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Inspectional Services

We administer and enforce building, housing, health, sanitation, and safety regulations mandated by City and State governments.

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We are made up of five regulatory divisions whose aim is to protect and improve the quality of life for all Boston residents. Our mission is to serve the public by protecting the health, safety, and environmental stability of Boston's business and residential communities. Learn more about our work.

Take Advantage OF our online portal

The online option saves you time — you can apply online and even print out your permit when it has been approved by us. Right now, you can apply for some of our permits online, but the list will continue to grow over time.

Go to our online portal

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Contact
1010 Massachusetts Avenue
5th Floor
Boston , MA  02118
United States
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Building Division is open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays.
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What building permit do I need?
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Important Inspectional Services contacts
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Check the status of a Building or Fire permit
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Search for historical permit records

Short-term rentals

Short-term rentals in the City of Boston are subject to new regulations starting on January 1, 2019.

Short-term rental information

Building permits

We created a number of guides to help you through the permitting process.

We also have information on less common permits.

building permits info

How to get a short-form permit
How to get a short-form permit
You need a short-form permit for minor changes to a building.
How to get a long-form permit
How to get a long-form permit
This permit is for new construction, or to make updates to a building.
How to get a record of legal occupancy
How to get a record of legal occupancy
You need the certificate to get a permit to do work on a building.
How the Zoning Board of Appeal works
How the Zoning Board of Appeal works
The board inspects and review buildings for zoning compliance.
How to file an appeal with the Zoning Board
How to file an appeal with the Zoning Board
Was your project denied because it didn't meet the building code?
Applying for a Boston builders license
Applying for a Boston builders license
The license allows a person to perform certain types of construction work.
Additional Dwelling Unit toolkit
Additional Dwelling Unit toolkit
The program offers more housing options while creating rental income.
Approved after-hours building permits
Approved after-hours building permits
Review permits approved for after-hours construction projects.
Learn about the permitting process
Learn about the permitting process
Permits include building, electrical, plumbing, and gas.

Housing help

Inspecting housing in Boston
Learn about the Housing Division at Inspectional Services, and what we do for Boston residents.
When you need a rental inspection
We inspect rental properties to make sure they meet state housing codes.
How to register a rental property
If you own a rental property, you must register it with the City each year.
How to apply for the Five-Year Inspection Plan
If you have a good record as a property owner in Boston, you may qualify for the plan.
How to request an administrative hearing
You can ask for a hearing if you get a violation on your property.
Short-term rentals
Short-term rentals in the City of Boston are subject to new regulations starting on January 1, 2019.

Meeting the housing code in Boston

All homes must meet the State Sanitary Code. Learn more about the regulations.

Housing code information

Learn more about our work

Health, food, and environment
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Health Division

We create and enforce food safety codes for Inspectional Services.

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Environmental Sanitation

We keep Boston free of pests and rodents, and oversee Animal Control in the City.

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Weights and measures

We protect consumers when they buy products sold by weight or volume.

Programs

Programs

Mayor's Food Court

The Mayor's Food Court rates violations of food service establishments.

Breathe Easy at Home

We're improving access and communication between medical homes for children with asthma, public health agencies, and...

BOS:311 service requests

Service requests
All BOS:311 requests
Overflowing or Unkempt Dumpster
Report Abandoned Building
Report Bed Bugs
Report Illegal Occupancy
Report Rodent Activity (Outdoors)
Report Trash on a Vacant Lot
Report Unsanitary Conditions (Food)
Request Building Inspection (Structural)

Forms and documents

Forms and documents

Latest news

News
Image for Keep your home safe during the holidays

Keep your home safe during the holidays

Inspectional Services
Image for Preparing your home for the inevitable winter

Preparing your home for the inevitable winter

Inspectional Services
Image for summer safety tips: keep your food safe

Summer safety tips: Keep your food safe

Inspectional Services
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Summer safety tips: Rodent and pest control

Inspectional Services
More Inspectional Services News

Meet our staff