Electrical Permit in Boston, MA
Permit Summary
Who Can Do the Electrical Work?
Homeowner Eligibility Rules
Boston does not allow a homeowner to apply for this Electrical Permit or perform the covered electrical work under a homeowner permit. A homeowner must hire a licensed contractor to apply for the permit and complete the work.
Contractor Rules
The permit applicant must be the licensed contractor performing the work. The application must be in that contractor's name; Boston requires a valid, unexpired Massachusetts trade license whose name matches the applicant, plus current liability insurance and the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Affidavit.
Permit & Plan Review
Electrical Work Covered
Boston's Electrical Permit covers electrical installations, alterations, and repairs, including electrical work performed as part of gut renovations. Boston project guidance also identifies the permit for installing, repairing, or moving electrical wiring and services.
Plan Review Rules
Boston does not list electrical drawings as an all-applications document for the standard Electrical Permit; it requires a scope description, project cost, related permit numbers, and contractor credentials. Formal plans are scope-dependent: for example, Boston's new-construction building review requires electrical plans, while fire-alarm work follows a separate specialized permitting and review path.
Service, Panel & Utility Requirements
Service / Panel Rules
Installing or replacing electrical service, service-entrance wiring, meters, or higher-amperage panels requires a licensed contractor and an Electrical Permit. Boston calculates the permit fee for upgrading or installing service using the $20 application fee plus the published per-amp formula. If the project also requires opening non-structural walls, Boston identifies a Short-Form Permit as an additional permit.
Service Reconnect Rules
For Boston properties served by Eversource, customer-side service equipment repairs must be completed and the local wire inspector contacted before Eversource restores service. Service upgrades and other work involving the utility connection should be coordinated with Eversource as well as Boston Inspectional Services.
Low-Voltage Rules
Massachusetts licensing and electrical-permit requirements can apply regardless of voltage when electrical wiring is installed for hire. The state Board specifically states that wired irrigation or landscape electrical work is not exempt merely because it is low voltage. A narrow exception exists for qualifying security systems that have no hard-wired components, use only batteries or a standard plug in an existing outlet, and communicate solely wirelessly.
Utility Coordination Rules
Utility coordination is needed when the work affects electric service or other utility-owned facilities. Eversource provides construction and renovation requests for items such as service upgrades, service-entrance relocation, temporary drop/reattach work, and additional meters. For restoration after customer-side repairs, Eversource requires contact with the local wire inspector before service is restored.
Inspections & Permit Life
Electrical Inspection Stages
Boston requires an inspection before the Electrical Permit can be closed. The Electrical Permit page directs the contractor to request inspection after the work is finished and states that an inspector will contact the applicant within 48 hours to schedule and confirm; the licensed contractor must be onsite. Boston's general inspection guidance states that most construction work requires at least a rough inspection and a final inspection, with additional inspections for more complex projects.
Permit Expiration / Inspection Interval
Boston lists no recurring renewal period for the Electrical Permit, but work must start within six months after permit issuance. Some projects may qualify for one 180-day extension; eligibility depends on project type.
What You Need Before Applying
Requirements
A licensed Massachusetts electrical contractor must apply for the permit and perform the electrical work. Apply through the Boston Inspectional Services online portal, provide the required project and license/insurance information, and do not begin work before the permit is issued. Work must comply with the Massachusetts Electrical Code, 527 CMR 12.00, which is based on the 2026 NFPA 70 and has been effective since April 24, 2026.
Exemptions
Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians guidance recognizes a narrow no-license/no-permit case for a security system when no component is hard-wired, power comes only from batteries or a standard plug in an existing outlet, and all components communicate solely by wireless technology. Ordinary electrical installations, alterations, and repairs are covered by Boston's Electrical Permit process.
Required Documents
For all applications Boston requires a short work description identifying the scope, materials, floors and rooms involved, and related permit numbers; the estimated total project cost; front and back copies of the applicant's valid, unexpired Massachusetts trade license; a current Certificate of Liability Insurance; and a Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Affidavit.