How to Get a Short-Form Permit

If you're doing minor work on your building, you'll need a short-form permit. Short-form permits are for jobs that do NOT change a building’s:

• use or exits
• fire protection, or
• living area.

Make sure you have the following documents before you start your application:

• a full description of the work you'll be doing
• an estimate for the total cost of your project
• identification, including trade licenses for all contractors
• a copy of the agreement between the contractor and homeowner (if you’re the contractor), and
• the homeowner waiver, only if you are the homeowner and will be doing the work yourself.

You may also need to give us this information, if it applies:

• the rodent control number for basement and groundwork
• a health certificate for commercial food preparation, and
• if you are working in a historic district, you need approval from the Landmark Commission.

You can fill out the short-form permit application online. The system will walk you through the process. You’ll also need to upload these documents when you file online:

• license information from the contractor
• a copy of your insurance certificate, and
• an affidavit for Workers' Compensation.

If you're doing minor work on your building, you'll need a short-form permit. Short-form permits are for jobs that do NOT change a building’s:

• use or exits
• fire protection, or
• living area.

Make sure you have the following documents before you start your application:

• a full description of the work you'll be doing
• an estimate for the total cost of your project
• identification, including trade licenses for all contractors
• a copy of the agreement between the contractor and homeowner (if you’re the contractor), and
• the homeowner waiver, only if you are the homeowner and will be doing the work yourself.

You may also need to give us this information, if it applies:

• the rodent control number for basement and groundwork
• a health certificate for commercial food preparation, and
• if you are working in a historic district, you need approval from the Landmarks Commission.

Please bring all your documents and information to:

Building Division, Counter 1

1010 Massachusetts Ave, 5th Floor

Boston, MA 02118

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

You will complete your short-form application on a kiosk at our office. If needed, we will provide staff support for your application.