BostonEversource
Inspectional Services Department (ISD)
Boston's electrical permit page says homeowners must hire a licensed contractor to apply for the permit and complete the work.
Permits
Electrical permits and inspections in Massachusetts
Every panel or service upgrade gets a wire permit and a town inspection. Who files, how long each step can take, and where the office is in 23 towns.
- Checked: November 2026
- Towns: 23 permit offices
Notice of startWithin 5 daysof starting, or before, to the inspector of wires M.G.L. c.143 s.3L
Inspector answersWithin 5 daysof the written completion notice, approve or disapprove M.G.L. c.143 s.3L
Do not cover up24 / 72 hoursinspection window after notice for excavations / installations, weekends and holidays excluded 527 CMR 12
Code editionSet by the permit date2026 NEC for permits granted after April 24, 2026 527 CMR 12
The short version. A licensed electrician files the state's permit form with your town's inspector of wires, does the work, tells the inspector when it is done, and the inspector approves or lists what to fix. The utility will not reconnect a new service until the town approves. Ask to see the permit: the state tells homeowners to.
The permit and inspection flow
- 1Before or within 5 days of startingPermit applicationElectrician files the state form with the inspector of wires.Electrician
- 2Permit acceptedPermit issuedIt goes to the person, firm or corporation on the application.Town
- 3Before coveringInspection of open workWiring stays visible until the inspector has looked.Town
- 4Work doneWritten completion noticeThe permit holder tells the inspector in writing.Electrician
- 5Within 5 daysApproval or disapprovalA disapproval names the part and the rule.Town
- 6After approvalUtility reconnectsFor a service upgrade, the utility waits for this.Utility
Sources: notice and five-day rules, M.G.L. c. 143, section 3L. Mass. General Laws Mass. General Laws Permit issued to the named party, 527 CMR 12.00, Rule 8. Mass.gov Do not conceal until inspected, Rule 10. Mass.gov Edition by permit date, Rule 7. Mass.gov
Who is who
| Office | What it does for you | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Inspector of Wires (your town) | Takes the permit application, inspects, approves or disapproves. The authority having jurisdiction. Mass.gov FAQ | Your town's office, on its card below. |
| Board of State Examiners of Electricians | Licenses master and journeyman electricians and handles complaints. Only a licensed master or journeyman can legally be hired for electrical work in your home. Mass.gov | (617) 701-8786 to verify a licence. Mass.gov |
| Board of Electricians' Appeals | Gives informal opinions and holds formal hearings when you dispute an inspector's decision. Mass.gov | Appeal form: Provisions for Inspector Appeals. Mass.gov FAQ |
| Board of Fire Prevention Regulations and DFS | Writes the Massachusetts Electrical Code (527 CMR 12.00) and interprets it. Questions must be framed to get a yes or no. Mass.gov FAQ | DFS Code Compliance Desk, (978) 567-3375, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mass.gov |
What about doing it yourself?
Rules differ by town. Eversource says a homeowner can submit a service request for an owner-occupied, single-family home only after being granted a homeowner electrical permit from the local authority, so some towns issue them. Eversource Boston's electrical permit page says homeowners must hire a licensed contractor to apply for the permit and complete the work. City of Boston One more rule matters if you start and hire out: the state says it is a violation of board regulations for a licensed electrician to connect wiring from components that were wired by an unlicensed person. Mass.gov Panel and service work is not where to experiment.
Want the permit and inspection handled for you?Aurion takes the project from photos to a finished service. Licensed Massachusetts electricians file the permit.
Send photosWhat permits cost, and what Boston records show
Permit fees are set by each town, and they are on the cards below where the town's page states them. From 2025-11-01 to 2026-11-02, at least 1,068 Boston one-to-four-family electrical permits were for a service or panel change. The median value applicants declared was $7,500. That is the figure written on the form, not a quote. Analyze Boston Full data: Boston electrical permits.
Permit office by town
Each card is from the town's own website, read November 6, 2026. Hours change, so call before you go. The electrician usually files for you.
