Street Occupancy Permit (dumpster or container on a public street/sidewalk): Boston restaurant guide

Boston Public Works Department

What it is

Required to keep a dumpster, container or staging on any public street or sidewalk. ISD won't issue your Site Cleanliness License for a dumpster on the public way without it.

When a restaurant needs it

Only if your dumpster or trash containers sit on the street or sidewalk rather than private property.

How to apply

Apply in the Public Works online permit portal at least 7 business days before you need the space; post the bond and pay the space fees.

Documents you’ll need

Site sketch of the space occupied
$5,000 occupancy bond
Insurance
Hauler/dumpster details

Fee

$50 base fee plus $0.10 per sq. ft. per day (first 500 sq. ft.) and $0.05 per sq. ft. per day after; $20 per metered parking space per day; signs $4 each; $5,000 bond

Processing time

Apply at least 7 business days ahead

Renewal

Per permit period; renew as long as the dumpster stays

Who files

The business, hauler or contractor may apply.

Good to know

Keeping the dumpster on private property avoids this permit entirely.

Official source

Boston Public Works — street occupancy permit

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Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.

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