Online Permitting System

Online Permitting System

To access the City of Cambridge’s Online Permitting System, click here

New State Law for Short-Term Rentals

New State law requires registration of short-term rentals and payment of State excise tax. Learn more

160 Cambridge Park Drive

A residential & commercial (ground floor) 6 story building. The residential floors consists of 398 units.

8 Education Street

Seven & One Quarter Floors of Classrooms/Offices and Two & Three Quarter Floors of Parking Garage.

News & Announcements

MA State Building Code 10th Edition Became Effective on 10-11-24

The 10th Edition is an important update that will modernize the Building Code and better align it with the Fire and Stretch Energy Codes.
Cambridge's Rodent Control Program Offers Free Exterior Service to Residential Properties of Four or Less Units

The City of Cambridge has contracted with a private pest control company to offer this exterior residential rodent control assistance program as part of its broader rodent control efforts.
New Ordinance in Effect on 3-22-24 Requires New Construction and Major Renovation Projects to be Fossil Fuel-Free

The ordinance requires new construction and major renovation projects to be fossil fuel-free. This applies to residential and non-residential building projects.
New Counter Hours at City of Cambridge Inspectional Services Department Starting February 5

The City of Cambridge Inspectional Services Department is updating its counter hours to serve you better and improve your overall experience.
Specialized Stretch Energy Code

On January 23, 2023, the City of Cambridge adopted the commonwealth of Massachusetts's new Municipal Opt-in Specialized Stretch Energy Code, joining the communities of Brookline and Watertown. The code, which goes into effect in Cambridge on July 1, 2023, is to support the City's Net zero goals.

More News & Announcements

Upcoming Events

Nov 21

Board of Zoning Appeal Continued Cases Agenda

Board of Zoning Appeal Meeting
Nov 21

Board of Zoning Appeal Agenda

Board of Zoning Appeal Meeting
Dec 12

Board of Zoning Appeal Agenda

Board of Zoning Appeal Agenda

View Events Calendar

Welcome!

The Inspectional Services Department (ISD), staffed with 28 inspectors and support personnel, is responsible for the enforcement of all laws and related City Ordinances which pertain to the Massachusetts State Building Code and certain articles of the State Sanitary Code. More specifically, these responsibilities encompass the administration of the State Building, Plumbing and Gas, Electrical, and Mechanical Codes, the Massachusetts Access Board Regulations (521 CMR) and the provisions of the State Sanitary Code that address the inspection of food handling establishments, housing, lead paint and asbestos testing and removal, day care, and swimming pools. Also, ISD is responsible for the enforcement of the City Zoning Ordinance and for the provision of administrative support for the Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA).

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