Inspectional Services
We administer and enforce building, housing, health, sanitation, and safety regulations mandated by City and State governments.
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.
Contact
1010 Massachusetts Avenue
5th Floor
Boston, MA 02118
United States
Cashier hours
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Office hours
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Building Division is open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays.
We created a number of guides to help you through the permitting process.
We also have information on less common permits.
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.
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
Was your project denied because it didn't meet the building code?
Applying for a Boston builders license
The license allows a person to perform certain types of construction work.
Approved after-hours building permits
Review permits approved for after-hours construction projects.
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.
Environmental Sanitation
We keep Boston free of pests and rodents, and oversee Animal Control in the City.
Meet our staff
William Christopher Jr.
Commissioner, Inspectional Services
Indira C. Alvarez
Chief of Staff
Leo Boucher
Assistant Commissioner, Environmental Services
Edward Coburn, Esq.
Assistant Commissioner, Legal Division
Claudia Correa
Assistant Commissioner, Housing Division
Jill E. Cox
Assistant Commissioner, Building and Structures
Mari Flaherty
Director of Human Resources
Aisha E. Johnson
Assistant Commissioner Constituent Services
Amanda Kennedy
Director, Animal Care and Control
Sean Lydon
Assistant Commissioner, Building Division
Dan Manning
Director of Operations
John Meaney
Assistant Commissioner, Health Division
Mary I. Morgan
Supervisor of Finance
Kim Thai, Esq.
Assistant Commissioner, Plans and Zoning, and Director of Policy
Lisa M. Timberlake
Director of Publicity
Elaine Vieira
Assistant Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures