Sheet Metal Permit

Contractors

• The permit applicant must be the contractor performing the work.
• Someone else, like an office clerk, can fill out and send in the application for you. But it has to be in your name, not theirs, since you're the licensed contractor.

Homeowners can’t apply

• If you’re a homeowner, you must hire a licensed contractor to apply for the permit and complete the work.

Project information:

• Short description of the work: Include your scope of work, materials, floors and rooms involved, and any related permits (include permit numbers).
• Estimated total project cost: Do not use special characters (such as $ or commas) when entering this value in the online portal.

License and insurance:

• Front and back copy of your valid, non-expired trade license. The name on the license must match the applicant.
• A current Certificate of Liability Insurance
• MA State Worker’s Compensation Affidavit

• $20 application fee
• Plus $25 for the first 200 linear or square feet
• And $25 for each additional 200 linear or square feet

All fees are due upfront. Pay online through the portal, or in person at Inspectional Services. 

• Online: Credit or debit card
• In person: Credit or debit card, cash, checks

Inspectional Services does not accept Apple Pay.

• Apply Online

  Apply through the Inspectional Services Department online portal. You’ll need to create an account before applying for any permit.

  Inspectional Services Department online portal

  You can come to the Inspectional Services office to apply, but staff will still have you complete the application through the same online portal.

  Have everything ready before you submit. Once submitted, you can’t edit or upload more information until we review the application.

Do not begin work before your permit is issued. If you do, Inspectional Services may:

• charge double the permit cost, or
• issue a building code violation.

Check your application status through the Permit Finder. We will notify you via your permitting portal email address with any updates.

You must start work within six months of your permit being issued. Some projects can get a 180-day extension. Only certain project types are eligible, so check before assuming yours qualifies.

Schedule an inspection through the ISD call center (617-635-5300) or the online portal once your work is finished. Be ready to provide:

• Project address
• Permit number
• If a contractor was involved, their name and contact information

An inspector will contact you within 48 hours to schedule and confirm. The licensed contractor must be onsite during the inspection.

Once the inspection passes and no further work is required, your project is finished. Verify your permit shows as closed in the online portal.