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Development Services
About Development Services
Development Services is a Division of the City of Lowell's Department of Planning and Development (DPD). In 2011, the Department of Planning and Development absorbed the code enforcement and inspectional services functions formerly housed in the Inspectional Services, Health, and Public Works Departments to create the Division of Development Services.
The Division of Development Services exists to provide a one-stop center for land-use, permitting and code enforcement activities in the City. We are committed to protecting and preserving public safety, security and quiet enjoyment of the residents through the review and enforcement of building and sanitary codes, and the evaluation of land-development and use proposals for adherence to the goals and objectives of the City's Master Plan (PDF) and Zoning Code (PDF).
The Development Services office provides a clearer path of access for both proponents of major economic development projects and for residents interested in construction activity in their neighborhoods. To view the fees for various Development Services permits and applications, please click here.
Online Permitting
Currently, the City is accepting online permit applications for Plumbing, Gas, Electrical, Sheet Metal, Roofing, Siding, Windows, Insulation, and Solar Permits.
To apply for a Permit online, please click here.
Public Safety & Health
DPD's Development Services Office also works to protect public safety and health through enforcement, permitting, and inspections associated with the state building code, plumbing code, electrical code, sanitary code, and related local ordinances, while also responding to complaints of public nuisances and potential code violations. DPD is also responsible for conducting testing and inspections to confirm the accuracy of devices used throughout the City for measuring and weighing goods in commerce.
Vacant/Foreclosed Properties
Development Services also maintains a map of all the properties in the City which have have active registrations under our Vacant/Foreclosed Ordinance. This map of Vacant/Foreclosed Property Registrations is also broken down by neighborhood.
Administrative Functions
Development Services houses all of the administrative functions for the land use boards in the City: the Historic Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Planning Board, the Conservation Commission and the Sustainability Council.
Lowell Telecommunication Corporation Meeting Recordings
Find Lowell Telecommunications Corporation (LTC) public meeting recordings.
Permits Issued by Month
For a report of all permits issued by Development Services monthly over the past two years, please visit our Application Reports page.
Document Library
Find documents from Development Services.
The Division of Development Services has a specific hotline for reporting work being done to a property without a permit and zoning violations in the City of Lowell .The hotline number is 978-674-1488. Callers are encouraged to leave a message with detailed information after our normal business hours so that the Department can respond accordingly.