How To Obtain A Certificate For Existing Buildings

• Inspections must be scheduled in person at Fire Headquarters, 491 Broadway. The permit counter is located on the second floor. (Handicap access obtained via the Emergency Communications Center) 
• Permit Application Hours:  M-F   8:00am - 4:00pm (except holidays).
• The fees for Smoke / Carbon Monoxide Detector Inspections are as follows:
  $50.00 for a single dwelling unit being sold
  $100.00 for two dwelling units being sold
  $150.00 for three to six dwelling units being sold
  $500.00 for seven or more dwelling units
  (Note: If you are selling 1 unit in a multi-apartment building, the single dwelling unit fee is applicable. The inspection fees cover both the smoke and carbon monoxide detector inspections)
• Payment can be made by cash or check (make checks payable to the City of Cambridge).

Please note: Inspections for single to five unit dwellings are done on Tuesday and Thursday between 9:30 and 10:30 by local fire companies. Inspections for six or more dwelling units are done by the FIre Prevention Office. Please contact the Fire Prevention Office directly at (617) 349-4918. 

Important:  one to five unit inspections are performed by local fire companies and rescheduling may be necessary due to emergency fire calls. Inspections are subject to rescheduling without notice. Please leave a contact phone number when scheduling the inspection. If the inspection is not done by 10:30am, please call (617) 349-4921 for information.

How To Obtain A Certificate For New Construction Or Renovated Buildings

If the building or unit has been newly constructed or renovated and is going to be sold, a Certificate of Occupancy issued by Inspectional Services will be required. A Smoke / Carbon Monoxide Inspection Certificate will be issued upon a satisfactory Certificate of Occupancy inspection. Please contact the Fire Prevention Office at (617) 349-4918. Both inspections will be done at the same time.

Buildings To Be Sold That Will Be Renovated And Not Occupied

If upon the sale of the property the building is going to be renovated; is not going to be occupied; and new fire/smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors will be installed, a Smoke / Carbon Monoxide Inspection Certificate can still be issued. A notarized waiver application must be filled out and submitted to Fire Headquarters. Click here to download the Smoke / Carbon Monoxide Detector Certificate Waiver Application.

• Frequently asked questions (download pdf file) Note: the FAQ file is being updated