CITY OF CAMBRIDGE Quick Links Subscribe Translate Services I Want To Departments Home > Services > Building Permits Building Permits Inspectional Services Useful Documents & Resources Affidavit for Estimated Cost of Construction Affidavit for Final Cost of Construction Application to Alter Plans Asbestos Application Building Permit Applications Certificate of Occupancy Application Change of Licensed Builder Fire Escape and Fire Balcony Affidavit [PDF] General Contractor - Completion of Construction Homeowner's Affidavit Sign Permit Application View Document Library Related Departments Inspectional Services Contact 617-349-6100 831 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA 02139 Hours of Service Mon: 8AM - 8PM Tue: 8AM - 12PM Wed: 8AM - 5PM Thu - Fri: 8AM - 1PM View Website Cambridge Fire Community Development Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Public Works A building permit is required by Section 110.0 of the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR). Anyone seeking to construct, alter, repair, or demolish a structure must first obtain a building permit. The building permit must be obtained before the start of any work and prominently posted at the job site. Ordinary repairs, as defined in the Building Code, do not require a building permit. View Online Service » Additional Information Sign permits, asbestos removal permits, and demolition permits are categories of building permits which are required by the Building Code. City Ordinance # 8.16.80 states that construction in residential areas can be done Monday – Friday 7:00am – 6:00pm & Saturdays 9:00am – 6:00pm. Construction work cannot be performed on Sunday without a special permit from the Police Department. Tips and FAQs When is a building permit required? Anyone seeking to construct, alter, or demolish a structure or install a sign must first obtain a building permit from a building inspector at the Inspectional Services Department. The building permit must be obtained before the start of any work and must be prominently posted at the job site. Who can be issued a building permit? What requirements must be met prior to applying for a building permit? What other permits would be required before a building permit could be issued? When must work be started under the building permit? What about access requirements for persons with disabilities? Do I need a building permit to install a shed? Page was last modified on 3/26/2021 9:34 AM Provide feedback on this page CONTACT CITY HALL 795 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA 02139 Ph: 617-349-4000 TTY: 617-349-4242 HOURS OF SERVICE Mon: 8:30AM - 8PM Tue - Thu: 8:30AM - 5PM Fri: 8:30AM - 12PM PAY BILLS ONLINE PROPERTY DATABASE WATCH CITY COUNCIL CALENDAR VIEW CITY DIRECTORY FIND FORMS & DOCUMENTS Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager Public Records Request Disclaimer Jobs Privacy Statement Social Media Contact Us © 2021 City of Cambridge Contact Us