Latest Updates From Inspectional Services (June 2022)

Mayor Michelle Wu Celebrates

Building Safety Month with ISD 

ISD celebrated Building Safety Month by launching a month-long campaign titled “Safety for All: Building Codes in Action” raising awareness around the importance of building codes, preventative maintenance and the structural integrity of residential and commercial properties throughout Boston. Additionally, the campaign provided homeowners, government officials, and the public with the necessary information and resources to prepare and protect our built environment.  In line with better connecting residents with our work and building a robust City workforce, ISD held various events, including: a job fair, walkthrough, an event honoring women in construction and social media campaigns aimed at connecting Boston residents with job opportunities, support services, and building safety resources.

Keeping aligned with Building Safety Month the ISD and State Building Inspectors attended a fire pump and sprinkler seminar hosted by Local 550 Boston. This comprehensive training, provided attendees with an understanding of the requirements and procedures for inspection, testing, and ITM maintenance of fire pumps and controllers in accordance with NFPA 20 and 25.  The attendees participated in a valuable hands-on training on pump and controllers in accordance with NFPA 20 and 25.  The attendees participated in a valuable hands-on training on pump and controller types.  

Celebrating Women in Boston’s Booming Construction Industry

Women are the backbone of many projects in Boston’s booming construction industry. On Wednesday, May 25th, 2022, Inspectional Services hosted a celebration highlighting several women in this field as part of our annual Building Safety Month series. We also acknowledged many of our female employees, including Assistant Commissioner Jill Cox, who received an award for her 35 years of service with our team!



Congratulations to our citation recipients:



Sheryce Hearns, Dellbrook | JSK Construction

Leah Daniels, New England Certified Energy Raters (NECER)

Savy Francis, City of Boston Labor Union Tradeswomen

Kenell Broomstein, KB Mac, Inc.

Joanna Edwards, Thumbprint Realty

Francesca DiRico, Commercial Permitting Services

Regina Olivieri, Shawmut Design and Construction

Elizabeth Nichols, Boston Trust Realty Group



Inspectional Services is here to share resources and support women in all aspects of the construction industry. If you need assistance with a project or have questions, please email isd@boston.gov or call 617-635-5300

Mayors Coffee Hours

Mayor Wu’s Neighborhood Coffee Hours are a unique opportunity to speak directly with the Mayor and staff from City departments about open space and their neighborhoods. Dunkin’ will be on-site to keep Bostonians runnin’ with freshly brewed and full of flavor Iced Coffee and assorted fan-favorite MUNCHKINS® donut hole treats. In addition, each family in attendance will receive a free flowering plant provided by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, while supplies last. Dunkin’ will brew up even more event fun with Dunkin’-iced lawn games and gift card giveaways. Residents at each event will be eligible to win a raffle prize from Dunkin’. Fresh fruit will be provided by Star Market.



For a list of coffee hour dates, please visit boston.gov/coffee-hours

Looking to elevate your career or do you know someone who would like to join our team?  If you answered yes visit the the Career Center

HOARDING RESOURCES

Hoarding is a psychological condition where: 

• Individuals have difficulty getting rid of possessions that are no longer useful and;
• Efforts to discard these possessions and not acquire new items cause distress.

Hoarding behavior can easily lead to unsanitary and unsafe conditions that can extend far beyond where the hoarding condition has manifested. For example, collection of empty food containers can quickly escalate into a pest infestation and breeding ground for mold and other unwelcomed guests.



Hoarding can also lead to personal injury and property damage. Government agencies such as the City of Boston rely on property maintenance codes, fire codes, animal welfare laws, and even older adult abuse/neglect laws to help bring a stop to the hoarding situation.



Resources on hoarding can be found here.



If you would like ISD to investigate a hoarding complaint, please call 617-635-5300 or email isd@boston.gov  

On Monday, May 9, 2022 Asst. Commissioner Jessica Thomas, Commissioner Sean Lydon, Chief of Staff Chris English and Asst. Commissioner Kelly Macky represented ISD in fscal year 2023 budget hearing.  Executive staff provided City Councillors with information pertaining to staffing, outreach, policies and procedures.  The hearing also covered revolving funds and other budget-related appropriations related to ISD.



View the Inspectional Services FY23 Budget Hearing.

FIELD FRIDAYS WITH ISD’S CONSTITUENT SERVICES LIAISONS

During the Summer months, Inspectional Services Liaisons will be in Boston's neighborhoods connecting with residents and small businesses.  Staff will connect with residents and businesses, distribute informational handouts and answer code related questions . To learn more about the liaisons who cover your district, click here. Translation accommodations are available!



Email Jessica.Thomas@boston.gov or call 617-635-5300 to set up an appointment.

MULTILINGUAL RESTAURANT GUIDES

Are you or anyone you know looking to open up a restaurant?  If so, our multilingual restaurant guides provide step by step instructions through the permit and certification process.  View our multilingual restaurant guides.

About Inspectional Services

The Inspectional Services Department administers and enforces building, housing, health, sanitation, and safety regulations mandated by City and State governments.



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. Learn about our work.