Hey there, future business owner!
If you’ve just signed a lease or are eyeing a storefront in Boston, first—congrats! Starting a business is a big deal. Whether you’re opening a café in Jamaica Plain, a hair salon in Dorchester, or a boutique in Cambridge, you’ll likely need a building permit to get your space up and running.
I’m Permitti, your friendly neighborhood guide to permitting. Let’s break this process down into something manageable, shall we?
Step 1: Secure Your Location
Before you start designing or filing anything, lock down your lease or purchase.
You’ll need this info for all your applications:
- Exact address
- Proof of lease or ownership
- Square footage
- Previous use of the space (retail? office? restaurant?)
Why it matters: Your business type must match what the building is zoned for. For example, turning a bookstore into a bakery may trigger a change of use, which could require Zoning Board approval.
Step 2: Understand Your Scope of Work
Let’s get clear: Are you giving the space a cosmetic refresh—or changing everything?
Here’s how your scope affects your permit needs:
| Type of Work | Permit Needed |
|---|---|
| New floors, paint, fixtures only | No permit (maybe sign permit) |
| Adding walls, sinks, or lighting | Short Form Building Permit |
| Changing layout or mechanicals | Long Form Building Permit |
| Switching business type (retail → food) | Zoning + Building Permits |
Permitti Tip: If you’re not sure, take photos and send them to me—I’ll help you figure it out.
Step 3: Preparing for the Permit Application
Once you know that a permit is required, the next step is preparing and submitting your application to the city.
In Boston, this typically means applying through the Inspectional Services Department (ISD). Depending on your project, you’ll either file a Short Form (for smaller interior work) or a Long Form (for more complex renovations that might include layout changes or structural work).
If you’re working outside of Boston, keep in mind that nearby cities and towns may have slightly different requirements. You’ll need to check with both your local Planning Department and Building Department to understand what’s needed before you submit.
A building permit is typically processed in two stages:
- Submitting the Application: This is when you upload your permit drawings and describe the scope of work. At this stage, you don’t need to have your contractor selected or listed yet—it’s focused on getting plan review approval.
- Pulling the Permit: Once the city approves the drawings, your licensed contractor can “pull” the permit, which activates it and allows construction to begin. At that point, the city will require a licensed contractor’s information and any other necessary documentation.
Step 4: Filing for a Building Permit
For the initial submission, you will typically need:
- Architectural drawings showing:
- Detailed scope of work
- Existing and proposed floor plans
- Demolition plans (if applicable)
- Code analysis or basic zoning summary
- Egress path and fire safety info
- Structural drawings or notes (if structural work is involved)
- Energy code documentation (if applicable)
- Photos of existing conditions
Even for small projects, putting together these documents can be time-consuming and confusing—especially if you’re not familiar with permitting language. It helps to approach the process methodically: clarify your goals, document your space thoroughly, and check the city’s permit requirements early.
If you’re working with a contractor, they may be able to file for you. Some homeowners and business owners prepare and submit drawings themselves, especially for simple renovations, while others hire professionals to create permit-ready drawings and help coordinate the filing. For more complex work—especially structural changes or commercial renovations—a licensed architect or engineer may be required. There’s no single right way—it depends on your project type, location, and scope.
Permitti was created to support people who want guidance through this step. But whether you work with a service like Permitti or not, the key is making sure your documents are clear, accurate, and aligned with city expectations—so your permit can be approved without unnecessary delays.
Boston uses an online portal called Hansen/ISD and nearby cities have their own online or analogue submission systems. This process is typically simpler and you will:
- Create an account
- Fill in a form and answer some questions
- Upload the required drawings
- Pay a filing fee (usually based on project cost)
- Submit your application
Note: If you’re renting, the property owner must sign off on your permit application.
Step 5: Other Permits You Might Need
Even though Permitti focuses on the building permit, here are other permits or approvals you might need, depending on your business type:
| Business Type | Other Possible Permits Needed |
|---|---|
| Coffee shop | Health, Sign, Occupancy, Fire |
| Retail boutique | Sign, Public Works (for sidewalk displays) |
| Nail salon | Health, Plumbing, Fire |
| Restaurant | Health, Outdoor Dining, Fire, Occupancy |
| Gym or fitness space | Zoning, Occupancy |
Step 6: Final Inspections + Occupancy
After construction is complete, the city will send inspectors to:
- Review the work
- If it is compliant, they will issue your Certificate of Occupancy
Note: Some towns/cities ask the architect or other design professional to do the inspection. Be sure to check with your local jurisdiction.
Let’s Get You Permitted
Whether you’re transforming a raw space into a stylish café or turning an old office into a wellness studio, I’m here to handle the architectural side of permitting so you can focus on opening your doors.
Need drawings? Have questions about scope or permits? Let’s talk.
—Permitti
Architectural drawings for small business renovations in Boston—friendly, fast, and tailored to your space.
Disclaimer: This blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, code, or permitting advice. Every project is unique, and permitting requirements can vary depending on location, scope, and agency review. You should always consult with the appropriate professionals or municipal departments for your specific project requirements.