- Boston
- Cambridge
- Somerville
- Medford
- Arlington
- Watertown
- Waltham
- Woburn
- Winchester
- Lexington
- Stoneham
- Melrose
- Malden
- Everett
- Revere
- Lynn
- Salem
- Beverly
- Wakefield
- Reading
- Danvers
- Peabody
- Belmont
CambridgeEversource
Inspectional Services Department
- Where
- 831 Massachusetts Ave., 1st Floor, Cambridge, MA 02139
- Phone
- 617-349-6100
- Hours
- Mon 7 am to 6 pm, Tue to Thu 7 am to 3:30 pm, Fri 7 am to noon. Counter hours are shorter.
- ISD@cambridgema.gov
Cambridge's electrical permits page says an electrical permit is required for all work under the Massachusetts Electrical Code and is issued to Massachusetts licensed electricians. It also lists a Mechanical Permit application.
SomervilleEversource
Inspectional Services Department
- Where
- 1 Franey Rd., Somerville, MA 02145
- Phone
- 617-625-6600 x5600
- Hours
- Mon to Wed 8 am to 4 pm, Thu 8 am to 7 pm, Fri 8 am to noon
- isd@somervillema.gov
MedfordNational Grid
Building Department
- Where
- City Hall, Room 115A, 85 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, MA
- Phone
- 781-393-2509, Superintendent of Wires: 781-393-2485.
- Hours
- Mon, Tue, Thu 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Wed 8:30 am to 7:30 pm, Fri 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Medford's page says Building, Plumbing and Gas, Electrical and Sheet Metal/Mechanical permits are filed online through Citizenserve, and contractors must register their licenses with the city.
ArlingtonEversource
Inspectional Services
- Where
- 51 Grove Street, Floor 1, Arlington, MA 02476
- Phone
- 781-316-3390, Inspector of Wires: 781-316-3393.
- Hours
- Mon to Fri 8 am to 4 pm
- inspectionalservices@town.arlington.ma.us
WatertownEversource
Inspectional Services
- Where
- 124 Watertown Street, 3D, Watertown, MA 02472
- Phone
- 617-972-6480
- Hours
- Mon, Wed, Thu 7:30 am to 4 pm, Tue 7:30 am to 6 pm, Fri 7:30 to 11:30 am
Watertown's permit search page says you can apply online for building, electrical, gas, sheet metal and plumbing permits, and plumbing and gas permits go to Massachusetts licensed plumbers and gas fitters only.
WalthamEversource
Building Department
- Where
- Government Center, 119 School Street, Room 25, Waltham, MA 02451
- Phone
- 781-314-3275, Wires Department: 781-314-3175.
- Hours
- Mon to Fri 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
WoburnEversource
Inspectional Services Department
- Where
- City Hall Annex, 6 Common Street, Woburn, MA 01801
- Phone
- 781-897-5840, Electrical Inspector: 781-897-5846.
- Hours
- Mon to Wed 8 am to 4:30 pm, Thu 8 am to 7 pm, Fri 7 am to 1 pm
Woburn's page says a licensed plumber or electrician is responsible for obtaining plumbing, gas and electric permits.
WinchesterEversource
Building Department
- Where
- Town Hall Lower Level, 71 Mt. Vernon Street, Winchester, MA 01890
- Phone
- 781-721-7115, Wiring Inspector: 781-759-9767 (in the office 8 to 9 am only).
- Hours
- Mon 8 am to 7 pm, Tue to Thu 8 am to 4 pm, Fri 8 am to noon
- buildingdept@winchester.us
LexingtonEversource
Building Office
- Where
- 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420
- Phone
- 781-698-4530, Electrical Inspector: 781-698-4512. Mechanical Inspector: 781-730-8485.
- Hours
- Mon, Wed, Thu 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Tue 8:30 am to 7 pm, Fri 8:30 am to 1 pm
Lexington's page says all permits are accepted through its OpenGov system, and to request a mechanical or sheet metal inspection you call 781-730-8485.
StonehamEversource
Building Department
- Where
- 35 Central Street, Garden Level, Stoneham, MA 02180
- Phone
- 781-279-2670
- Hours
- Mon, Wed, Thu 8 am to 4 pm, Tue 8 am to 7 pm, Fri 8 am to noon
Stoneham's page says the department enforces the building, electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing codes and that applications are accepted online.
