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How to get a use of premises permit

Last updated:

You need to get a permit if you want to add certain outdoor features to your land. Here’s how to get one.

Step
1

Before you get started

You need a Use of Premises Permit if you want to make additions to your land, including:

  • sheds and pools
  • new parking areas on your property
  • making space to sell Christmas trees or cars, and
  • any other special use of your outdoor land.
Step
2

Get your information together

Find the Use of Premises permit through our online permitting application and give us your information. You also need to bring a few documents to our office to complete your application. We'll need to see:

  • a certified plot plan that shows how you'll use the land (see an example plot plan)
  • a diagram for temporary structures and changes to land use or utilities, and
  • an approved Curb Cut application if you'll be creating space for parking.
Step
3

Give us your information

After you complete your online application, you can bring your documents and information to:

Building Division, Counter 1
1010 Massachusetts Ave, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02118
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Office hours
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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