Department Head and Assistants: Ranjit Singanayagam, Commissioner of Inspectional Services/Building Commissioner
Martha T. Flynn, Assistant Commissioner
Mike Nicoloro., Deputy Comissioner (Operations)
David Byrne, Senior Building Inspector

E-mail: ranjits@cambridgema.gov

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 Access Regulations 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).

The five building inspectors are primarily responsible for the review and approval of plans and the issuance of building permits under the provisions of the State Building Code. They are also responsible for the issuance of demolition permits, certificates of occupancy (COs), certificates of inspection (CIs), and responding to complaints concerning the safety of structures. The senior building inspector is David Byrne.

The two wiring inspectors are responsible for the inspection and approval of wiring and fixture installations for compliance with the Massachusetts Electrical Code. They are also responsible for investigating complaints concerning the adequacy and safety of wiring.

The two plumbing and gas inspectors are responsible for the inspection and approval of new piping systems and alterations of existing systems for compliance with the provisions of the Massachusetts Plumbing and Gas Codes. They are also responsible for the investigation of complaints concerning the safety of plumbing and gas installations.

The seven sanitary/housing inspectors are responsible for the inspection of restaurants and food handling establishments for compliance with the provisions of Chapter X of the State Sanitary Code and for compliance with Chapter II (minimum standards for human habitation) of the State Sanitary Code. They are also responsible for the licensing of day care centers, summer camps, and public swimming pools.

The Assistant Commissioner for Zoning is responsible for the enforcement of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance and for providing administrative support to the Board of Zoning Appeal. The Board of Zoning Appeal is an independent Board comprised of Cambridge citizen volunteers who meet bi-weekly to hear applications for variances, special permits, or appeals related to the Zoning Ordinance. Ranjit Singanayagham is responsible for this function.

Building Environmental Fee Schedule

Plumbing Fees and Electrical Fees

BZA Fee Schedule

On-line Permit Applications (forms are in PDF format)

Cambridge Zoning Ordinance

Cambridge Restaurant Inspection Results

Inspectional Service Related Links

Frequently Asked Questions
  Building Code Related Questions
  Procedures to follow when applying for a building Permit
  Zoning Questions
  Rodent Control
  Summary of State Sanitary Code
  State Sanitary Code Questions
  Reuse outlets for usable construction materials