MelroseNational Grid
Inspectional Services Department
- Where
- Melrose City Hall, 562 Main Street, Melrose, MA 02176
- Phone
- 781-979-4135, Electrical Inspector: 781-979-4134 (answers 8 to 9 am, Mon to Thu).
- Hours
- City Hall: Mon to Thu 8:30 am to 4 pm, Fri 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Melrose's fee page lists a minimum residential electrical fee of $30 plus a $15 administrative fee.
MaldenNational Grid
Inspectional Services
- Where
- 215 Pleasant Street, 3rd Floor, Room 330, Malden, MA 02148
- Phone
- 781-397-7030
- Hours
- Mon, Wed, Thu 8 am to 5 pm, Tue 8 am to 7 pm, Fri closed
Malden's page says only licensed electricians and plumbing contractors can apply for electrical and plumbing/gas permits online.
EverettNational Grid
Inspectional Services Department
- Where
- 484 Broadway, Room 26, Everett, MA 02149
- Phone
- 617-394-2220, Wire Department: 617-394-2219.
- Hours
- Mon and Thu 8 am to 7:30 pm, Tue and Wed 8 am to 5 pm
Everett's Online Permit Center lets applicants apply, pay and receive building, electrical, gas, plumbing and mechanical permits online after a one-time registration.
RevereNational Grid
Building Division (Inspectional Services)
- Where
- American Legion Building, Basement, 249R Broadway, Revere, MA 02151
- Phone
- 781-286-8196
- Hours
- Mon to Thu 8:15 am to 5 pm, Fri 8:15 am to 12:15 pm
Revere's page says electrical, plumbing and gas permits can only be issued to Massachusetts licensed electricians, plumbers or gasfitters, and all building-division permits are applied for online.
LynnNational Grid
Inspectional Services Department
- Where
- City Hall, 3 City Hall Square, Room 405, Lynn, MA 01901
- Phone
- 781-586-6815, Electrical inspection: 781-586-6714.
- Hours
- City Hall: Mon, Wed, Thu 8:30 am to 4 pm, Tue 8:30 am to 8 pm, Fri 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
SalemNational Grid
Inspectional Services (Building Department)
- Where
- 98 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Salem, MA 01970
- Phone
- 978-619-5641, City Electrician (44 Lafayette Street, 2nd Floor): 978-745-6300.
- Hours
- Building office: Mon to Wed 8 am to 4 pm, Thu 8 am to 7 pm, Fri 8 am to noon
Salem's City Electrician issues electrical permits, and the fee ordinance says they are filed by a state-licensed electrician.
Salem's fee ordinance lists a $30 minimum electrical permit fee.
BeverlyNational Grid
Municipal Inspections (Building Department)
- Where
- 8 Dane Street, Beverly, MA 01915
- Phone
- 978-921-6025
- Hours
- Mon to Wed 7 am to 3 pm, Thu 7 am to 6 pm, Fri 7 to 11:30 am
Beverly issues permits for all building, electrical, plumbing, gas and mechanical work, and no longer accepts paper applications: online only.
Beverly's electrical fee is $25 per $1,000 of estimated electrical cost, $65 minimum. Sheet metal is $15 per $1,000, $65 minimum.
WakefieldWakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department
Inspectional Services & Zoning
- Where
- 1 Lafayette Street, Wakefield, MA 01880
- Phone
- 781-246-6388
- Hours
- Mon to Thu 8 am to 4:30 pm, Fri 8 am to 12:30 pm
Wakefield's forms page offers online applications for electrical, gas and plumbing permits, and a paper sheet-metal permit application.
ReadingReading Municipal Light Department
Building Division
- Where
- 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867
- Phone
- 781-942-6613, Electrical Inspector: 781-942-6614.
- Hours
- Town Hall: Mon, Wed, Thu 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, Tue 7:30 am to 7 pm
Reading's inspector hours page says the electrical permit must be issued before an inspection is scheduled and the licensed contractor must be present at the inspection.
