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Inspectional Services

Aerial photo of Kendall Square
The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) is responsible for the enforcement all laws and related City ordinances that pertain to the Massachusetts State Building Code and certain articles of the State Sanitary Code.
Fossil Fuel-Free Ordinance in Effect 3-22-24 Requires New Construction/Major Renovation to be Fossil Fuel-Free. Learn more
New ISD Counter Hours in Effect as of February 5, 2024:


Morning Sessions:

Monday - Thursday: 7 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Friday: 7 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Afternoon Sessions:
Monday: 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday - Thursday: 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

For any inquiries, concerns, or feedback, please contact us at 617-349-6100.

State law requires registration of short-term rentals and payment of State excise tax. Learn more

Tips and FAQs

How can I view Inspectional Services records and archives?

Inspectional Services Department record room is located on the lower level at 831 Massachusetts Avenue. Contact email jrosario@cambridgema.gov

Record room is open:
  • Monday 7am - 11:30am, 12:30pm - 6pm
  • Tuesday to  Thursday: 7:00am - 3:30pm
  • Friday: 7:00am - 11:00am
All available records of BZA decisions; building, plumbing and electrical permits issued; plans submitted at time of application or completion of work: restaurant inspections; housing inspections; certificates of occupancy and certificates of inspection are stored in the records room.

What actions are recommended to control rodents?

  • Store garbage in metal or heavy plastic containers with tight lids.
  • Place trash outside shortly before pickup. Don't leave plastic garbage bags out overnight.
  • Remove weeds and debris near buildings. Don't give rodents a place to hide.
  • Store open food in metal or glass containers with tight lids.
  • Don't leave extra pet food out. Store it in a tight container.
  • Sweep up food remains, litter, and trash inside and outside your home.
  • Inspect your basement and house for cracks and holes; seal them with mortar.
  • Make sure you have screens on windows; inspect windows and screens for holes.
  • Keep outside doors closed; use metal trim to prevent rodents from gnawing and entering underneath.
  • Don't provide hiding places for rodents; store materials such as lumber and boxes on a rack with a clean, open area underneath. Get rid of unused materials.

When is a building permit required?

Anyone seeking to construct, alter, or demolish a structure or install a sign must first obtain a building permit from a building inspector at the Inspectional Services Department. The building permit must be obtained before the start of any work and must be prominently posted at the job site.

Contact Us

How can we help?

Please provide as much detail below as possible so City staff can respond to your inquiry:

As a governmental entity, the Massachusetts Public Records Law applies to records made or received by the City. Any information received through use of this site is subject to the same provisions as information provided on paper.

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Service Requests

Enter a service request via SeeClickFix for things like missed trash pickups, potholes, etc.