Place of Assembly Permit

• Completed Place of Assembly Permit application
• 1 copy of egress plans in PDF format (see egress plan requirements)

All files must be in PDF format and no larger than 16 MB. Upload each document as a separate file.

Egress Plans Requirements

Egress plans must be prepared by a Massachusetts registered architect or engineer who is competent in the design of means of egress systems. Keep plans on the premises at all times.

Each set of plans must include:

• Notations: Label the plans with the building code used for the egress analysis, a usable scale.
• Building information: Current name and address of the establishment, as listed in ISD records; the code of record used for the egress analysis; a usable scale; and the use and occupancy classification as approved by ISD.
• Occupant load: Calculated for each floor and space by a Massachusetts registered architect or engineer, in accordance with 780 CMR Section 1004.0.
• Exit locations: All exits labeled uniquely by floor and number (for example: 1-A, 1-B on the first floor; 2-A, 2-B on the second).
• Main exit: Clearly identified, with documentation showing it can accommodate at least half of the required exit capacity.
• Exit routes: The full route from each exit to the outside of the building, with the effective width of each exit dimensioned and streets to be labeled on the plan.
• Seating layout: All seating shown, with required separation distances and aisle widths clearly indicated; each space type (standing, seating, dancing) delineated with total square footage.
• Fire and life safety systems: Location of all fire alarm devices, exit signs, emergency lighting, panic hardware, and indication of whether the building has a sprinkler system and/or fire alarm system.
• Street names: Labeled on the drawing at each exit location.
• Plumbing fixture calculations: Documenting the required number of toilets, sinks, and other fixtures.

If your space has more than one setup, for example, a dining configuration during the day and a standing bar at night, you must submit a separate egress plan for each configuration.

Applications submitted without egress plans that meet these requirements will be disapproved. If the space setup at the time of inspection differs from the approved plans, the application will also be disapproved.

All of the documents listed in All Applications, plus any additional documents required for newly constructed buildings. Contact BFD Fire Prevention for guidance.

• Current fire alarm system inspection report (or record of completion if new)
• Current sprinkler system inspection report (or NFPA report if new)
• Evacuation plan in narrative form
• Documentation that fire extinguishers have an up-to-date inspection tag
• Flame certifications for interior finishes, decorations, and furnishings

If you have commercial cooking equipment:

• Copy of kitchen hood system tag
• Contract with kitchen hood cleaning company
• Report of last hood cleaning  

If your building has a fire escape:

• Fire escape inspection report (required every 5 years)

If your building has a fire pump:

• Fire pump yearly test report

If your alarm monitoring company is different from your alarm installation company:

• Letter confirming the name of your monitoring company

All files must be in PDF format and no larger than 16 MB. Upload each document as a separate file.