Permit records
Boston permit search
Boston permit records are public. The jurisdiction publishes them through an online record search.
By Mario Bailey Last checked · 13 official sources
- Project types verified
- 13
- in Boston
- Search verified
- 12 Jul 2026
- we opened it ourselves
Search Boston permit records
Boston Permit Finder, public permit status lookup.
Open the Boston record searchApplying rather than searching? Use the Boston permit portal
We opened this address ourselves on . Official government links only, and we check them on a schedule.
If the permit does not turn up
Older permits are often missing from online records, and a permit filed under a contractor's name will not surface in an address search that expects the owner. Inspectional Services Department can check the paper file.
- 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02118
- Phone: (617) 635-5300
- Email: isd@boston.gov
- Official permit page
- Official fee schedule
What needs a permit in Boston
Every project type we have verified in Boston, with the rule, the threshold, and the fee that applies here.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom Remodel Permit | It depends | Not specified | Non-structural bathroom work uses the Short-Form building permit at $20 primary plus $10... |
| Deck Permit | It depends | detached decks not more than 30 inches above grade and under 200 sq ft that do not serve an exit door may be exempt | Billed as building work: Short-Form at $20 primary plus $10 per $1,000 of estimated cost... |
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Not specified | $20 application fee plus $0.25 per amp for service upgrades or $1 per fixture for other... |
| EV Charger Permit | Permit required | Not specified | An Electrical Permit is required per Boston's EVSE installation guide, billed under the... |
| Fence Permit | It depends | permit required for fences over 6 feet in height per Massachusetts 780 CMR | Not published |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Not specified | No single HVAC line |
| Patio Permit | Not confirmed | Not specified | Not published |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Not specified | $20 application fee plus $5 per fixture such as toilets and sinks |
| Pool Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Pools need a Use of Premises Permit at a $50 primary fee per the ISD fee schedule... |
| Roof Replacement Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Roof replacement with no structural change uses the Short-Form building permit at $20... |
| Shed Permit | It depends | one-story detached accessory sheds used for tools or storage are exempt if floor area does not exceed 120 sq ft | Sheds need a Use of Premises Permit at a $50 primary fee, named alongside pools on the... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Systems under 20 kWh on 1-2 family homes qualify for Short-Form at $20 primary plus $10... |
| Water Heater Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Water heater or boiler swaps with no other work use a Plumbing Permit at $20 primary... |