city_hall

Official websites use .boston.gov

A .boston.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the City of Boston.

lock

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Boston.gov Search

Get direct answers to your questions about City of Boston services, programs, and information. While we strive for accuracy by sourcing directly from Boston.gov, our search can occasionally provide unexpected results. You can help us improve by using the feedback buttons below each answer.

Questions? Contact us at digital@boston.gov.

Popular searches

All permits

Browse all city permits and licenses by keyword, project category or department.

Displaying 20 of 22 permits

Alcoholic Beverage Retail License Get a license to sell alcoholic beverages at your business. Required for restaurants, bars, clubs, and package stores. Licensing Board
Annual Entertainment License Required for businesses that host public shows, including live music, DJs, karaoke, dancing, and recorded entertainment like background music or TVs. Entertainment Licensing
Business Certificate A Business Certificate is a public record that registers your business name and address with the City of Boston. City Clerk
BYOB Permit A BYOB permit lets eligible Common Victualler restaurant guests bring their own wine or malt beverages. Not all restaurants qualify. Licensing Board
Certificate of Occupancy A Certificate of Occupancy confirms that a building or space is safe and legally approved for its intended use. Inspectional Services
Common Victualler License Get a Common Victualler License to run a restaurant, cafe, or food-based takeout business in Boston. If you plan to serve alcohol you’ll need a separate license. Licensing Board
Electrical Fire Alarms Permits You need an Electrical Fire Alarm Permit to install a new fire alarm system, alter an existing one, replace a fire alarm panel, or replace phone communicator devices. Inspectional Services
Electrical Permit An Electrical Permit covers electrical installations, alterations, and repairs, including gut renovations involving electrical work. Inspectional Services
Food Allergen Certification You must have staff trained to recognize and respond to food allergies if you’re selling food. Get certified through a private exam provider. Inspectional Services
Food Manager Certification You must have a certified food manager on staff to get a Food Service Permit. Get certified through a private, state-approved exam provider. Inspectional Services
Food Service Permit Get a food service permit and pass a health inspection to serve or sell food to the public in Boston. Some businesses also need a plan review. Inspectional Services
Gas Permit A Gas Permit covers gas line, gas appliance, and gas heater installation and replacement. Available to licensed contractors only. Inspectional Services
Long-Form Permit A Long-Form Permit covers major alterations or renovations that change a building’s structure or use. Homeowners and contractors can apply. Inspectional Services
One-Day Charity Wine Pouring License A license to pour donated wine at a tasting event, for nonprofits only. It involves both Boston's Licensing Board and the state. Licensing Board
One-Time Entertainment License Required for public shows at a single event, indoors or outdoors, free or ticketed. Covers entertainment at block parties, concerts, and one-off events at venues of any size. Entertainment Licensing
Place of Assembly Permit You must have a Place of Assembly Permit to operate any space in Boston where 50 or more people gather, such as a restaurant, bar, theater, or event venue. Fire Prevention
Plumbing Permit A Plumbing Permit covers water lines and plumbing work, such as bathroom fixtures and non-structural pipe work. Inspectional Services
Retail Residential Kitchen Permit Get a permit to make and sell shelf-stable foods like baked goods and jams from your home kitchen in Boston. Inspectional Services
Sheet Metal Permit A Sheet Metal Permit covers sheet metal installation or repair, such as an oven exhaust system in a home. Available to licensed contractors only. Inspectional Services
Short-Form Permit A Short-Form Permit covers minor alterations that don’t change a building’s structure or use. Homeowners and contractors can apply. Inspectional Services
Back to top