Inspectional Services

Update: Our office remains open to the public for in-person services. However, for your safety and that of our staff, we have temporarily adjusted some of our business practices. Read our latest COVID-19 update.

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The Inspectional Services Department administers and enforces building, housing, health, sanitation, and safety regulations mandated by City and State governments.

We are made up of five regulatory divisions. Our goal 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 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

Contact

617-635-5300
isd@boston.gov
1010 Massachusetts Avenue
5th Floor

Boston, MA 02118
United States
Office hours

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Records Request

Requesting a copy of records? Check our Public Records Center.
2021 holiday dates
- View holiday dates requiring an after-hours work permit

Get started

What building permit do I need?

Important Inspectional Services contacts

Check the status of a Building or Fire permit

Search for historical permit records

Upcoming events

Events

Search public notices

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

You need a short-form permit for minor changes to a building.

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

You need the certificate to get a permit to do work on a building.

Additional Dwelling Unit toolkit

The program offers more housing options while creating rental income.

Approved after hours permits

View permits approved for after-hours work.

Learn about the permitting process

Permits include building, electrical, plumbing, and gas.

Board of Examiners

The Board is responsible for issuing Boston Builders Licenses.

Short-form permit tutorial

How to apply for a short-form permit: Watch a step-by-step video tutorial

Zoning Board of Appeal

The Zoning Board regulates the rules behind what you can build and where you can build in Boston.

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.

Renew your rental registration

Property owners who have previously registered your rental units must renew your registration every 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.

Housing Division contacts

We have emails and phone numbers for Housing Division contacts.

Meeting the housing code in Boston

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

Learn more about our work

Constituent Services

The Constituent Services Division is composed of call center representatives, community liaisons, and the Investigation and Enforcement Team.

Environmental Sanitation

We keep Boston free of pests and rodents.

Health Division

The Health Division enforces food and sanitary laws for Boston Inspectional Services.

Weights and Measures

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

Programs

Additional Dwelling Units

We want to streamline the process for homeowners looking to create an additional unit.

Breathe Easy at Home

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

Mayor's Food Court

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

Vacant and foreclosed property registration

You must register your property with Inspectional Services if it is vacant or going into foreclosure

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

Documents

Building

Commissioner's bulletins

Health

Historic Districts in Boston

Aberdeen Architectural Conservation District (designated in 200).
Back Bay Architectural District (Established in 1966 and expanded in 1974, 1979, and 1981)
Bay State Road/Back Bay West Architectural Conservation District (designated in 1979)
Bay Village Historic District (designated in 1983)
Beacon Hill Architectural District (established in 1955, and expanded in 1958 and 1963)
Fort Point Channel Landmark District (designated in 2009)
Mission Hill Triangle Architectural Conservation District (designated in 1985)
South End Landmark District (designated in 1983)
St. Botolph Architectural Conservation District (designated in 1981)

Home improvement contractors

Home Improvement Contractors

Are you a contractor and subcontractor performing home improvement work on an existing one- to four-unit residential property in Massachusetts? You must register for the Home Improvement Contractor Registration as the following: