Overview
Boston’s Inspectional Services Department (ISD) administers building permitting. Confirm the property is in Boston and identify any zoning, parks or landmarks review needed for the work.
Building authority
Boston Inspectional Services (ISD)
Building application
Short-Form or Long-Form by structure/use changes
Trades
Select a trade for its permit path, licensing, code resources, fees and filing pitfalls.
Electrical permit
Boston ISD / MA licensing boardApplicable Code
Use Massachusetts electrical regulations and Boston ISD electrical permit requirements.
License Requirement
Licensed contractor only; homeowners cannot apply for the electrical permit.
License Fee
MA electrical license category and renewal guidance
CEUs
Use the Board of State Examiners of Electricians continuing-education guidance.
Permit Fee
$20 + $0.25/amp for service up to 240V; no service change: $20 + $1/fixture, plug or outlet + $5/meter.
Plan Review Time
Portal review; an inspector contacts the applicant within 48 hours of a completion-inspection request.
Common Pitfalls
- The application must be in the licensed contractor’s name.
- Starting before issuance can trigger doubled charges or a violation.
Permit-to-closeout workflow
Choose Short-Form or Long-Form
Structural or use changes direct the major-work route.
Gather documents
Include scope, cost, required plans, license and insurance documents.
Submit through ISD
Create a portal account and pay upfront application charges.
Obtain outside approvals
Contact zoning, parks or landmarks reviewers directly when required.
Receive permit before work
Starting early can cause doubled permit charges or violations.
Inspect and verify closure
Arrange ISD inspection and confirm the permit record is closed.
Permit fees and worked estimates
Boston service pages and ISD fee sheet checked October 12, 2026. Use complete work value; examples use whole $1,000 increments. Separate trade permits, BFD review, zoning, off-hours inspections and professional costs are excluded unless expressly listed.
| Trade | Permit fee | License fee |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical permit | $20 + $0.25/amp for service up to 240V; no service change: $20 + $1/fixture, plug or outlet + $5/meter. | MA electrical license category and renewal guidance |
| Plumbing and gas permits | $20 + $5 per plumbing fixture; e.g. 6 fixtures = $50. Gas is separately assessed. | State plumbing license renewal charged separately; confirm credential-specific rate with the Board |
| Sheet metal and mechanical scope | Sheet metal: $20 + $25 first 200 linear/square feet + $25 each additional 200; 400 feet = $70. | State sheet-metal credential’s application or renewal schedule |
| Fire alarm and suppression review | ISD electrical fire alarm: $20 + $10/$1,000 estimated cost; sprinkler $20 + $1/head. BFD charges separate. | System-specific credential; verify with BFD and the licensing board |
| Building contractor and homeowner work | Short-Form $20 + $10/$1,000; Long-Form $50 + $10/$1,000 estimated cost. | Confirm the contractor credential required by the ISD checklist |
Choose your permit route
Short-Form permits address minor alterations that do not change a building’s structure or use. Long-Form permits address major alterations or renovations changing structure or use. Ask ISD which route fits the scope before submitting.
Submission checklist
Application and review
Create an ISD online portal account and submit the selected application with its documents. Monitor review requests and arrange any required external agency approvals directly. Do not begin the permitted work until ISD issues the permit.
Codes and local requirements
Massachusetts publishes the state building code, 780 CMR, including state amendments and separate base and residential volumes. Use ISD’s Commissioners Bulletins for Boston implementation guidance. Confirm project-specific zoning, energy and other requirements with ISD rather than treating a state code page as a complete city checklist.
Homeowner and licensed-trade limits
Boston’s building permit pages allow qualifying owners to perform work in a 1–2 family owner-occupied home. An owner of a unit in a building with three or more dwellings must hire a contractor. Electrical, plumbing, gas and sheet-metal permit services require licensed contractors; the building homeowner route does not replace those trade requirements.
Enforcement and document pitfalls
Inspections and closeout
Schedule the completion inspection through the ISD portal or call center at 617-635-5300. Provide the address, permit number and contractor details where applicable; the licensed contractor must attend the inspection. Resolve corrections and verify that the application shows closed. Confirm any separate occupancy approval needed for the intended use.