New Timeline Requirements for Street Occupancy Permits

As we enter the busiest time of year for construction and moving, we are making a small change to the application process and timeline for some Street Occupancy Permits. Previously, applications for these permits—specifically Moving Van Permits, Moving Container or Crate Permits, Dumpster Permits, and Tool Truck Permits—had to be submitted four business days before they were to go into effect. Upon review, this requirement has been updated to one week, or 7 calendar days, before the permit is to go into effect. This will mean, for example, that an application for a permit that begins on a Tuesday will need to be submitted and paid for by 11:59 pm on the previous Tuesday.

This change should increase the clarity and smoothness of the application and permit process for all involved. For applicants, there should be less confusion about when applications must be submitted. For Traffic, Parking & Transportation Department staff, the earlier application eliminates concerns that a holiday or a large number of applications would make it difficult or impossible to process, approve, and post the permit in the allotted timeframe. For residents, the change will mean greater reliability and consistency for the entire process, particularly the posting of a notice 48 hours in advance to allow time for vehicles to be moved.

The new requirement will go into place as of July 7, 2015, which will mean that anyone requesting a moving, dumpster, or construction truck permit on or after July 7 will be able to get a permit for July 14 at the earliest. The online application process will be updated to account for this change. During the transition period, we will attempt to accommodate applications submitted with less than seven days’ notice. If you fall into that category, please call 617-349-4721 to talk with our staff about whether your permit needs can be met.