On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Boston
A building permit is required for all construction, alteration, demolition, repair affecting structure, change of occupancy, or installation of building systems within the City of Boston.
One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 120 square feet without electrical, plumbing, or mechanical utilities
Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height (electric gates require a permit)
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from footing bottom to wall top, not supporting a surcharge
Ground-supported water tanks under 5,000 gallons with height-to-diameter ratio not exceeding 2:1
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement
Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
Prefabricated swimming pools under 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons, accessory to residential use
Agricultural nursery cloth shade structures without service systems
Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached 1-2 family dwellings
Window awnings on Group R-3 and U occupancies projecting not more than 54 inches
Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height
Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film
Ordinary repairs not affecting structure, egress, fire protection, fire ratings, energy conservation, plumbing, sanitary, gas, electrical, or other utilities
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 120 square feet without electrical, plumbing, or mechanical utilities
- Exempt Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height (electric gates require a permit)
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from footing bottom to wall top, not supporting a surcharge
- Exempt Ground-supported water tanks under 5,000 gallons with height-to-diameter ratio not exceeding 2:1
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement
- Exempt Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools under 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons, accessory to residential use
- Exempt Agricultural nursery cloth shade structures without service systems
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached 1-2 family dwellings
- Exempt Window awnings on Group R-3 and U occupancies projecting not more than 54 inches
- Exempt Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height
- Exempt Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film
- Exempt Ordinary repairs not affecting structure, egress, fire protection, fire ratings, energy conservation, plumbing, sanitary, gas, electrical, or other utilities
Note: Even when a building permit is not required, plumbing, electrical, gas, and mechanical work may still require trade-specific permits. Confirm exempt status with ISD before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed permit application (no special characters in work description)
- Scope of work description and estimated total cost
- Short-Form: Homeowner Waiver (if homeowner applicant) and MA State Worker's Compensation Affidavit (Box 3)
- Long-Form: Design plans stamped by a Massachusetts registered engineer or architect; certified plot plan; fire protection documentation if applicable
- For contractor applicants: valid trade license (front and back, current), Certificate of Liability Insurance, signed homeowner contract, Site Safety Plan Affidavit, Mattocks-Higgins Workplace Safety Affidavit
- Building code
- 780 CMR 9th Edition (2015 International Building Code with Massachusetts amendments)
- Permit validity
- Permit is valid for six months from issuance. Work must begin within six months.
- Owner-builder
- Owners of 1-2 family owner-occupied homes may apply for both Short-Form and Long-Form permits. Condo owners in 3+ unit buildings must use licensed contractors.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold a valid Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL) for structures under 35,000 cubic feet. Plumbing, gas, and electrical work always requires a licensed trade contractor.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Short-Form: 24-48 hours. Long-Form: varies based on plan review complexity; typically 4-6 weeks or more.
- 01 Register an account on the ISD Online Portal.
- 02 Select Short-Form or Long-Form permit type based on project scope.
- 03 Complete the application and upload required documents (see general requirements).
- 04 Submit application online.
- 05 For Long-Form permits, ISD conducts plan review; planning and zoning sign-off may be required.
- 06 Applicant receives email with approval and fee payment instructions.
- 07 Pay permit fees online or in person at ISD.
- 08 Permit is issued; download and print for posting at job site.
- 09 Schedule required inspections through the portal.
- 10 For new construction or change of occupancy, apply for Certificate of Occupancy before occupying space.
Typical processing time: Short-Form: 24-48 hours. Long-Form: varies based on plan review complexity; typically 4-6 weeks or more.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective May 15, 2023
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$20 (Short-Form); $50 (Long-Form)
02
Permit fee formula
Short-Form: $20 + $10 per $1,000 of estimated cost. Long-Form: $50 + $10 per $1,000 of estimated cost.
03
Trade permit fee
Electrical (new/upgrade service): $20 + $0.25/amp (up to 240V). Plumbing: $20 + $5 per fixture. Gas: $20 + $5 per appliance/meter. Sprinkler: $20 + $1 per head.
04
Penalty (no permit)
Double permit fees apply when work begins without a permit or when project costs are undervalued.
Payment accepted online by credit/debit card, or in person at ISD by cash, check, or card. No credit card surcharge.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective May 15, 2023) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 617-635-5300 (phone)
- ISD Online Portal (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact ISD at least 48 hours in advance of desired inspection date.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Typical sequence: Typical sequence for major work: foundation, framing, mechanical rough-ins (electrical, plumbing, HVAC before covering), and final inspection.
Remote video inspections may be used for certain inspection types at the city's discretion.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Boston permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Boston, MA? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction, alteration, demolition, repair affecting structure, change of occupancy, or installation of building systems within the City of Boston.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Boston, MA? ▸
Building permit fees in Boston, MA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $20 (Short-Form); $50 (Long-Form). Fees are calculated as: Short-Form: $20 + $10 per $1,000 of estimated cost. Long-Form: $50 + $10 per $1,000 of estimated cost..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Boston, MA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Boston, MA, follow these steps: 1. Register an account on the ISD Online Portal. 2. Select Short-Form or Long-Form permit type based on project scope. 3. Complete the application and upload required documents (see general requirements). 4. Submit application online. 5. For Long-Form permits, ISD conducts plan review; planning and zoning sign-off may be required. 6. Applicant receives email with approval and fee payment instructions. 7. Pay permit fees online or in person at ISD. 8. Permit is issued; download and print for posting at job site. 9. Schedule required inspections through the portal. 10. For new construction or change of occupancy, apply for Certificate of Occupancy before occupying space.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Boston, MA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Boston, MA typically run Short-Form: 24-48 hours. Long-Form: varies based on plan review complexity; typically 4-6 weeks or more.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Boston, MA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Boston, MA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 120 square feet without electrical, plumbing, or mechanical utilities; Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height (electric gates require a permit); Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from footing bottom to wall top, not supporting a surcharge; Ground-supported water tanks under 5,000 gallons with height-to-diameter ratio not exceeding 2:1; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement; Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery; Prefabricated swimming pools under 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons, accessory to residential use; Agricultural nursery cloth shade structures without service systems; Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached 1-2 family dwellings; Window awnings on Group R-3 and U occupancies projecting not more than 54 inches; Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height; Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film; Ordinary repairs not affecting structure, egress, fire protection, fire ratings, energy conservation, plumbing, sanitary, gas, electrical, or other utilities. Note: Even when a building permit is not required, plumbing, electrical, gas, and mechanical work may still require trade-specific permits. Confirm exempt status with ISD before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Boston, MA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Boston, MA via: 617-635-5300, ISD Online Portal. Contact ISD at least 48 hours in advance of desired inspection date..
last verified April 2026
source Inspectional Services Department (ISD) ↗
entry id permits/massachusetts/suffolk/boston
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Inspectional Services Department (ISD) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.