Deck Permit in Boston, MA (2026)

Everything you need to know about getting a deck permit in Boston: fees, requirements, exemptions, and direct links to the Inspectional Services Department (ISD).

Verified from official Boston sources — Last checked April 2026

Quick Facts for Boston

Permit Fees

Valuation-based: $20 base fee + $10 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost for building permits.

A $5,000 deck project: $20 + (5 × $10) = $70. A $15,000 deck project: $20 + (15 × $10) = $170.

Processing Time

Short-form permits (minor work): a few days. Long-form permits (structural/major): several weeks. Peak construction season causes delays.

Apply Online

Yes — via Boston Permitting Online

Building Code

10th Edition Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR), effective July 1, 2025, based on 2021 IRC/IBC with Massachusetts amendments

Contact: (617) 635-5300 | 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02118

Do You Need a Deck Permit in Boston?

Permit Exemption

All new decks require a building permit in Boston. Short-form permit may be used for minor deck repairs not involving structural work.

If your deck does NOT meet all exemption criteria, you must obtain a permit before construction. Building without a required permit can result in fines, stop-work orders, and required demolition.

Boston-Specific Deck Rules

Short-form permits for minor non-structural deck repairs; long-form permits for new decks or structural changes
Historic districts (e.g., Back Bay, Beacon Hill) require Landmarks Commission approval
Frost line depth: 48 inches — all footings must extend below this depth
Massachusetts transitioned to 10th Edition State Building Code effective July 1, 2025
Inspections required at multiple stages: foundation, framing, and final

How to Get a Deck Permit in Boston

1

Check if your deck needs a permit

Review the exemption criteria above. If your deck exceeds any threshold, a permit is required.

2

Prepare your plans

You'll need a site plan, deck dimensions, framing details, and footing specifications. Check Boston's specific documentation requirements.

3

Submit your application

Apply through Boston Permitting Online . Pay the permit fee at submission.

4

Build and schedule inspections

Once approved, post your permit visibly and schedule required inspections (typically footing, framing, and final).

Official Boston Resources

Boston Permitting Online — Apply for Permits Online Fee Schedule
Transparency note: The following items could not be verified from official city sources and should be confirmed directly: Exact fee confirmation from 2025/2026 fee schedule — PDF not machine-readable; Short-form vs long-form threshold for deck projects.

Estimate Your Deck Cost

Get an instant cost estimate for your deck project in Boston.

Deck Cost Calculator

Sources

https://www.boston.gov/boston-permittinghttps://www.boston.gov/departments/inspectional-services/what-building-permit-do-i-needhttps://www.boston.gov/departments/inspectional-serviceshttps://www.mass.gov/massachusetts-state-building-code-780-cmr

Data verified April 2026. Fees, processing times, and requirements are subject to change. Always confirm current information with Boston's Inspectional Services Department (ISD).