From the Ground Up - A Contractor's Guide
New ConstructionFORM USED - When erecting a new structure, the applicant must complete both a BD-01 and a BD01A. The BD-01 is forwarded to Plans and Zoning and the BD-01. A duplicate is used by the district inspector.
- WHAT YOU MUST SUBMIT TO ISD COUNTER 1?
- DRAFT APPLICATION INDICATING PROPOSED PLOT PLAN WITH BUILDING FOOTPRINT
- ELEVATION PLANS
- CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS (with fire system plans where applicable)
- FLOOR PLANS
- WATER AND SEWER PLANS ***Note: The applicant may submit the application without one or more of these, however, review cannot begin until all required documents have been received.
- The Assistant Commissioner assigns a plan examiner to each project. This plan examiner is responsible for guiding the project throughout the permitting process.
- Planning and Zoning will review the plans to ensure compliance with the building, plumbing, electric, fire, zoning, or any other applicable codes. The applicant will be notified if the application is incomplete.
- Depending on the nature of the work, additional approval may be required from various agencies. The approval of these agencies must be obtained before Planning and Zoning will issue the permit.
- If the building/structure is being erected in a historic district, approval from Landmarks is required.
- If the building/structure is being erected within a distance of one hundred (100) feet from a park or parkway, approval from the Parks Department is required. (See City of Boston Code 7-4.12 for exceptions).
- If the building/structure involves wetlands, the Environmental Department must provide approval.
- Depending on the area of the city and size of the project, approval may be required from the Boston Redevelopment Authority (See Boston Zoning Code Article 80).
- Planning and Zoning will notify each applicant by phone or mail as to whether or not the project has been approved.
- If Planning and Zoning cannot issue a permit because of a code violation, the applicant may appeal to the Board of Appeals or appropriate state review board. If the appeal involves zoning, the applicant has 45 days from the date of the refusal letter in which to appeal.
- The appeal must be submitted to Planning and Zoning Counter 1.
- The applicant must pay the appropriate fee.
- Pursuant to statute, the Board of Appeal must provide, in an area publication, at least 20 days before the date, notice to neighbors/abutters, notifying them of the hearing date.
- An applicant or neighbor may contact the Mayors Office of Neighborhood Services, located in room 708 in City Hall, for information about the Board of Appeals Process. Neighborhood Services may be reached at 617-635-3485.
- If the Board approves, the applicant is responsible for drafting the appeals decision and submitting it to the City of Boston Law Department for approval as to form. The Law Department will then forward the decision to the Board of Appeals.
- Planning and Zoning will receive the plans back from the Board within 15 working days after the Board signs the decision. Planning and Zoning will conduct a final review of the plans, which may include a complete building review, as well as any provisos the Board includes in its decision.
- If the Board requires BRA design review, the applicant must obtain the plans from Planning and Zoning and meet with the BRA before a decision is made.
- If Planning and Zoning approves, the applicant may wait 20 days before the permit may be issued. The 20-day period is provided for neighbors/abutters to appeal the decision. If the applicant does not wait the 20 days, and the permit is issued, the applicant assumes all risks.
- The applicant returns to ISD, pays any remaining fee, and the permit is issued.
- Contractors must have presented their license to ISD before or at the time the permit is issued.
- The work must be commenced within 6 months of permit issuance.
- $50.00 Primary Fee
- $10.00 PER $1,000.00 on stated cost of the project
- Microfilm Fee - $3.00 per sheet
- Boston Fire Department Fee
- $100 flat fee for up to 15 sheets
- $15 for each sheet over 15
©2009 The City of Boston