Introduction
Securing permits in Cambridge is key for ensuring safety, compliance, and peace of mind whether you're upgrading electrical systems, installing plumbing, or maintaining mechanical equipment. Here's a breakdown of the current fee structures as per the City of Cambridge’s Inspectional Services Department, updated in 2025.
1. Electrical & Wiring Fees
Cambridge mandates that starting electrical work without a permit triples the standard fee plus, it doesn’t waive compliance requirements Cambridge, MA
Some notable fees include:
- Air conditioners (portable): Up to 25 tons – $40; Over 25 tons – $60
- Alarm systems: $25 (residential) | $75 (commercial)
- Generators: $100
- Motors: Starting at $5 (under 1 HP), with $1 for each additional HP
- Receptacles: $1 (15 A), $4 (20 A), $5 (30 A), $8 (50 A), $15 (70 A)
- Re-inspection/correction: $50
- Seasonal lighting: $25
- Swimming pools: $75 Cambridge, MA
2. Gas Installation & Related Work
The same triple-fee policy applies if work starts before permitting Cambridge, MA, along with a $50 fee for failing to call for final inspection within five days or for re-inspection.
Standout fees:
- Boiler: $100 (1,000,000 BTU+); $50 (chimney/direct vent)
- Gas piping per floor: $50
- Cook stove, dryer, water heater: $20–$50
- Temporary heat: $100 Cambridge, MA
3. Mechanical Systems & HVAC Equipment
Again, failure to obtain a permit carries a triple-fee penalty; re-inspection or missed final inspection both cost $50Cambridge, MA.
Key fees:
- AC and cooling towers: $40 base; additional tonnage $6/ton
- Boilers, furnaces, ductless split systems, ventilation systems: $40–$50
- Gas generators, steam generators, refrigeration units: $100
- Heat pumps, radiant heat, process piping: $25–$75 Cambridge, MA
4. Plumbing Fees & Fixture Handling
The triple-fee enforcement and $50 penalties for re-inspections still apply Cambridge, MA
Fees include:
- Backwater valve: $25; cross-connection devices: $20–$50
- Fixtures (bathtub, sink, shower, toilet, etc.): $50 for up to 5; $5 per additional fixture
- Water heaters (electric/gas/tankless): $50–$100
- Water piping per floor, vacuum drainage systems, solar/hybrid systems: $50–$100 Cambridge, MA
5. Sprinkler & Safety Systems
Same penalties apply for unpermitted or improperly closed-out work Cambridge, MA
Fee highlights:
- Sprinkler heads: $50 for up to 5 heads; $2 per extra head
- Standpipe valves: $40 for main valve (1 ½" or 2 ½") + $5 each additional
- Backflow preventer: $50 Cambridge, MA
