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Welcome to Boston Permitting
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Find everything you need to know about the necessary permits for your projects in the City of Boston.
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Electrical Permits

You need an Electrical Permit if you are a contractor working on a project that involves electrical installations, alterations, and repairs. This includes any gut renovations that involve electrical work, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and insulation or siding on a home.

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Who can apply

Contractors
  • The permit applicant must be the contractor performing the work.
  • If someone else, like an office clerk, applies for you, the application must be in your name as the licensed contractor and not in the name of the office clerk.
Homeowners can't apply
  • If you’re a homeowner, you must hire a licensed contractor to apply for the permit and complete the work.

Required Documents

Before you start your application, have the following ready:

Project Information
  • Short description of the work: Include your scope of work, materials, floors and rooms involved, and any related permits (include permit numbers).
  • Estimated total project cost: Do not use special characters (such as $ or commas) when entering this value in the online portal.

You will also need to upload:

License and Insurance
  • Front and back copy of your valid, non-expired trade license
    • The name on the license must match the applicant.
    • If someone else, like an office clerk, applies for you, the application must be in your name as the licensed contractor and not in the name of the office clerk.
  • Certificate of Liability Insurance (must be current)
  • MA State Worker’s Compensation Affidavit

Fees

When upgrading service or installing new service:

  • $20 application fee plus $.25 amp up to 240 Volts, or
  • $20 application fee plus $.75 amp over 480 volts

When there is no change in service:

  • $20 application fee plus $1 each for each fixture, plug, or outlet and $5 for each approved meter.

When none of the above apply:

  • $20 application fee plus $10 per $1,000 of the estimated cost.

All state of Massachusetts buildings: 

  • $20 application fee plus $10 per $1,000 of the estimated cost.

All fees are due upfront. You may pay online in the portal, or in person at the Inspectional Services Department (1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02118). Accepted payment methods are:

  • Online: Credit or debit card
  • In person: Credit or debit card, cash, checks

Note: Inspectional Services does not accept Apple Pay.

Application

Make sure you have everything required before you submit! After you submit, you won't be able to make any edits or upload more information until your application is reviewed.

You apply through the Inspectional Services Department portal. You’ll need to create an account before you can apply for any permits.

Inspectional Services Online Portal

Please note: You can come in person and apply at our office (1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02118), but we will still require you to complete your application through our online portal at our office.

What to expect after applying

1. Permit Review Timeline

The timeline for issuing your permit depends on review by planning and zoning, and whether you need to upload additional information or approvals to your online portal. Some projects need documentation or sign-off from other agencies before we can issue your permit.

Check on the status of your application often while you're waiting for approval. We will notify you via your permitting portal email address with any updates.

2. WAIT FOR ISSUED PERMIT

Do not begin work before your permit is issued. If you do, Inspectional Services may:

  • charge double the permit cost, or
  • issue a building code violation.

What to expect after approval

You must start work within six months after your permit is issued. In some cases, you may be able to extend your permit for another 180 days.

Only certain projects are eligible for an extension.

After Work Is Complete

1. Request an Inspection

Once your work is finished, you must schedule an inspection through the Inspectional Services call center. Call 617-635-5300 or schedule through the online portal

When you request an inspection, be prepared to provide:

  • Project address
  • Permit number
  • Licensed contractor’s name and contact information
    • (Not required if you are a homeowner who completed the work yourself)

Important: The licensed contractor must be onsite during the inspection.

2. Scheduling

3. After Your Inspection

Once the inspection is complete and no further work is required, your project is finished. We recommend you verify your permit application is closed through the online portal. Please call 617-635-5300 if your permit is still showing up after your application is complete.

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