Boston, MA permit applications
Working in Boston? Save your contractor license, insurance and bond details once, then produce a complete application for the next Boston job — building, mechanical, re-roof or plumbing — in under a minute, plus the OSHA paperwork your crew needs on site.
Boston permits by trade
Who pulls it, what the packet contains, and the inspection sequence — per trade.
What a Boston permit costs
Estimate the fee by trade and job value before you sign the work, and see the lines crews forget to quote.
Boston permit cost estimatorBoston inspection sequence
The order of calls by trade, what each inspector checks, and the failure that sends crews back most often.
Boston inspection guideDocuments Boston contractors generate most
Who reviews the permit in Boston
This city runs its own building department — confirm the property sits inside city limits before filing with the county instead.
Files with
Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD)
Online portal: Boston Online Permitting & Licensing
Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor registration plus a licensed Construction Supervisor are required for residential work.
ISD enforces the Massachusetts State Building Code.
Get the 2026 Boston permit checklist
One page covering the forms, attachments and inspection sequence Boston contractors get held up on.
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Filing checklist for Boston
- Verify whether the property sits inside Boston city limits or in unincorporated Massachusetts — that determines which department accepts the application.
- Bring current general liability and workers' compensation certificates.
- Match declared valuation to the signed contract amount.
- Confirm whether the scope triggers a separate electrical, mechanical or plumbing permit pulled by a licensed sub.
- Schedule required inspections before covering any work.
Other Massachusetts metros
General guidance for Boston contractors, not legal advice. Confirm requirements and fees with the authority having jurisdiction.
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Boston by trade
Other Massachusetts markets
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