PlainPermit

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Do I need a permit for a water heater replacement in Boston, MA?

Last verified: · Confidence: high · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
Permit required Confidence: high

Yes. Replacing a water heater needs a Plumbing Permit, and only a contractor with a Massachusetts trade license can apply for it and do the work.

What changes the answer

Cost

Fee not extracted; see Boston Inspectional Services. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://www.boston.gov/permitting/permits/short-form-permits

Where to apply

City of Boston Inspectional Services Department (online permitting portal)

Permitting authority: City of Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD). Applies inside the City of Boston. Massachusetts uses a statewide building code; Boston zoning and Landmarks/historic districts add requirements.

Official sources

“Only a contractor with a valid, non-expired Massachusetts trade license may apply for a Plumbing Permit and perform any plumbing work related to installing or replacing these appliances.”

Source: https://www.boston.gov/boston-permitting/install-or-replace/install-or-replace-water-heater-or-boiler

“For replacing or installing a water heater or boiler when no other work needs to be done, such as opening up walls.”

Source: https://www.boston.gov/boston-permitting/install-or-replace/install-or-replace-water-heater-or-boiler

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: high

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