Electrical Permits

Contractors

• The permit applicant must be the contractor performing the work.

Homeowners can't apply

• If you’re a homeowner, you must hire a licensed contractor to apply for the permit and complete the work.

When upgrading service or installing new service:

• $20 application fee plus $.25 amp up to 240 Volts, or
• $20 application fee plus $.75 amp over 480 volts

When there is no change in service:

• $20 application fee plus $1 each for each fixture, plug, or outlet and $5 for each approved meter.

When none of the above apply:

• $20 application fee plus $10 per $1,000 of the estimated cost.

All state of Massachusetts buildings: 

• $20 application fee plus $10 per $1,000 of the estimated cost.

All fees are due upfront. You may pay online in the portal, or in person at the Inspectional Services Department (1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02118). Accepted payment methods are:

• Online: Credit or debit card
• In person: Credit or debit card, cash, checks

Note: Inspectional Services does not accept Apple Pay.

1. Permit Review Timeline

Check on the status of your application often while you're waiting for approval.

Processing times vary based on your property's location and whether additional information or approvals are required. Some projects may need documentation or sign-off from outside agencies before your permit can be issued.

2. Possible Additional Requirements

Record of Occupancy (if missing)

Some properties do not have a Record of Occupancy on file with the Inspectional Services Department (ISD). If this applies to your address, you will see “Please Confirm Occupancy” in the online portal.

To obtain a Record of Occupancy:

• The property owner must call 617-635-5300 to request a Confirmation of Occupancy inspection.
• An inspector will visit the property and conduct a walkthrough.
• The owner must be present to provide access.

Important:

• Contractors: You cannot request or schedule this inspection. Direct the property owner to complete the steps above. No permits will be issued to you until the Record of Occupancy is resolved.
• Homeowners working with a contractor: Stay in communication with your contractor. They will only learn the Record of Occupancy is missing after applying, and they cannot schedule the required inspection for you.

3. External Agency Approvals

Depending on your project, you may need approval from:

• Planning and Zoning: For compliance with the Boston Zoning Code
• Parks and Recreation: For work within 100 feet of a park or parkway
• Landmarks Commission: For projects located in a historic district

These required approvals will appear under the “Review” section in the online portal.

Note: You must contact these agencies directly. Inspectional Services does not request approvals for you. You can find information on how to contact these agencies in your application portal, or use the links above to visit their websites for more information.

Submitting approvals:

• Upload all approval documents to the portal. Your permit cannot be issued until Inspectional Services receives and reviews them.

4. Starting Work

Do not begin work before your permit is issued. If you do, Inspectional Services may:

• Charge double the permit cost, or
• Issue a building code violation

1. Request an Inspection

Once your work is finished, you must schedule an inspection through the Inspectional Services call center. Call 617-635-5300 or schedule through the online portal

When you request an inspection, be prepared to provide:

• Project address
• Permit number
• Licensed contractor’s name and contact information
  • (Not required if you are a homeowner who completed the work yourself)

Important: The licensed contractor must be onsite during the inspection.

2. Scheduling

• An inspector will contact you within 48 hours to schedule and confirm your inspection.
• For questions, email isdpermits@boston.gov or call 617-635-5300.

3. After Your Inspection

Once the inspection is complete and no further work is required, your project is finished. We recommend you verify your permit application is closed through the online portal. Please call 617-635-5300 if your permit is still showing up after your application is complete.