Long-Form Building Permit (Alteration / Change of Occupancy): Boston restaurant guide

Boston ISD (Building Division)

What it is

The building permit for major alterations or any change to a building's structure or use, such as turning retail into a restaurant. It also triggers zoning review, and a zoning refusal is how you get to the ZBA.

When a restaurant needs it

Change of use/occupancy, new construction, structural work, new signs, or a full restaurant build-out.

How to apply

Your licensed contractor files online in the ISD portal under 'Long Form/Alteration/Change of Occupancy' (or 'Erect/New Construction'), uploading stamped plans and all outside approvals at once.

Documents you’ll need

Stamped plans by a Massachusetts-registered architect or engineer
Certified plot plan
Contractor's license (front/back) and liability insurance
MA Workers' Compensation Affidavit
Site Safety Plan Affidavit
Mattocks-Higgins Affidavit of Workplace Safety
Fire protection plan and narrative (if applicable)
Nominal fee letter (if you expect a ZBA appeal)
Landmarks/Planning approvals (if applicable)

Fee

$50 base fee plus $10 per $1,000 of estimated work cost, paid upfront

Processing time

Several months to over a year, depending on zoning and plan review

Renewal

Work must start within 6 months of issuance (some projects can get a 180-day extension)

Who files

For a commercial space the applicant must be the licensed contractor doing the work (office staff may submit in the contractor's name).

Good to know

ISD doesn't collect outside approvals for you. Get Landmarks, Planning or Parks sign-offs yourself and upload them, or the permit won't be issued.

Official source

Boston — Long-Form Permit · Boston Permit Finder (status)

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.