BuildingPermitCost How Boston calculates your permit fee
The city charges a building permit fee using $10.00 per $1,000 of project value, plus a $50.00 application fee. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work gets its own permits.
The fee table
Long-Form building permit (new construction, additions, major alterations that change structure or use)
$10.00 per $1,000 of project value, plus a $50.00 application fee.
Short-Form permit (minor alterations, repairs, replacements that do not change structure or use)
$10.00 per $1,000 of project value, plus a $20.00 application fee.
What counts as project value
Your contract or bid price. Fees are based on the applicant's estimated cost of work, entered as the estimated total project cost in the ISD online portal.
Worked example: a $350,000 new home
- Building permit fee: $350,000.00 ÷ 1,000 × $10.00 = $3,500.00
- Application fee: fixed = $50.00
- Total before trade permits: $3,550.00.
Fees people miss
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Work started before permit issuedWhen: work without permit | double the permit cost |
| Off Hour ApplicationWhen: off-hours | $100.00 per event |
| Off Hour InspectionWhen: off-hours | $250.00 each |
| Nominal Fee (zoning appeal path)When: work not following intended zoning | $300.00 each |
Trade permits are separate. Electrical: $20 application fee plus $0.25/amp up to 240 V (service upgrade/new service), or $1.00 per fixture/plug/outlet when no service change, else $10 per $1,000 of estimated cost (Rev. 2021 schedule). Plumbing: $20 primary fee plus $5.00 each fixture (Rev. 2021 schedule). Mechanical: Sheet metal: $20 primary fee; $25 first 200 lin or sq ft, $25 each additional 200 (Rev. 2021 schedule).
How to apply
- Gather your plans and your project's total value.
- Submit to Inspectional Services Department (ISD) online through Inspectional Services Online Portal.
- Pay the permit and plan review fees when invoiced.
- Questions: 617-635-5300 · 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02118