Any occupation of a public way in Boston requires a Street Occupancy Permit authorizing the permit holder to restrict access to that portion of the street for the length of time specified on the permit. Examples of work that require obtaining a Street Occupancy Permit include moving, construction, utility maintenance or relocation and dumpster location.

To obtain a Street Occupancy Permit, the applicant must be bonded with the City of Boston Public Works Department (PWD). The PWD is located in Room 714 of Boston City Hall and can be reached at (617) 635-4909/4910. Please contact the agency for further information including a PWD street occupancy permit fee.

Street Occupancy Permits are issued by Public Works based on Traffic Approval Form by the Office of the Boston Transportation Department (BTD) in Room 721 of Boston City Hall, Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm, excluding holidays.

The applicant must supply the following information:

• Type of job
• Length of time involved
• Plan to allow for vehicular and pedestrian access
• Plan to hire Boston Police Detail whenever digging will take place or whenever extenuating circumstances deem it necessary by the City of Boston.
• Copy of the current bond.

It is the responsibility of the permit holder to notify residents and businesses in the adjacent area of upcoming work on a public way that may be disruptive to the neighborhood. Notification is required by both signs and flyers.

Cardboard signs must be posted within the confines of the area to be restricted. The dates and times that the Street Occupancy Permit has been issued for, and/or, that parking has been restricted for, must be clearly stated on each sign. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to post all necessary signs a minimum of 48 hours prior to the start of work in residential neighborhoods and a minimum of 24 hours prior to the start of work in non-residential areas. Signs must be purchased from the BTD at a cost of $4.00 each by check or money order only.
The cost for those applicants seeking occupancy of metered spaces is $10.00 per meter head/per day or portion thereof. Applicants must supply the department with the individual meter #'s: (5-digit number on each meter: (2) Alpha, (3) Numeric).

Please note applicants must pay by check or money order. No cash will be accepted.

At the time of permit issuance, the BTD will supply the permit holder with one flyer outlining pertinent information for abutters. The permit holder is required to duplicate the flyer and distribute flyers in doorways and on vehicles within a one-half block area. This should be done each day, for two days prior to the start of work in residential neighborhoods and one day prior for work done in commercial areas.

The permit holder is required to ensure that the work-site and the surrounding area are clean and clear of debris that may cause public safety hazards. Upon completion of the job, the permit holder must clean the site thoroughly and remove any remaining signs or flyers.

Any City of Boston equipment that has been broken must be repaired or replaced by the permit holder. In addition, any City property that has been removed from the work-site must be replaced. This includes traffic and parking signs, traffic signals and control boxes, underground conduit and crosswalks and other pavement markings.