Sprinkler & Special Suppression System Permit (kitchen hood suppression): Boston restaurant guide

Boston Fire Department — Fire Prevention

What it is

Boston Fire permits sprinkler and special suppression systems, which is the category that covers the wet-chemical fire suppression system in a commercial cooking hood. The system must be tested before you open.

When a restaurant needs it

Installing or modifying a hood suppression system or sprinklers.

How to apply

The fire protection contractor applies through the Fire Prevention online portal with plans and specs, then schedules the witness test.

Documents you’ll need

Suppression system plans and specs
Hood/duct layout
Contractor credentials
Acceptance test request

Fee

$125 to install or alter a fire extinguishing system (BFD fee schedule effective 9/22/2016, BFPC 14.02); confirm current fee with Fire Prevention

Processing time

Many BFD permits within 1–2 weeks; varies

Renewal

None (systems need periodic inspection/servicing)

Who files

Filed by the fire suppression contractor.

Good to know

The hood and duct themselves also go through ISD building review (with the long-form permit). Have the fire protection contractor confirm the exact BFD permit type and current fee: the 2016 fee schedule PDF linked from BFD's page was not loading on 2026-10-06.

Official source

BFD — forms, permits, applications & fees

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