What You Need for a Building Permit in Boston, MA (2026)

Boston Building Permit Checklist

What Boston asks for on a new home, addition or major renovation, from the Boston permit pages. Bring all of it the first time and the review moves faster.

Online long-form application (subtype Erect/New Construction or Long Form/Alteration) with a full description of work and total estimated cost (labor and materials)
Stamped design plans drawn to scale by a Massachusetts registered architect or engineer: zoning review needs 2 copies each of the plot plan, stamped elevations showing height and stamped floor plans
2 sets of structural, fire protection, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and energy plans for building review
Certified plot plan by a Massachusetts Registered Land Surveyor (existing and proposed) for new construction and additions
Contractor license (front and back), certificate of liability insurance, workers' comp affidavit, signed contract with the owner, Site Safety Plan Affidavit and Mattocks-Higgins Affidavit
Construction cost estimate with breakdown
Flood Design Affidavit and Flood Elevation Certificate if the lot is in a flood zone
Fire protection plan and narrative if the project has fire protection

Construction plan set prepared for a building permit application - building permit energy code requirements in Boston, MA

Who Can Apply and How

The licensed contractor doing the work applies in their own name. Owners of an owner-occupied 1-2 family home can pull the permit themselves with the Homeowner Construction License Exemption form and the workers' comp affidavit. HIC registration applies to owner-occupied 1-4 unit homes.

Apply through ISD online permit portal (Boston Permitting). Questions go to the Inspectional Services Department (ISD), Building Division at 617-635-5300.

Energy Code Compliance: The Part That Holds Up Most Permits

Boston adopted the Specialized (Opt-In) Energy Code effective January 1, 2024 (225 CMR 22 and 23).

At permit: ISD asks for energy plans at building review. For a new home or a large addition that means a projected HERS rating report from a RESNET-certified rater.

At final: Boston's certificate of occupancy page says new residential construction and additions over 1,000 sq ft must meet HERS energy standards, and the Building Commissioner reviews HERS compliance before issuing the CO. The CO checklist lists a HERS rating by a RESNET-certified rater.

Project	Energy document
New home	Projected HERS report (HERS 42 mixed-fuel / 45 all-electric)
ADU	Projected HERS report (HERS 52 / 55)
Addition over 1,000 sq ft or over 100% of the home	Projected HERS report (HERS 65 / 70)
Smaller addition or alteration	REScheck or the prescriptive path, if the inspector accepts it
Commercial up to 20,000 sq ft	COMcheck plus a whole-building blower door test

Home Energy Efficiency Consultants prepares the projected HERS report from your plans, usually in about one business day after the quote is accepted, then does the pre-drywall inspection, blower door and duct leakage tests and the confirmed HERS certificate. See our stretch code report for Boston permits page for what's in the report, EV-ready and solar-ready rules, and when Phius applies.

Sample projected HERS rating certificate for a building permit - building permit energy code requirements in Boston, MA

Two-story new home in wood framing waiting on permit inspections - building permit energy code requirements in Boston, MA

Other Approvals You May Need in Boston

Zoning review on every project; projects that don't conform go to the Zoning Board of Appeal
Boston Landmarks Commission for projects in a historic district; Article 85 demolition delay for buildings 50+ years old
Boston Water & Sewer Commission plan review for new construction
Public Works for a new curb cut; Parks and Recreation for work within 100 ft of a park or parkway

Permit Fees and Timing

Fees: Long form: $50 plus $10 per $1,000 of estimated cost, paid up front. Certificate of occupancy: $50 filing fee plus 1% of construction cost, trued up at the end. Always check the current schedule before you apply.

Review time: About 4 to 5 weeks for a complete long-form application that needs no zoning or building relief (ISD guide, 2024).

Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

Schedule the final through ISD with the licensed contractor on site. The CO needs all trade sign-offs, an itemized final cost, HERS compliance, a FEMA elevation certificate if in a flood zone and BWSC documents if a water or sewer line was opened. ISD issues the CO within 10 days after inspections pass.

For new homes and large additions, the confirmed HERS rating (with passing blower door and duct leakage results) is part of the close-out paperwork. Book the final test before the building inspector's final so the paperwork is ready.

Local rules to know:

BERDO emissions rules apply to buildings with 15+ units or 20,000+ sq ft, not to 1-2 family homes

Building Permit FAQ for Boston

What do you need for a building permit in Boston, MA?

For a new home or addition: the online application, scaled construction plans, a certified plot plan by a land surveyor, contractor CSL/HIC, insurance and workers' comp paperwork (or a homeowner exemption), any zoning or historic approvals, and energy code compliance documentation. New homes and large additions need a projected HERS rating report.

Do I need a HERS rating for a building permit in Boston?

For a new home, yes, and also for additions over 1,000 sq ft or more than 100% of the existing home. The rater models your plans for the permit (projected HERS report), then tests the finished house (blower door and duct leakage) for the confirmed HERS rating. Smaller additions and alterations can usually use REScheck or the prescriptive path.

What energy code does Boston follow?

Boston adopted the Specialized (Opt-In) Energy Code effective January 1, 2024 (225 CMR 22 and 23).

Where do I apply for a building permit in Boston?

At the Inspectional Services Department (ISD), Building Division, 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02118 (617-635-5300), through ISD online permit portal (Boston Permitting).

Who can pull a building permit in Boston?

How much does a building permit cost in Boston?

Long form: $50 plus $10 per $1,000 of estimated cost, paid up front. Certificate of occupancy: $50 filing fee plus 1% of construction cost, trued up at the end. Check the current fee schedule before you apply.