Introduction
Securing permits in Cambridge is key for ensuring safety, compliance, and peace of mind whether you're upgrading electrical systems, installing plumbing, maintaining mechanical equipment, or undertaking building construction. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the current fee structures as per the City of Cambridge's Inspectional Services Department, updated in 2025.
1. Building Permits & Construction
Building permits cover new construction, alterations, repairs, demolition, and foundation work. Cambridge offers reduced rates for small residential projects. All building permit applications must be submitted to the Inspectional Services Department.
Apply online: Cambridge Citizen Access Portal
| Permit Type | Fee Structure |
|---|---|
| New Construction & Alterations | $20 per $1,000 of construction cost (minimum $50) |
| Plan Amendments | Same as construction rates above |
| Demolition | Same as construction rates above |
| Foundations | Same as construction rates above |
| Sheet Metal Work | $50 base + $25 per 100 linear feet |
| New Signs | $10 per $100 of sign cost (rounded up), minimum $20 |
| Moving Buildings | $15 per $1,000 of cost (rounded up), minimum $50 |
For detailed fee schedules and additional information, visit the Cambridge building permit fees page.
Not sure if you need a permit? Find out fast.
2. Electrical & Wiring Fees
Cambridge mandates that starting electrical work without a permit triples the standard fee plus, it doesn't waive compliance requirements. All electrical work requires permits from the Inspectional Services Department.
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
For a complete list of electrical fees, refer to the Cambridge electrical permit fees page.
3. Gas Installation & Related Work
The same triple-fee policy applies if work starts before permitting, along with a $50 fee for failing to call for final inspection within five days or for re-inspection. Gas permits are issued by the Inspectional Services Department.
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
For more details, visit the Cambridge gas permit fees page.
4. Mechanical Systems & HVAC Equipment
Again, failure to obtain a permit carries a triple-fee penalty; re-inspection or missed final inspection both cost $50 Cambridge, 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
For a full list of mechanical fees, check the Cambridge mechanical permit fees page.
5. Plumbing Fees & Fixture Handling
The triple-fee enforcement and $50 penalties for re-inspections still apply. Plumbing permits are issued by the Inspectional Services Department.
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
For more information, visit the Cambridge plumbing permit fees page.
6. Sprinkler & Safety Systems
Same penalties apply for unpermitted or improperly closed-out work. Fire protection and sprinkler systems require permits from the Inspectional Services Department and may also require Cambridge Fire Department approval.
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
For a complete list of sprinkler fees, refer to the Cambridge sprinkler permit fees page.
7. Certificates & Inspections
Certificates of Occupancy and various inspections are required for different property types and uses. All certificates are issued by the Inspectional Services Department.
| Certificate/Inspection Type | Fee Structure |
|---|---|
| Certificates of Occupancy (Residential) | $100 first unit + $50 each additional |
| Certificates of Occupancy (Commercial) | $100 + $50 per 1,000 sq. ft. |
| Assembly (A) Certificate of Inspection | $50 up to 50 occupancy + $2 per occupant over |
| R-1 Certificate of Inspection | $50 + $5 per room over 10 |
| R-2/R-4/R-5 Certificate of Inspection | $100 + $5 per unit |
| Fire Escapes | $100 each (some exceptions) |
| Signs (Annual Inspection) | $10 |
| Re-inspections of Code Violations | $25 |
| Subsidized Dwellings Inspection | $100 |
| Plan Review | $100, or $50 when included in a building permit |
| Building License | $50 initial two-year license; renewal $50; after two years + 30 days: $60 + $10 per additional late year |
8. When Does the Fee Triple?
Starting construction before obtaining a permit? The standard fee is tripled, per City Ordinances 15.04.010, 15.08 and 15.12. This penalty applies to all categories:
- Building permits and construction work
- Electrical work and installations
- Gas installation and related work
- Mechanical systems and HVAC
- Plumbing work
- Sprinkler and safety systems
Paying the tripled fee doesn't exempt you from code compliance or other penalties. Always apply before starting work.
Avoid triple fees get your permit first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Pro Tips
- Use the small residential rate when your project qualifies (≤3 units) to lower building permit costs.
- Round-up logic on sign fees means budgeting conservatively avoids surprises.
- Book inspections promptly to avoid re-inspection fees and delays.
- Never start work before the permit is issued - tripled fees add up fast across all categories.
- For HVAC equipment, calculate tonnage carefully as fees increase at 25+ tons.
- Plumbing fixture counts matter - plan your project to optimize the 5-fixture base rate when possible.
- Keep track of inspection deadlines to avoid $50 penalties for missed final inspections.
✅ Need Help Navigating Cambridge Permits?
We handle applications, manage approvals, and guide you through Cambridge's permit process across all categories - building, electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, and sprinkler systems. Save time and avoid costly delays or penalties.
Note: Fees and processes are subject to change; always verify with official sources.
