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Inspectional Services

The mission of the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) is to protect the health and safety of Boston's business and residential communities by enforcing building, housing, health, and environmental regulations effectively and consistently.

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Take Advantage of our online portal

The online option saves you time — you can apply online and even print out your permit when it has been approved by us. Right now, you can apply for some of our permits online, but the list will continue to grow over time.

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Building Permits
Zoning Board of Appeal
Check the status of a Building or Fire permit
Construction Site Safety Requirements
Search for historical permit records
Fast Track Permit Program
Building Forms and Documents
Housing and Home Improvement Resources for Contractors
Certify Your Fire Escape, Balcony or Exterior Bridge
Back Bay Street Parking and Buildings
Inclusionary Zoning

Our Divisions

Housing

Find helpful housing resources and programs for renters, landlords, contractors and property owners.

Health Division

The Health Division oversees and enforces food and sanitary laws in the city, including all establishments that serve food.

Environmental Sanitation

This division is comprised of three sections: Rodent Control, Site Cleanliness, and Auto Shop Licensing and Enforcement

Constituent Services

The Constituent Services Division is composed of call center representatives, community liaisons, and the Investigation and Enforcement Team.

Weights and Measures

We protect consumers when they buy products sold by weight or volume. We inspect devices like taximeters, gas pumps, home heating oil trucks, and scales.

BOS:311 service requests

311 requests
All BOS:311 requests Overflowing or Unkempt Dumpster Report Abandoned Building Report Bed Bugs Report Illegal Occupancy Report Rodent Activity (Outdoors) Report Trash on a Vacant Lot Report Unsanitary Conditions (Food) Request Building Inspection (Structural)

Upcoming events

Events
Zoning Board Of Appeal Hearing
On Nov 26

Nov 26
Zoning Board Of Appeal Hearing
On Dec 3

Dec 3
OSHA 10-Hour Training in Construction
On Jan 6

Jan 6
OSHA 10-Hour Training in Construction
On Jan 7

Jan 7
OSHA 10-Hour Training in Construction
On Feb 10

Feb 10
OSHA 10-Hour Training in Construction
On Feb 11

Feb 11
Search public notices

News and announcements

News

CITY OF BOSTON ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF BOSTON RODENT ACTION PLAN

City of Boston Launches Boston Rodent Action Plan

Mayor's Office

Tania Del Rio Appointed Inspectional Services Commissioner

Inspectional Services

City to Begin Implementing Ordinance to Ensure Safety on Construction and Demolition Sites

Worker Empowerment

Fast Track Program to Improve City Permitting Process

Inspectional Services
More Inspectional Services News

About Our Work

We are made up of five regulatory divisions. Our goal is to protect and improve the quality of life for all Boston residents. Our mission is to serve the public by protecting the health, safety, and environmental stability of Boston's business and residential communities.

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