cityofboston.gov - Official Web Site of the City of Boston - Thomas M. Menino, Mayor

Permits

Short Form Permit

A Short Form Permit allows the applicant to conduct minor repairs to an existing building which will not change the use, egress, increase living space or fire protection of the property.  When applying for a short form permit, applicants must submit the following:

• Detailed description of the proposed work,
• Total Cost of the project,
• Copy of the contract signed by the contractor and the homeowner.
  (Note: plans are not required to be filed on a short form permit)

Property owners of one to two family dwellings are allowed to apply for and obtain a building permit without a license.  However, by applying for the building permit the homeowner takes full responsibility for all work performed on the dwelling.  Homeowners must sign a Homeowner Waiver form forfeiting any rights they may have under the Arbitration Program or Guaranty Fund.
Homeowner Waiver
Apply for Short Form Permit

Demolition Permit

A Demolition Permit can be applied for and obtained on a Short Form Permit as well.  Applicants requesting to take down all or part of a structure are required to file an application and submit a copy of the contract and bond (for take down only) in the amount of the demolition cost.   Please see link for a checklist of requirements.
Apply for a Demolition Permit

Long Form Permit

Long Form Permits allow applicants to construct new buildings or additions to buildings and to perform structural repairs, alterations, renovations all of which requires building plans stamped by a Licensed Architect or Engineer. Installation of fire suppression or alarm system also requires  a long form permit. Applicants must also file to change the use and occupancy or to increase capacity (in places of assembly) and extend living space on a long form permit.  Two sets of stamped plans clearly showing all work to be done on the building must be submitted with application.  Typical plans include:

• a site plan, 
• floor plan and a 
• certified plot plan showing property lines and where the building is located on the lot.

• Prior to the issuance of the Long Form Permit  a licensed contractor or architect must sign off on the application.  Long Form permits are needed to ensure all work is done safely and according to code (Massachusetts State Building/Zoning Code).

Prior to the issuance of the Long Form Permit, a licensed contractor or architect must sign off on the application.  Long Form permits are needed to ensure all work is done safely and according to code (Massachusetts State Building/Zoning Code). 
Apply for a Long Form Permit 

Foundation Permit

In order to obtain a Foundation permit the applicant must have a long form permit on file and present stamped plans along with a description of the foundation to be excavated and built (all plans must be approved by the Plans and Zoning Division).  Applicants must also sign an agreement guaranteeing to follow the State Building Code, and to do only the work stated on the Foundation Permit.  A bond, an irrevocable letter of credit or present a certified check payable to the City of Boston in the amount of the foundation, or an amount to be determined.  Applicants must also submit proof that a rodent control exterminator has been contracted.   Approval from the Boston Water Sewer Commission must be obtained before the permit is issued.
Apply for a Foundation Permit

Amendment

An Amendment allows a permit holder to adjust/revise the issued long form permit. Applicants are allowed to file a request to change or revise their plans after a Long Form Permit has been issued.  They must file an amendment with a revised set of plans, a description of work to be changed and pay all applicable fees.   Please note: change of use and occupancy may not be done on an amendment application. 
Apply for an Amendment

Use of Premises Permit

Use of Premises Permit is required for outdoor amenities such as: sheds, pools, new parking  spaces as well as the sale of Christmas Trees and automobiles.  When applying for a permit applicants must submit a completed application, certified plot plan – showing how the land will be used and diagrams showing temporary structures, changes in current use and utilities. 
Apply for Use of Premises Permit

Garage Permit

All auto repair uses and all garages which park more than three vehicles require a Garage Permit.  All buildings storing flammable liquids require a License to store Flammables under Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 148.  Applicants must apply for this license to the Secretary of the Committee on Licenses at the Inspectional Services Department (ISD).  The secretary will give the applicant the information needed to fill out the form, the legal advertising information and issue the license or determine if a hearing for review is required.
Apply for a Garage Permit 

Demolition Permit

A Demolition Permit allows the permit holder to demolish the entire structure.

