Boston Construction Shutdown

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March 18, 2020 by Jeremy Souza, P.E.

As a means of preventing the spread of COVID-19, the City of Boston has ordered all non-essential construction work to cease as of March 17, 2020. Contractors have until March 23 to complete “make-safe” work at the sites. Emergency work will be permitted to continue, however these projects will be approved by the Commissioner of Inspectional Services on a case-by-case basis. The list of essential work includes:

  • Emergency utility, road, or building work such as gas leaks, water leaks, and sinkholes
  • New utility connections in occupied buildings
  • Mandated building or utility work
  • Work at public health facilities, shelters, etc. that support vulnerable populations
  • Work that ensures reliability of the transportation network
  • Other work necessary to render occupied residential buildings fully habitable.

This shutdown does not impact permitting, although social distancing protocols would suggest it may be best to submit permits electronically during the shutdown if possible.

For additional information on safely securing work sites and/or assistance in modifying your NFPA 241 Plans to represent this intermediary state, please click here.

Application of any information provided, for any use, is at the reader’s risk and without liability to Code Red Consultants. Code Red Consultants does not warrant the accuracy of any information contained in this blog as applicable codes and standards change over time. The application, enforcement and interpretation of codes and standards may vary between Authorities Having Jurisdiction and for this reason, registered design professionals should be consulted to determine the appropriate application of codes and standards to a specific scope of work.