The Development Services Office which was envisioned as a one-stop permit and code enforcement center when the City Council approved a reorganization of City departments in June is now open.  Permitting and code enforcement staff formerly housed in the JFK Civic Center, DPW on Middlesex Street, and Health Department on Pine Street have been relocated to a single office on the second floor of City Hall (375 Merrimack Street).  They join the former Inspectional Services Department staff to form the Division of Development Services in the Department of Planning and Development.  

Residents and property owners seeking permits for any development or construction project or with questions about enforcement of building, health, zoning, sanitary, and other codes now need only visit one office in one building.  We hope this will provide significantly enhanced customer service and convenience for those interacting with the municipal government.  On-street parking is available on Merrimack Street, Arcand Drive, Cardinal O’Connell Parkway, and other area streets.  Garage Parking is available a short walk away at the Ayotte Garage on Cox Circle and the Roy Garage on Market Street.

The main administrative phone number for the Development Services office is 978-674-4144, all DPD staff can also be reached directly by calling 978-446-7200 and either using the electronic directory or press “0” and an operator can direct your call.

Specific offices and functions that have been relocated include:

Health and Sanitary Code Enforcement Inspectors, including restaurant and food permits and licensing has been relocated from Pine Street.

Wire Inspection and electrical permitting has been relocated from Middlesex Street.

The Lowell Historic Board and Lowell Planning Board offices have been relocated from the JFK Civic Center on Arcand Drive.