DanversDanvers Electric Division
Inspectional Services
- Where
- 1 Sylvan Street, Danvers, MA 01923
- Phone
- 978-777-0001 ext. 3061, Electrical Inspector: ext. 3063.
- Hours
- Mon to Wed 8 am to 4 pm, Thu 8 am to 7 pm, Fri 8 am to noon
Danvers' page says all electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician and the department reviews and grants residential electrical permits.
PeabodyPeabody Municipal Light Plant
Building Department
- Where
- Peabody City Hall, 24 Lowell St., Peabody, MA 01960
- Phone
- 978-538-5786, Electrical Inspector: 978-538-5789.
- Hours
- Inspectors: Mon to Wed 8:30 to 10 am and 3 to 4 pm, Thu 8:30 to 10 am and 5:30 to 7 pm, Fri 8:30 to 10 am and 12 to 12:30 pm
Peabody accepts permit applications only through its online system (no walk-ins), and inspections are booked by email or by calling the inspector. Its page says wiring permits are issued to Massachusetts licensed electricians.
BelmontBelmont Light
Building Division (Office of Planning & Building)
- Where
- 19 Moore Street, 2nd Floor, Belmont, MA 02478
- Phone
- 617-993-2650, Inspections: 617-993-2663.
- Hours
- Building Inspector's office hours: Mon 8 to 10 am and 4 to 6 pm, Tue to Fri 8 to 10 am
Belmont's online permitting page accepts sheet metal, electrical, plumbing and gas permit applications from owner-occupants of 1 to 2 family homes or registered licensed contractors, with a Workers Compensation Affidavit.
Belmont's building and sheet metal fee is $15 per $1,000 of construction cost, $50 minimum.
Common questions
Do I need a permit to replace my electrical panel in Massachusetts?
Yes. M.G.L. c. 143, section 3L says no person shall install electrical wiring for hire without giving notice to the inspector of wires, either before or within five days after starting the work, by a permit application on the state's form. Failing to give notice carries a fine of up to $500. Your licensed electrician files it.
Who pulls the permit, me or the electrician?
The electrician, if you hire one. 527 CMR 12.00 says that once the inspector of wires accepts an application, the electrical permit is issued to the person, firm or corporation named on it, and that party is responsible for notifying the inspector when the work is complete. Boston's page says homeowners must hire a licensed contractor to apply for the permit and do the work. Eversource refers to a homeowner electrical permit from the local authority for an owner-occupied single-family home, so some towns issue them. Check your town's card on this page.
How long does the inspector have to respond?
After the electrician notifies the inspector in writing that the work is complete, the inspector has five days to give written notice of approval or disapproval. A disapproval has to name the part of the work and the rule violated. Scheduling the visit itself is a local matter, so ask your town office.
Can the electrician cover the wiring before the inspector looks?
No. 527 CMR 12.00 Rule 10 says electrical installations shall not be concealed or covered from view until inspected by the inspector of wires, within 24 hours for excavations and 72 hours for installations after proper notice, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays excluded.
Which electrical code does my job follow?
The 2026 NEC with Massachusetts amendments, if your permit was granted after April 24, 2026. The code's own Rule 7 ties the edition to the permit date, not the contract date.
What if the inspector fails my job and I disagree?
The Board of Electricians' Appeals issues informal opinions and holds formal hearings on disputes arising from local inspectors' decisions. The state's FAQ says to submit the Provisions for Inspector Appeals form with the approved documents. A code interpretation request goes to the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations and has to be a yes-or-no question.
Is the permit fee set by the state?
No. Fees are set by each city or town. The cards below carry the fee note when the town's page states one. Where it does not, ask the office.
Do I need a permit for an EV charger or heat pump circuit too?
Yes. Any electrical wiring installed for hire is covered by the same law, and Cambridge states it plainly: a permit is required for all work under the Massachusetts Electrical Code. Boston permit records show separate permits for heat pump or mini-split circuits and EV chargers, as well as for service and panel changes.
Heat pump coming and the panel is old?
Send a photo of the panel with the door open. We look at it and get back to you.
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