Sidewalk deposits
The City requires a sidewalk deposit and permit when a construction job may impact a sidewalk. This may take place through staging, occupation, utility work, new construction, renovation, or demolition.
Sidewalk deposits ensure that if a sidewalk is built incorrectly, the City has the funds to make the repairs. Once a contractor or homeowner finishes their work and rebuilds the sidewalk, the City inspects it. If a sidewalk passes inspection, we refund the deposit, minus the administrative fees.
Please note: This is not a permit to excavate, occupy the street, or install driveway openings. Those require separate permits and approvals.
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Still have questions? Contact:
Public Works
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1 City Hall Square
Room 714Boston, MA 02201-2024
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Sidewalk checklist
For more information about how a sidewalk is evaluated, download the permittee return of deposit checklist:
Getting a sidewalk deposit permit
You can apply online for a sidewalk deposit permit. When submitting your application, consider the following tips:
- If you are going to insert pictures of the existing sidewalk condition, the picture must be timestamped. Click "Supporting Documents" to upload any pictures.
- When providing your Construction Management Plan, only submit the sign-off page. We do not need the whole plan.
- You must have a Vendor ID prior to submitting a request for a sidewalk deposit. This process can take a few days, and can be done online. To create a Vendor ID, click "Vendor Registration Form". There will be a step-by-step how-to guide on the Sidewalk Deposit webpage.
- The payment invoices and permits will be sent via our application.
- When the work is complete and you're ready for the sidewalk to be inspected, you can request your inspection on the bottom of this page by clicking, "Request an Inspection Online".
The calculation is based on the square feet of the sidewalk in front of the entire property. To confirm the cost of the sidewalk area, you must attach to your application:
- a site plan with a detailed legend
- a site plan with an accompanying engineer’s letter, or
- a plot plan with an accompanying detail.
We have a guide that details the types of plans accepted.
Costs vary depending on whether the existing sidewalk is concrete, brick, or asphalt:
| Material | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Concrete | $10 |
| Brick or pavers | $17 |
| Asphalt | $7 |
Keep in mind: There is an additional $4,000 charge for each sidewalk ramp. We also include a non-refundable inspection fee.
Sidewalk Inspection Information
Requirements to pass inspection
We focus on two primary points during inspections:
Our permittee return of deposit checklist has more information.
When the inspection takes place
At the time you apply for a sidewalk permit, you’ll need to provide a date for when you plan to complete your project. You are required to request an inspection within 30 days of the estimated completion of the sidewalk.
If you need an extension, you must contact the Public Works Permitting Division at 617-635-4900 BEFORE your permit expiration date.
If you fail your inspection
The engineer who inspects the sidewalk will leave pink paint marks near where the issues are on the sidewalk. We will then send you a letter to explain why it did not pass inspection.
You are allowed to request re-inspection up to two more times after failing an inspection. After the third failed inspection, we are able to keep your deposit and use it to fix the sidewalk.
Getting your deposit back
Request an inspection
To receive a refund of your deposit, you need to request an inspection online. You can request an inspection online by logging into the Public Works portal.
If there are no issues after we inspect the sidewalk, then we will process the refund.
Please note:
- Only the person or entity whose name is on the sidewalk deposit permit can receive the refund from the City. If a developer or contractor puts down the initial deposit, the homeowner will not be able to apply to receive the refund.
- Want to get your refund through direct deposit? Create a vendor profile on the City's Supplier Portal and provide your Vendor ID to the Permitting Office before you pay your deposit. You will not be able to receive the refund through direct deposit if you do not provide your Vendor ID before paying.
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Still have questions? Contact:
Public Works
-
1 City Hall Square
Room 714Boston, MA 02201-2024
-
Sidewalk checklist
For more information about how a sidewalk is evaluated, download the permittee return of deposit checklist:
