Featured Expert
Andrew Jeffrey, PE
Senior Consultant—Building Envelope, Forensics, and Restoration
Boston, MA
Boston façade ordinance
Boston requires periodic façade inspections for certain occupied high-rise structures and annual inspections for certain unoccupied structures.
Understand what applies.
Façade inspection requirements in Boston, MA.
Use this summary as a starting point. Walker can help confirm the current requirements, determine the appropriate inspection approach, and support the filing process for your building.
Buildings generally covered
Occupied structures over 70 feet above grade or classified as high-rise structures. Certain unoccupied structures over 35,000 cubic feet may require annual inspection.
Typical inspection cadence
Occupied qualifying structures: once every 5 years. Certain unoccupied qualifying structures: once per year.
Qualified professional
A Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensed Professional Engineer experienced in structural engineering or a licensed Registered Architect knowledgeable in façade design, construction, and inspection.
Filing notes
Confirm the applicable filing process and current reporting requirements with the City of Boston Inspectional Services Department.
Unsafe-condition requirements
Confirm the jurisdiction-specific requirements, repair deadlines, emergency actions, and amended-report obligations when unsafe conditions are identified.
Requirements can change. Confirm current applicability, filing deadlines, and professional requirements with the local jurisdiction or a qualified professional before relying on this summary.
How Walker helps.
Move from ordinance review to a practical next step.
01
Determine what applies.
Confirm the ordinance, building criteria, filing cycle, and inspection requirements.
02
Inspect and document conditions.
Walker selects an inspection approach based on the ordinance, building geometry, access needs, and observed conditions. Methods may include visual assessment, close-up review, swing stages, aerial lifts, drones, or rope access.
03
Prepare and support the report.
Translate findings into clear documentation and support the appropriate reporting process.
04
Plan the next move.
Walker can support repair design, construction documents, bidding assistance, and construction administration when the inspection identifies conditions that need to be addressed.
Related Walker location: Boston, MA
Local Walker expertise.
Connect with a façade ordinance specialist.
Frequently asked questions.
Questions about Boston, MA façade inspections.
Does Boston require façade inspections?
Boston requires periodic façade inspections for certain occupied high-rise structures and annual inspections for certain unoccupied structures.
Which buildings may be subject to Boston façade ordinance?
Occupied structures over 70 feet above grade or classified as high-rise structures. Certain unoccupied structures over 35,000 cubic feet may require annual inspection.
How often are façade inspections required in Boston?
Occupied qualifying structures: once every 5 years. Certain unoccupied qualifying structures: once per year.
Who can perform a façade ordinance inspection in Boston?
A Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensed Professional Engineer experienced in structural engineering or a licensed Registered Architect knowledgeable in façade design, construction, and inspection.
Can Walker help with the Boston filing process?
Yes. Walker can help confirm what applies, complete the inspection, document conditions, and support the required reporting process. Confirm the applicable filing process and current reporting requirements with the City of Boston Inspectional Services Department.
Can Walker help design repairs after the inspection?
Walker can support repair design, construction documents, bidding assistance, and construction administration when the inspection identifies conditions that need to be addressed.
Need help confirming what applies?
Start with the building. We’ll help clarify the next step.
Tell us where the property is located and what you know about the building. Walker can help confirm the ordinance requirements, inspection approach, and filing path.