Long-Form Permit
You may need a Long-Form if you are working on major alterations or renovations that change the structure or use of a home, building, or lot.
Inspectional Services (ISD) also issues the Short-Form building permit. This permit is for minor work that doesn’t change a building’s structure or use. Contact Inspectional Services if you’re not sure which one you need.
Who Can Apply
Homeowners
- Homeowners completing the work themselves in a 1-2 family, owner-occupied home.
- If you own a unit in a building with 3 or more dwellings (for example, one floor of a three-decker), you must hire a licensed contractor to do the work.
Contractors
- The permit applicant must be the contractor performing the work.
- Someone else, like an office clerk, can fill out and send in the application for you. But it has to be in your name, not theirs, since you’re the licensed contractor.
Required Documents
Project information:
- Short description of the work: Include your scope of work, materials, floors and rooms involved, and any related permits (include permit numbers).
- Estimated total project cost: Do not use special characters (such as $ or commas) when entering this value in the online portal.
- Design plans stamped by a Massachusetts registered engineer or architect.
- A certified plot plan showing property lines and location of structure on the lot. If you do not have one you will need to hire a land surveyor to provide this for you.
You may also need:
- A fire protection plan and fire plan narrative (if there’s fire protection), or a nominal fee letter (see Before You Apply).
- A nominal fee letter if your work does not follow the intended Zoning of the property and you know you’re going to engage the Zoning Board of Appeal.
You will also need to upload:
- A Homeowner Waiver
- MA State Worker’s Compensation Affidavit (Box 3 selected)
- Detailed description of the work: Expand on your short description and include all work done by you and any contractors on the property.
Project Information:
- Short description of the work: Include your scope of work, materials, floors and rooms involved, and any related permits (include permit numbers).
- Estimated total project cost: Do not use special characters (such as $ or commas) when entering this value in the online portal.
- Design plans stamped by a Massachusetts registered engineer or architect.
- A certified plot plan showing property lines and location of structure on the lot. If you do not have one you will need to hire a land surveyor to provide this for you.
You may also need:
- A fire protection plan and fire plan narrative, if there’s fire protection.
- A nominal fee letter if your work does not follow the intended Zoning of the property and you know you’re going to engage the Zoning Board of Appeal.
You will also need to upload:
License and Insurance
- Front and back copy of your valid, non-expired trade license
- Only the licensed contractor can apply.
- The name on the license must match the applicant.
- Applications submitted by office staff or third parties are not accepted.
- Certificate of Liability Insurance (must be current)
- MA State Worker’s Compensation Affidavit
Project and Safety Documents
- Signed contract agreement between you and the homeowner
- Site Safety Plan Affidavit
- Mattocks-Higgins Affidavit of Workplace Safety
You may also need to upload:
- Experience Rating Number Form. Provided by your insurance company. This isn’t required for sole proprietors or newer contractors. We may request additional “lessons learned” documentation if your rating is high.
Fees
- $50 application fee
- Plus $10 for every $1,000 of the estimated cost of work
All fees are due upfront. Pay online through the portal, or in person at Inspectional Services.
- Online: Credit or debit card
- In person: Credit or debit card, cash, checks
Inspectional Services does not accept Apple Pay.
How to Apply
Apply Online
Apply through the Inspectional Services Department online portal. You’ll need to create an account before applying for any permit.
Inspectional Services Department online portal
A Long-Form permit has multiple subcategories. Please read the definitions carefully to choose the right Long-Form Permit Type when applying:
- Long Form/Alteration/Change of Occupancy: Most common. It's for all projects doing structural work or changing the occupancy of a building.
- Erect/New Construction: Only for a brand new building on an empty lot.
- Amendment: Only for changes to existing Long-Form permit applications.
- Use of Premise: Only for Use of Premise permit filings.
You can come to the Inspectional Services office to apply, but staff will still have you complete the application through the same online portal.
Have everything ready before you submit. Once submitted, you can’t edit or upload more information until we review the application.
After You Apply
The timeline for issuing your permit depends on review by planning and zoning, and whether you need to upload additional information or approvals to the online portal. Some projects need documentation or sign-off from other agencies before we can issue your permit.
Do not begin work before your permit is issued. If you do, Inspectional Services may:
- charge double the permit cost, or
- issue a building code violation.
Check your application status through the Permit Finder. We will notify you via your permitting portal email address with any updates.
Other Approvals You May Need
Record of Occupancy
Some properties don’t have a Record of Occupancy on file with the Inspectional Services Department (ISD). If this applies to your address, you will see “Please Confirm Occupancy” in the online portal.
To obtain a Record of Occupancy:
- The property owner must call ISD at 617-635-5300 to request a Confirmation of Occupancy inspection.
- An inspector will visit the property and conduct a walkthrough.
- The owner must be present to provide access.
Contractors: You cannot request or schedule this inspection. Direct the property owner to complete the steps above. No permits will be issued to you until the Record of Occupancy is resolved.
Homeowners working with a contractor: Stay in communication with your contractor. They will only learn the Record of Occupancy is missing after applying, and they cannot schedule the required inspection for you.
External Agency Approvals
Depending on your project, you may need approval from:
- Planning and Zoning: For compliance with the Boston Zoning Code
- Parks and Recreation: For work within 100 feet of a park or parkway
- Landmarks Commission: For projects located in a historic district
These required approvals will appear under the “Review” section in the online portal.
You must contact these agencies directly. Inspectional Services does not request approvals for you. You can find information on how to contact these agencies in your application portal, or use the links above to visit their websites for more information.
Submitting approvals: Upload all approval documents to the portal. Your permit cannot be issued until Inspectional Services receives and reviews them.
After Approval
You must start work within six months of your permit being issued. Some projects can get a 180-day extension. Only certain project types are eligible, so check before assuming yours qualifies.
Inspection
Schedule an inspection through the ISD call center (617-635-5300) or the online portal once your work is finished. Be ready to provide:
- Project address
- Permit number
- If a contractor was involved, their name and contact information
An inspector will contact you within 48 hours to schedule and confirm. The licensed contractor must be onsite during the inspection.
Once the inspection passes and no further work is required, your project is finished. Verify your permit shows as closed in the online portal.
