Building permits in Boston, MA
Permits for Boston are issued by City of Boston, Inspectional Services Department (ISD). Applications go through the portal below.
Checked against the department's own page on 6 Sep 2026
Where to file
- Department
- City of Boston, Inspectional Services Department (ISD)
- Phone
- 617-635-5300
- Portal
- onlinepermitsandlicenses.cityofboston.gov/isdpermits
Online permits + permitfinder.boston.gov. 1010 Massachusetts Ave, 5th Floor. isd@boston.gov.
What each job needs in Boston
Typical requirements and fee ranges. Fees scale with project valuation, so treat these as a starting point and confirm the number with City of Boston before you quote.
| Project | Permits | Typical fee | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Remodel | Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical (HVAC) | $150–1,000+ (scaled to project valuation) | 10–15 business days |
| Addition | Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical (HVAC) | $150–1,000+ (scaled to project valuation) | 10–15 business days |
| New Construction | Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical (HVAC), Site / Grading | $500–3,000+ (scaled to valuation; plan review separate) | 10–15 business days |
| Electrical | Electrical | $50–250 | 3–5 business days |
| Plumbing | Plumbing | $50–200 | 3–5 business days |
| HVAC / Mechanical | Mechanical (HVAC) | $50–250 | 3–5 business days |
| Roofing | Roofing | $100–400 | 1–5 business days |
| Deck / Fence | Building | $150–1,000+ (scaled to project valuation) | 10–15 business days |
| Demolition | Demolition | $50–400 | 5–10 business days |
| Commercial Build-Out | Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical (HVAC), Fire / Life-Safety Review | $300–2,000+ (scaled to valuation; plan review separate) | 10–15 business days |
Licensing in Massachusetts
No single GC license — two credentials: a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration to work on 1–4 unit owner-occupied homes, plus a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) to supervise structural work.
Issued by Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation (HIC) + Board of Building Regulations & Standards (CSL) · Verify a licence
Stop looking this up
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Department, portal and phone checked against the official page on 6 Sep 2026. Fee ranges and turnaround times are typical for this kind of work and are not quotes. Requirements change, so confirm with the department before you file. SQM.AI is not a law firm and this page is not legal advice.