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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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Public Health Permits

Boston Public Health Commission’s Board of Health issues yearly licenses and individual project permits to businesses and individuals to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents.

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Learn about the permits issued by Boston Public Health Commission. You can also apply online for a permit or license, including uploading required documents and making application fee payments. 

If you have a question or concern about one of the permits or licenses, please email or call Boston Public Health Commission. 

Permits and Licenses by category

Asbestos is a mineral that was used commonly in a wide variety of building materials and insulation. When broken or damaged, it can release microscopic fibers that, when breathed in, can cause cancer and asbestosis. It is not illegal to have asbestos in good condition in a building, but defective or damaged asbestos materials must either be repaired or removed by a Licensed Asbestos Contractor working under a permit issued by the Boston Public Health Commission.

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To protect the health of artists and clients, businesses that tattoo, pierce, and perform other body art must get an establishment permit from Boston Public Health Commission. This includes visiting businesses. Individuals performing body art in Boston need a practitioner license from Boston Public Health Commission. Practitioner licenses are required for permanent or temporary artists, such as visiting artists or artists providing body art at a convention.

Apply

Resources

First time applying? Here’s what to know

  1. Find a location. We are happy to discuss establishment requirements with you before you lease or buy a location.
  2. Contact the Inspectional Services Department to make sure the space’s zoning and Certificate of Use and Occupancy (CO) allow you to use your space for your selected permit type. (For example, Body Art, Nail Salon, Tanning, Medical Marijuana, etc.)
    1. To provide body art, you will likely need to go before the Zoning Board of Appeals to request a zoning variance. To get a variance, there will be a public hearing process. It can take some time to get a hearing appointment, so start early.
  3. While waiting for your Zoning Board of Appeals hearing, work with us on the physical setup of the space to make sure you are following all regulations. We can help you make sure you meet requirements such as workspace size, lighting, hand washing sinks, clean room, medical waste disposal contract, etc.
  4. Once you have a Certificate of Use and Occupancy (CO) that allows you to use your space for Selected permit type, submit the permit application, fee, and other required documentation to Boston Public Health Commission via the My Health Department portal or by mail. Please check the permit information below to learn how to apply. There are different ways to apply depending on the permit.
  5. Pass your inspection. After your application is processed, Boston Public Health Commission will inspect your business. If you pass the inspection, you will be issued a permit, which must be renewed every year. Inspections are conducted at each renewal, following a complaint by a member of the public, and as random spot inspections.

Permit applications are made online in the MAVRIC system. Before completing the MAVRIC record, click the button below to pay the $31 permit application fee online for a Burial Permit and enter the confirmation number in the notes section of the MAVRIC record.

Pay Online

Please note: Special Circumstance Permits cannot be processed through the online MAVRIC system and must be handled by the office via email. After paying the associated permit fee online, please send the following to the office at burialpermits@bphc.org.

for EXHUMATION, DISINTERMENT, OR REINTERMENT PERMITS

The following documents are required for processing a Burial Permit for exhumation, disinterment, or reinterment of remains.

  1. Certified Copy of Death
  2. Letter from the Funeral Director that includes the following information:
    • The decedent's name
    • Date of demise
    • Funeral home name and address
    • Funeral director name and license number
    • Means of disposition (i.e., burial, cremation)
    • What crematory / cemetery
    • Date of final disposition
for FETAL OR STILLBORN PERMITS 

The following documents are required for processing a Burial Permit for fetal and stillborn remains.

  1. Fetal death certificate
  2. Letter from the hospital that includes the following information:
    • The patient name(s)
    • Approximate weeks of gestation
    • Date of demise
    • Name(s) of parents
    • Address of parent(s)
    • Funeral home name and address
    • Funeral director name and license number
    • Means of disposition (i.e., burial, cremation)
    • What crematory / cemetery
    • Date of final disposition
Contact Us

You can contact our office at:

 

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Holidays

8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Office hours may be affected by inclement weather.

We implement and enforce the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure’s regulations for funeral directing. These regulations set requirements for safety procedures in funeral establishments. Funeral directors must have an annual funeral director license from Boston Public Health Commission for funeral services in the city of Boston.

