For Realtors and Real Estate Agents

For Realtors and Real Estate AgentsHouse Number 58

Tips for a Successful Real Estate Transaction:

House Numbering

In the event of an emergency, the proper numbering of homes, business and other buildings allows first responders to locate it quicker than an unnumbered one. Gloucester’s City Council’s ordinance requires numbers to be affixed to or inscribed on buildings. (Gloucester’s Code Ordinances Sec. 21-4.)

From the Ordinance

(a) Numbers shall be affixed to or inscribed on all dwelling houses and other buildings in regular series, now or hereafter erected on any street or way in the city, in accordance with a plan approved by the city council. Numbers shall be not less than three inches in height and shall be of contrasting color to the surface to which they are attached. Numbers shall be prominently displayed on the house or building in such a manner as to be seen from the street at all times without difficulty.

(b) The primary location for numbers shall be near the door facing the street or way that provides the principal approach to the house or building. On houses or buildings obscured from the street by trees or other obstructions and houses or buildings which have a setback in excess of 150 feet from the edge of the traveled way, numbers shall be securely displayed at a distance not more than 20 feet from the edge of the traveled way...

A building without the appropriate number cannot be approved for a transfer and a revisit will be necessary. The cost of each revisit is $50.00.

Alarm Systems and Detectors

The appropriate type and installation of smoke, heat, carbon monoxide, and other detectors and alarm components will help in ensuring a successful inspection. Different dwellings require different systems. The age of the home or building play a role in the systems as well. For a complete list of the type of alarm system or detectors required refer to the Smoke and CO Alarm Requirements (PDF).

It is the goal of Gloucester’s Fire Prevention Bureau to work in concert with realtors and agents ensuring a successful inspection on the first attempt thus saving time and money.

Real Estate transfer appointments will be scheduled through ViewPoint Cloud as part of the application process.

Fees for inspections are collected at the time of inspection via Gloucester’s Online Permitting Center on ViewPoint Cloud or a check provided to the Inspector made out to the City of Gloucester. A failed inspection requires scheduling of an reinspection and payment of the reinspection fee at the time of reinspection as listed above.


 The Fire Prevention Bureau thanks you in advance for your cooperation.