In order to obtain a demolition permit the applicant must:

• Complete the demolition permit
• Obtain article 85 approval from the Boston Landmarks Commission
• Sign an agreement stating that the work will adhere to the Massachusetts State Building Code and the city of Boston Zoning Code.
• File a bond, an Irrevocable Letter of Credit or a certified check made payable to  the city of Boston in the amount of the total cost of the demolition.
• Obtain a permit from the Boston Fire Department.
• Submit proof that a licensed exterminator has been engaged and schedule an inspection date with the Environmental Sanitation Division.
• Inform all utility companies that you are requesting to have all services shut off and obtain shut off notices.
  Apply for a Demolition Permit

Electrical, Gas Fitting, Plumbing or Fire Alarm Permits

The Electrical, Gas Fitting, Plumbing or Fire Alarm Permits must be applied for and obtained by a licensed professional.

Apply for Electrical, Gas, Plumbing, or Fire Alarm Permit

Sprinkler Permit

To obtain a sprinkler permit, it is necessary to apply for a long form permit, submit plans for the sprinkler installation, and present a copy of an application for a permit to the Boston Fire Department.
Apply for a Sprinkler Permit

Certified Plot Plan

A Certified Plot Plan is a stamped drawing to a measurable scale showing the actual dimension of the lot to be built according to the size and locations of the existing buildings by a State Registered Land Surveyor, which is required when an applicant is filing a Long Form application, Amendment or Use of Premises Permit. Certified Plot Plans will depict a piece of land, its boundary lines, total square footage and locates all the existing structures on the land (i.e. houses, decks, pools, garages, fences, driveways sheds, parking spaces etc.).
Note:Most Certified Plot Plans can be found online, in the Document Room at 1010 Mass Avenue, 5th floor in Boston, or at the Boston Public Library.

• Typical plans include a site plan and a floor plan and a certified plot plan showing property lines and where the building is located on the lot.
• Prior to the issuance of the permit the Long Form Permit must be signed off by a licensed contractor or architect.  Long Form permits are needed to ensure all work is done safely and according to code (Massachusetts State Building/Zoning Code). 

Certificates

Certificate of Occupancy

Certificate of Occupancy (C/O) is required for new structure or addition, changes of occupancy or use and when there has been substantial renovations of the structure.  The C/O ensures that the new construction meets the Building Code, Zoning Code and all Fire Protection Systems.  Applicants seeking to change or verify the occupancy must comply with the following:

• Fill out an application for the Certificate,
• Make sure inspectors sign off on all work.
• Submit an updated cost breakdown and pay all applicable fees
• If sprinkler or fire alarm work has been done the department will request test reports for life safety equipment.
• Affidavits are required to be submitted from the architect, engineer and builder for jobs over $1 million Boston Fire Department (BFD) sign off is required for all certificates.

Note: If there is a difference between the estimated cost and the actual cost, the builder or owner should amend the application to increase the cost and pay the additional fee. Should the department determine that the actual cost exceeds the estimate on the permit, and the applicant has made no effort to adjust the difference, the applicant will be required to pay a double fee prior to issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy based on the actual cost of construction. 
Apply for a C/O

Certificate of Inspection (CI)

A Certificate of Inspection is required for “places of assembly” (i.e. restaurants, theaters, halls) and certain residential uses (i.e. hotels, lodging, dorms and institutional uses).  This certificate must be renewed annually. 
When applying for the CI the applicant must provide three copies of the floor plan with the seating/standing capacity stamped by a Registered Architect of Engineer. 
Apply for C/I

Committees

Occupancy Committee

A building must have a legal occupancy before a permit can be issued to do any work.  If there is no record of legal occupancy in our files, the applicant must file a long form permit legalizing the occupancy. The application will be forwarded  to the Occupancy Committee and will require an appointment with the local inspector to verify the existing conditions.

The Occupancy Committee may request additional information in order to make a determination. If an application to confirm occupancy is approved and no work is required the permit will issue and be filed in the building jacket with no further action required by the owner unless a certificate of occupancy is required (transfer of property, refinancing, etc).  If the application is approved and there is work to be done the application will be forwarded to the Plans and Zoning division for plan review. If the application to legalize occupancy is denied, a determination will be made of the last legal occupancy of the building, and it will be forwarded to the plans and zoning division and reviewed as a proposed change in occupancy.