Apply

Resources

 

Every operator of an indoor ice skating rink in Boston must apply for and receive a permit from Boston Public Health Commission if they use fossil fuel-powered ice surfacing equipment.

Apply

Resources

 

First time applying? Here’s what to know

  1. Find a location. We are happy to discuss establishment requirements with you before you lease or buy a location.
  2. Contact the Inspectional Services Department to make sure the space’s zoning and Certificate of Use and Occupancy (CO) allow you to use your space for your selected permit type. (For example, Body Art, Nail Salon, Tanning, Medical Marijuana, etc.)
    1. To provide body art, you will likely need to go before the Zoning Board of Appeals to request a zoning variance. To get a variance, there will be a public hearing process. It can take some time to get a hearing appointment, so start early.
  3. While waiting for your Zoning Board of Appeals hearing, work with us on the physical setup of the space to make sure you are following all regulations. We can help you make sure you meet requirements such as workspace size, lighting, hand washing sinks, clean room, medical waste disposal contract, etc.
  4. Once you have a Certificate of Use and Occupancy (CO) that allows you to use your space for Selected permit type, submit the permit application, fee, and other required documentation to Boston Public Health Commission via the My Health Department portal or by mail. Please check the permit information below to learn how to apply. There are different ways to apply depending on the permit.
  5. Pass your inspection. After your application is processed, Boston Public Health Commission will inspect your business. If you pass the inspection, you will be issued a permit, which must be renewed every year. Inspections are conducted at each renewal, following a complaint by a member of the public, and as random spot inspections.

Junk Yards, Solid Waste Facilities (including transfer stations, incinerators, and landfills), Container Storage Lots, and Recycling Facilities need site-specific installation permits and operating permits from both Boston Public Health Commission and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

Apply

Resources

 

First time applying? Here’s what to know

  1. Find a location. We are happy to discuss establishment requirements with you before you lease or buy a location.
  2. Contact the Inspectional Services Department to make sure the space’s zoning and Certificate of Use and Occupancy (CO) allow you to use your space for your selected permit type. (For example, Body Art, Nail Salon, Tanning, Medical Marijuana, etc.)
    1. To provide body art, you will likely need to go before the Zoning Board of Appeals to request a zoning variance. To get a variance, there will be a public hearing process. It can take some time to get a hearing appointment, so start early.
  3. While waiting for your Zoning Board of Appeals hearing, work with us on the physical setup of the space to make sure you are following all regulations. We can help you make sure you meet requirements such as workspace size, lighting, hand washing sinks, clean room, medical waste disposal contract, etc.
  4. Once you have a Certificate of Use and Occupancy (CO) that allows you to use your space for Selected permit type, submit the permit application, fee, and other required documentation to Boston Public Health Commission via the My Health Department portal or by mail. Please check the permit information below to learn how to apply. There are different ways to apply depending on the permit.
  5. Pass your inspection. After your application is processed, Boston Public Health Commission will inspect your business. If you pass the inspection, you will be issued a permit, which must be renewed every year. Inspections are conducted at each renewal, following a complaint by a member of the public, and as random spot inspections.

In November 2012, Massachusetts voters approved a ballot question legalizing medical marijuana use. Registered Marijuana Dispensaries (RMDs) can legally sell marijuana for medicinal use. RMDs are under the purview of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and local regulation.

Once approved by the state, RMD’s in Boston need to go through a local permitting process. In addition to zoning relief and building permits, RMDs need to apply for a permit from the Environmental & Occupational Health Division (EOH) at BPHC. In addition to zoning relief and building permits, RMDs need to apply for a permit from BPHC.

Adult use retail marijuana businesses are regulated separately from medical dispensaries. To learn more about requirements for these businesses, visit the City of Boston Marijuana Legalization page.

The law allows those certified by a physician as having a debilitating medical condition, to use marijuana. These individuals can possess up to a 60-day supply of medical marijuana. A debilitating medical condition is further defined as "HIV/AIDS, cancer, glaucoma, Hepatitis C, ALS, Crohn's Disease, Parkinson's, MS and other conditions as determined by a physician. State regulation determined 10 ounces is a 60-day supply.

