Boston, MA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Boston.

Department

Inspectional Services Department (ISD)

Address

1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02118

Phone

617-635-5300

Email

isd@boston.gov

Website

https://www.boston.gov/departments/inspectional-services

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

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.

Typical processing time: Short-Form: 24-48 hours. Long-Form: varies based on plan review complexity; typically 4-6 weeks or more.

Source: Inspectional Services Department (ISD)

General Requirements

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.

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

Permit validity

Permit is valid for six months from issuance. Work must begin within six months.

Building code

780 CMR 9th Edition (2015 International Building Code with Massachusetts amendments)

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.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$20 (Short-Form); $50 (Long-Form)

Permit fee formula

Short-Form: $20 + $10 per $1,000 of estimated cost. Long-Form: $50 + $10 per $1,000 of estimated cost.

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.

Penalty (no permit)

Double permit fees apply when work begins without a permit or when project costs are undervalued.

Payment note

Payment accepted online by credit/debit card, or in person at ISD by cash, check, or card. No credit card surcharge.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective May 15, 2023).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• 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

Important: 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.

Inspections

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 inspection 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.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 780 CMR 9th Edition (2015 International Building Code with Massachusetts amendments)
• Verify contractor license: Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Certificate of Occupancy Checklist
• Approved Building Permits Dataset
• Boston Landmarks Commission
• License lookup guide: Massachusetts Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Massachusetts Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Massachusetts hub: Massachusetts Contractor License & Permit Hub

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