Building Permits in Cambridge

Cambridge's Inspectional Services Department (ISD) issues building permits. The City states that construction, alteration, repair or demolition of a structure requires a building permit, while ordinary repairs as defined by the Massachusetts State Building Code are exempt.

Current building code

Massachusetts' 10th edition of 780 CMR is the current State Building Code. The Commonwealth states that it is based on modified 2021 I-Codes; after the concurrency period ended June 30, 2025, the 10th edition became the only state building-code edition in effect. Cambridge also identifies the Stretch Energy Code among its applicable codes.

Applications and plan review

Cambridge provides an online permitting system. Some building applications require Fire Department pre-approval; ISD notifies the applicant when that step applies. Large fire-prevention reviews require an appointment, so this page does not present a single citywide permit-review time.

Fees

Cambridge publishes a building-fee schedule. The current city page lists building fees for new construction, repairs and alterations based on construction cost, with a $50 minimum, and a reduced per-$1,000 rate for projects involving three residential dwelling units or fewer. Applicants should use the City's current schedule because different permit and certificate types have different charges.

State and professional requirements

Massachusetts licensing, construction-control and registered-design-professional requirements depend on building type, size and scope. This guide does not turn those conditional rules into a universal seal requirement for every Cambridge permit.

Official sources

• Cambridge building permits: https://www.cambridgema.gov/services/buildingpermits
• Cambridge online building-permit application: https://www.cambridgema.gov/iwantto/applyforabuildingpermit
• Cambridge building fees: https://www.cambridgema.gov/inspection/buildingelectricplumbingpermits/buildingfees.aspx
• Cambridge code list: https://www.cambridgema.gov/inspection/codesandmaps/codes
• Massachusetts 10th Edition 780 CMR: https://www.mass.gov/handbook/tenth-edition-of-the-ma-state-building-code-780

Disclaimer: Verify current fees, energy-code requirements, fire review and project-specific professional requirements with Cambridge ISD before filing.