used by anyone submitting for work to be done in the Town of Hadley. These updated forms include detailed requirements per the Fire Chief and are all fillable PDF's. Other Massachusetts fire departments towns are welcome to use or borrow them for their town after removing our town's name/address from them.