Cambridge permit search

Cambridge permit rules at a glance

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How to search a permit by address in Cambridge

Cambridge’s application instructions describe status access through an account. Log in to the online permitting portal to see which City department holds the application and its status through the permitting process. The storefront search filters the types of services you can apply for; the City’s instructions use account access for an application’s progress.

The application is initially distributed to City departments outside of the Inspectional Services Department (ISD). By logging into the online permitting portal at any time, you will readily see which department the application has been assigned to, and see its status within the entire permitting process.

Source: Apply for a Building Permit - City of Cambridge, MA, read 2026-11-01

For a new account, use Register for a user account. Returning applicants can use Log into the online permitting portal.

Do I need a permit for electrical work in Cambridge?

Cambridge identifies electrical work by its governing code: the Massachusetts Electrical Code, 527 CMR 12.00. Its service page calls for an electrical permit for work performed under that code. Use this electrical rule when defining the electrical part of a renovation scope, alongside the separate building-permit requirement for structural alterations.

An electrical permit is required for all work to be performed in accordance with the Massachusetts Electrical Code (MEC), 527 CMR 12.00.

Source: Electrical Permits - City of Cambridge, MA, read 2026-11-01

Cambridge’s additional electrical information identifies electricians holding Massachusetts credentials as the permit recipients and cites MGL 143-3L.

Start my request for a electrical in Cambridge

Do I need a permit for plumbing in Cambridge?

Cambridge’s plumbing service page ties its permit requirement to the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code and Chapter 142 of the General Laws. A plumbing permit addresses that work; the City separately describes building permits for constructing, altering or demolishing a structure. Put the plumbing work into the written project description so the permit question follows the actual scope.

A plumbing permit is required for all work to be performed in accordance with the pertinent provision of the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code and Chapter 142 of the General Laws.

Source: Plumbing Permit - City of Cambridge, MA, read 2026-11-01

The City’s additional plumbing information cites MGL 142-13 for permit issuance.

Start my request for a plumbing in Cambridge

Can a homeowner pull their own permit in Cambridge?

Cambridge describes a homeowner exception for work on a one- or two-unit dwelling where the homeowner resides or intends to reside. The City also cautions that a homeowner taking out the building permit may be liable for contractors on the property and cannot use protections under the Homeowners Improvement Contractor Law. Those cautions accompany the exception on the City’s permit page.

As an exception to this requirement, building permits are also issued to homeowners doing work on one or two unit dwellings where they reside or intend to reside.

Source: Building Permits - City of Cambridge, MA, read 2026-11-01

What work does not need a permit in Cambridge?

Cambridge distinguishes ordinary repairs, as defined in the Building Code, from work that requires a building permit. It also publishes a shed-specific threshold: less than 120 square feet. The shed exception comes with a zoning condition, so the size threshold does not remove the need to comply with the Zoning Ordinance.

Ordinary repairs, as defined in the Building Code, do not require a building permit.

Source: Building Permits - City of Cambridge, MA, read 2026-11-01

If the shed is less than 120 square feet, a building permit is not required. However, one must comply with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance for any size shed.

Source: Building Permits - City of Cambridge, MA, read 2026-11-01

Cambridge also identifies sign permits, asbestos removal permits and demolition permits as building-permit categories required by the Building Code.

How much is a permit and how long does it take in Cambridge?

Cambridge calculates the permit fee and invoices the applicant after the reviews by departments outside ISD are complete. The City treats the application as received by ISD after invoicing and payment processing. Its published decision period is 30 days from payment processing, extended when supplemental information is required. The hold continues until outstanding questions are satisfactorily answered.

When payment is received and processed by the City of Cambridge, the application is received for review by the Inspectional Services Department. Inspectional Services will issue or deny a permit application within 30 days of payment processing. Note that if supplemental information is required by City staff, the application will be put on hold and the review period accordingly extended until such time that all outstanding questions are satisfactorily answered for evaluation of the proposed project in relation to applicable ordinances and building codes.

Source: Apply for a Building Permit - City of Cambridge, MA, read 2026-11-01

Before you apply in Cambridge: checklist

Cambridge asks applicants to fill out the online application and upload the required documentation as PDF files. An unfinished application can be saved and completed later. For zoning compliance, the City directs applicants to ISD or Community Development Department staff. Use the permit portal’s Comments section for correspondence so staff can follow the application’s history.

Fill out the application and upload required documentation in PDF format. You will have the option to save an unfinished application and complete it at a later date.

Source: Apply for a Building Permit - City of Cambridge, MA, read 2026-11-01

Correspondence requires logging back into the online permitting portal and using the ‘Comments’ section.

Source: Apply for a Building Permit - City of Cambridge, MA, read 2026-11-01

Sources

• Building Permits - City of Cambridge, MA (cambridgema.gov), read 2026-11-01
• Apply for a Building Permit - City of Cambridge, MA (cambridgema.gov), read 2026-11-01
• Electrical Permits - City of Cambridge, MA (cambridgema.gov), read 2026-11-01
• Plumbing Permit - City of Cambridge, MA (cambridgema.gov), read 2026-11-01