Find everything you need to know about the necessary permits for your projects in the City of Boston.
guide
Welcome To Boston Permitting
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We understand that permitting at the City of Boston can be a confusing process. We are here to help. This website will help guide you through completing your project safely and correctly. For now, this website covers home improvement and building projects. We are working to include information on other projects and permits in the future.
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Select the option that best describes your project.
Install or Replace
For windows, appliances, plumbing fixtures, solar panels, and other home or business projects.
Gut or Renovate
For remodeling kitchens, bathrooms, demolishing an existing structure, and other big projects.
Repair
For fixing roofs, decks, porches, and other repairs.
Change The Use Of A Building Or Space
Whether indoor or outdoor, this is for changing how a building or property is used, including changing parking, adding a pool, or other changes.
Build An Addition
Building a new construction, new roof or deck, an ADU, or extending a living space, or other additions.
Other Projects
For installing a sign on your business, relocating exits and sprinklers, painting, events, or amending an existing permit application, and other tasks.
Permits By Category
Use the categories below to search for specific permits.
- Air Pressurized Dry Standpipe Summary (pdf)
- Alteration/impairment Of A Water-based Fire Suppression Systems Fire Safety Requirements (pdf)
- Clean Agent Guidelines As Of July 2021 (pdf)
- Electronic Plan Submittal Requirements As Of July 2021 (pdf)
- Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (pdf)
- Fire Alarm Permit Application Guidelines As Of April 2023 (pdf)
- Full Text Of Article Viii Of Bfdfpc On Hot Work (pdf)
- General Contractors Permit Requirements And Responsibilities (pdf)
- Guidelines For A Smoke Control System (pdf)
- Hot Work Application Requirements As Of February 2023 (pdf)
- Hot Work Safety Course (pdf)
- List Of Required Attachments For The 12 Applications Launching May 2019 (pdf)
- NFPA 241 Affidavit (pdf)
- Place Of Assembly Guidelines (pdf)
- Place Of Assembly Requirements As Of July 2021 (pdf)
- Preaction Sprinkler As Of July 2021 (pdf)
- Requirements For Air Pressurized Standpipes (pdf)
- Restricted Use Of Propane (LPG) For "Hot Work" (pdf)
- Smoke Control Panel Requirements As Of July 2021 (pdf)
- Temporary Detection As Of July 2021 (pdf)
- Tent Requirements As Of July 2021 (pdf)
Apply For Permits Online
You can apply for, pay, and print select City permits and licenses online.
The online option saves you time. Instead of visiting us at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, you can apply online and even print out your permit when it has been approved.
Logging into our online portals
Have you used our portal before? You can activate your old account online. Just follow the links above and reset your password so you can get into the portal and see your previous applications. Please note: You must know your email or username for your previous account.