To register, a patient must get a letter from their physician and submit an application to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. More details on the patient registration process are available here.

Patients may name a caregiver to help them use medical marijuana. Caregivers must be 21 years old and may buy, grow and assist patients in using medical marijuana.

Do you want to know more about the health effects associated with marijuana use? Visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's website. Want resources or support around marijuana or other substance use? Call Boston 311.

Apply

Resources

 

 

All businesses in Boston offering nail services must have a valid annual nail salon operation permit from the Boston Public Health Commission.

Apply

Resources

 

First time applying? Here’s what to know

  1. Find a location. We are happy to discuss establishment requirements with you before you lease or buy a location.
  2. Contact the Inspectional Services Department to make sure the space’s zoning and Certificate of Use and Occupancy (CO) allow you to use your space for your selected permit type. (For example, Body Art, Nail Salon, Tanning, Medical Marijuana, etc.)
    1. To provide body art, you will likely need to go before the Zoning Board of Appeals to request a zoning variance. To get a variance, there will be a public hearing process. It can take some time to get a hearing appointment, so start early.
  3. While waiting for your Zoning Board of Appeals hearing, work with us on the physical setup of the space to make sure you are following all regulations. We can help you make sure you meet requirements such as workspace size, lighting, hand washing sinks, clean room, medical waste disposal contract, etc.
  4. Once you have a Certificate of Use and Occupancy (CO) that allows you to use your space for Selected permit type, submit the permit application, fee, and other required documentation to Boston Public Health Commission via the My Health Department portal or by mail. Please check the permit information below to learn how to apply. There are different ways to apply depending on the permit.
  5. Pass your inspection. After your application is processed, Boston Public Health Commission will inspect your business. If you pass the inspection, you will be issued a permit, which must be renewed every year. Inspections are conducted at each renewal, following a complaint by a member of the public, and as random spot inspections.

Boston Public Health Commission implements and enforces the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations governing facilities that provide tanning services. All businesses offering tanning must get an annual permit from Boston Public Health Commission. 

Apply

Resources

 

To sell tobacco or nicotine delivery products you need a BPHC Permit for Location and Sales of Tobacco Products.

Submit all completed forms with check or money order IN PERSON to the Boston Tobacco Prevention and Control Program located at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue 2nd Floor Boston, MA 02118​.

To apply for a permit: 

  1. Review the Clean Air Works Workplace​ and Youth Access Regulations​
  2. Contact the Boston Tobacco Prevention and Control Program for a Permit Application
  3. Sign and submit the Retail Establishment Owner/Operator Statement
  4. Submit a Copy of your Massachusetts Department of Revenue Retailers License for Sale of Cigarettes (Form CT-3A)​ or receipt indicating that you have applied for a license. The DOR license must be secured to issue a permit
  5. Submit the permit fee as a check or money order payable to the Boston Public Health Commission. Contact the Boston Tobacco Prevention and Control Program for applicable permit fees
  6. You may need additional information such as proof of purchase of retail location, lease agreement, business utility bill, and purchasing sales agreement to complete permit application processing

Permits are non-transferable. If you move your business to a different location or sell your business to a new owner, you cannot transfer the permit. You must report the change in your business status immediately to the Boston Tobacco Prevention and Control Program.​

Apply

 

To operate a commercial urban farm in the city of Boston, an individual or organization must follow the permitting and approval process specified in Article 89. For Urban Agriculture involving the cultivation of plants in either local or imported soil or compost, a Soil Safety Certificate Application Form from Boston Public Health Commission is required as part of the permitting process. Application can be made by submission of documents online or by downloading, completing, and returning the linked application form along with all required documentation.

Apply

Resources

You must get a permit from Boston Public Health Commission before constructing an industrial, irrigation, geothermal, or human consumption water well. You also need an annual permit to operate a well. Certain wells, such as monitoring wells, are exempt from these requirements.

Apply

Resources

Biological laboratories in Boston operating at BSL3 and BSL4 as well as laboratories at BSL2 making use of recombinant technology are required to maintain an annual operating permit from the Boston Public Health Commission. Click the button below to learn more and apply.

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