ADU Permit Submission Checklist in Boston, Massachusetts

Understand the requirements, gather the right documents, and generate a submission-ready packet for your adu permit in Boston, Massachusetts.

Key Facts

Permit required
Yes
Submission method
Online
Typical fee range
$100 – $900
Review time
Varies — contact authority
Inspections
6 inspections required
Needs verificationLast verified: Feb 15, 20261 verified source

Limited Data Available

Some information on this page has not been fully verified. We're working to improve data quality. Always verify with Boston directly.

ADU Permit Checklist

Boston6 required, 0 optional

Forms & Applications(1)

  • Permit ApplicationREQUIRED[1][2]

    Completed building permit application form

Plans & Diagrams(3)

  • Site PlanREQUIRED[3][4]

    Plan showing existing structures, proposed ADU, and setbacks

  • Architectural PlansREQUIRED[5][6]

    Floor plans, elevations, and sections of the proposed ADU

  • Utility Connection PlanREQUIRED[9][10]

    Plan showing water, sewer, and electrical connections

Supporting Documents(2)

  • Structural CalculationsREQUIRED[7][8]

    Engineering calculations for foundation and framing

  • Energy ComplianceREQUIRED[11][12]

    Energy compliance documentation per state energy code

This checklist is for reference only. Requirements may change — always verify with Boston before submission.

Avoid rejections — generate a submission-ready packet

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  • Required forms: Permit Application, and more
  • Pre-filled templates: Permit Cover Sheet
  • Fee breakdown: $100–$900 estimated total
  • Step-by-step Boston Building Permits portal submission guide
  • Inspection prep checklist (6 items)
  • Personalized for your specific project details
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Required Documents

Boston requires the following documents for this permit application.

R

Permit Application

Completed building permit application form

R

Site Plan

Plan showing existing structures, proposed ADU, and setbacks

R

Architectural Plans

Floor plans, elevations, and sections of the proposed ADU

R

Structural Calculations

Engineering calculations for foundation and framing

R

Utility Connection Plan

Plan showing water, sewer, and electrical connections

R

Energy Compliance

Energy compliance documentation per state energy code

Permit Process

Follow these steps to submit your permit application through Boston Building Permits.

  1. 1

    Create Account

    Register on the Boston Building Permits portal.

    You'll need: Email address

  2. 2

    Start Application

    Log in and select the ADU permit application.

    You'll need: Login credentials

  3. 3

    Enter Project Details

    Fill in project address, owner information, and system details.

    You'll need: Project address, Owner contact, Contractor license

  4. 4

    Upload Documents

    Upload all required documents per the checklist.

    You'll need: All required documents in PDF format

  5. 5

    Pay Fees and Submit

    Pay applicable fees and submit the application.

    You'll need: Payment method

Fees and Timeline

Fee Breakdown

FeeRangeConfidence
Building/Electrical Permit Fee$200 – $900Estimated
Plan Review Fee$100 – $585Approximate

Fees are estimates and may change. Verify current fees with Boston.

Inspections Required

Foundation Inspection

Verify foundation per approved structural plans

Framing Inspection

Verify wall, floor, and roof framing

Electrical Rough-In

Verify wiring, panel, and circuit layout

Plumbing Rough-In

Verify supply and drain installation

Insulation

Verify insulation installation per energy code

Final Inspection

Complete inspection of finished ADU

Authority Sources

Data on this page is sourced from official records published by the permitting authority. Always verify requirements directly before submitting.

City of Boston Department of Inspection Services

Last verified: February 15, 2026

1 source referenced

Official page
Boston ADU Permit Information

Verified February 15, 2026

Fee schedule
Boston Fee Schedule

Verified February 15, 2026

Portal guide
Boston Online Permitting Portal

Verified February 15, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a adu permit in Boston?
Yes. Boston requires a adu permit for this type of project. Submitting without a permit may result in fines, required removal, or complications when selling your property.
How long does adu permit approval take in Boston?
Processing times in Boston vary depending on project complexity and current review volume. The process involves 5 steps. Contact Boston Development Services for current timelines.
What documents are required for a adu permit in Boston?
Boston requires 6 documents including Permit Application, Site Plan, Architectural Plans, Structural Calculations, and others. See the full list above for details.
What happens if I build without a adu permit in Boston?
Building without a permit in Boston can result in stop-work orders, fines, required removal of work, difficulty selling your property, and insurance complications. It is strongly recommended to obtain proper permits before starting work.
Can PermitMagic help prepare my adu permit submission in Boston?
Yes. PermitMagic generates a submission-ready packet tailored to Boston's requirements, including a document checklist, workflow steps, and authority references. Start a permit plan to get your personalized packet.
How much does a adu permit cost in Boston?
ADU permit fees in Boston typically range from $100 to $900, depending on project scope. Fees may include building permit, plan review, and technology surcharges. Verify current fees with Boston.

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Sources & Citations

All regulatory information on this page is sourced from official government publications. Always verify requirements directly with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before submission.

  1. [1]City of Boston Department of Inspection ServicesBoston ADU Permit Informationhttps://www.cityofboston.gov/isd/(verified Feb 15, 2026)
  2. [2]City of Boston Department of Inspection ServicesBoston Fee Schedulehttps://www.cityofboston.gov/isd/(verified Feb 15, 2026)
  3. [3]City of Boston Department of Inspection ServicesBoston Online Permitting Portalhttps://www.cityofboston.gov/isd/(verified Feb 15, 2026)