Inspectional Services
COVID-19 UPDATE: We've established new protocols for essential construction work in the City of Boston due to the public health emergency. We also have an informational page on how to best access our services during COVID-19.
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
5th Floor
Requesting a copy of records? Check our Public Records Center.
Requirements & Schedule to work on a holiday
Building permits
We also have information on less common permits.
You need a short-form permit for minor changes to a building.
This permit is for new construction, or to make updates to a building.
You need the certificate to get a permit to do work on a building.
The program offers more housing options while creating rental income.
View permits approved for after-hours work.
Permits include building, electrical, plumbing, and gas.
The Board is responsible for issuing Boston Builders Licenses.
Zoning Board of Appeal
We inspect and review buildings for zoning compliance. The board regulates the rules behind what you can build and where you can build in Boston.
Zoning Board information Related information:Housing help
Learn more about our work
Health, food, and environment
The Health Division enforces food and sanitary laws for Boston Inspectional Services. Learn about our team approach to protecting public health.
Programs
ProgramsBOS:311 service requests
Service requestsForms and documents
Documents- Off Hours Inspection Request
- Don't Fall Prey to Unscrupulous Contractors
- Example of Floor Plan
- Example of Framing Plan and Elevation Plan
- Example of Plot Plan
- Extension Request for Building Permits
- Fire Escape and Fire Balcony Affidavit
- Trench Permit
- Sheet Metal
- Roof Decks certification (Commissioners Bulletin)
- Massachusetts State Building Code-780 CMR
- Off-Hour Permit Application
- Permit Extension Act common questions
- Street Numbering Form
- Suggested Affidavit for Home Improvement Contractor Permit Application
- What is a Certified Plot Plan?
- Affidavit of Licensed Contractor Violation History
- Swimming Pool Affidavit
- 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)
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:
- an Individual
- a limited liability company (LLC)
- a limited liability partnership (LLP), and
- a corporation.
- Home Improvement Contractors (HIC) Guide
- First-time registrations
- Renew your HIC Registration (online account only)
- Change your registered address
- Request a duplicate or supplemental (additional) card
- Renew your HIC registration (by mail or in-person)
- Change your Doing Business As (DBA)
- Register as a Foreign Corporation
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