Build-out and occupancy permits in Boston

1. 1

   Food establishment plan review

   City of Boston Inspectional Services, Health DivisionBoston

   Needed to build a new place, renovate, change the layout, or add equipment or processes the menu calls for. Book the in-person review with ISD Health (617-635-5326, ISDHealth@boston.gov) and bring the worksheet, two scaled floor plans, NSF or UL equipment specs and the menu; then take the stamped plans to ISD's Building Division for the building permits.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed in person

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

2. 2

   Building permit for the build-out

   City of Boston Inspectional ServicesBoston

   A Long Form permit for major construction or structural change, a Short Form for minor work; only licensed contractors apply. The health plan review comes first, and the building, plumbing, gas, electrical and mechanical permits follow it.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed online

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

3. 3

   Certificate of Occupancy

   City of Boston Inspectional ServicesBoston

   Required before opening; Boston's guide accepts a Certificate of Inspection (with the Fire Department's capacity approval) in its place. Either one must be in hand before the health inspection.

   Fee

   Varies

   Filed

   Filed online

   File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

Every filing links to the agency's own page, and every fact comes from an official form or agency page. Agency requirements change; check the agency's page before you file. How we source and check these guides