Mission
The Building and Structures Division serves many functions which includes Building Permits, Certificates of Occupancy, and Certificates of Inspection. In addition, Building officials must also review building plans for zoning compliance and conduct compliance inspections on all buildings and structures ensuring the allowable uses, applicable laws and codes are covered.
Building permits ensure all construction work associated with erecting or renovating a structure is performed in accordance with all applicable codes. These codes exist to protect the safety and well being of the public within the City of Boston. Building permits are required for the following work:
- Constructing a new building or structure.
- Constructing an addition to a building or structure.
- Changing any use within the building.
- Repair, renovate or demolish a building or structure.
- Change or remove any required means of exiting a building.
- Install or repair any equipment or fixtures covered by the State Building, Plumbing, Gas or Electrical Codes.
All above mentioned permitting must be in compliance with the Massachusetts State Building, Plumbing, Electrical and Zoning Codes. The issuance of a permit alerts inspectors when work will occur at a particular site allowing staff to inspect and monitor construction as it progresses for code compliance.
This division is also required to investigate complaints and issue a violation to those who are not in compliance with the Massachusetts State Building Code and the City of Boston Zoning Code. Violators found in non-compliance of the various codes and ordinances can be given 24-hours to 30-days to bring their property into compliance, depending on the nature of the violation. If a violation is not corrected within the allotted timeframe it may eventually be forwarded to the Boston Housing Court for prosecution.
