Cambridge Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Contact

Cambridge Inspectional Services is the city’s building-permit and code-enforcement authority. The department enforces the Massachusetts State Building Code and applicable Cambridge ordinances, while coordinating zoning and other departmental approvals for construction projects.

Apply for a Cambridge building permit

Anyone constructing, altering, repairing, or demolishing a structure generally needs a building permit before work begins. Cambridge’s online permitting system requires an account, electronic application, supporting PDF documents, and payment processing before the application is considered received for review. The city advises applicants to confirm zoning compliance and any required approvals from other departments before submission.

Cambridge inspections and certificates of occupancy

Keep the permit card and approved plans available at the job site. Required inspections depend on the work and permit type. Inspectional Services also maintains records of permits, inspections, certificates of inspection, and certificates of occupancy. A certificate of occupancy is required when construction is complete or when a building or space changes use and must comply with the State Building Code and Cambridge Zoning Ordinance.

Zoning and plan review

Cambridge projects may require zoning review, a variance, or a special permit before a building permit can be issued. The Inspectional Services Department and Community Development Department can identify zoning requirements, while the Board of Zoning Appeal handles many variance and special-permit matters.