Fire Related Permits & Licensing

In compliance with 527 CMR 1.00 and M.G.L. Chapter 148, the Fire Prevention Division of the Worcester Fire Department issues fire-related permits to maintain, store, use or handle materials; to conduct processes that could produce conditions hazardous to life or property; or to install equipment used in connection with such activities.

Regulations & Requirements

To learn more about the regulations and requirements associated with each permit or license, please click on the respective link below.

There are many different permits for construction and demolition projects available through the Worcester Fire Prevention Office.

• Please see the Permits for Construction & Demolition Projects flyer for complete details.
• WFD Design Standards
• Communications Declaration: All ERRCS (BDA) Systems Must be Class A as of May 12, 2021

For information on all city permits, licenses and fees, visit Permit Center

• Automotive Establishment License

  see notes

  Title: Automotive Establishment License

  Fee: see notes

    
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Fire Department
The Ordinance of the City of Worcester Chapter 10, Section 7 states that no person shall operate any garage, auto repair garage, auto body facility, auto body or spray booth and lubritoriums without an annual license issued by the fire chief. Please view the linked PDF for a checklist and explanation of fees.
• Christmas Tree (Sales) Permit

  50.00

  Title: Christmas Tree (Sales) Permit

  Fee: 50.00

    
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Fire Department
A Christmas tree permit is issued for the storage and sale of natural, cut Christmas trees, wreaths, and holly.
Restrictions: Not to be sold within (50) feet of any building used for habitation; not to be stored inside of gasoline service stations and to be kept away from gasoline pumps; must have a fire extinguisher on hand.
Permit expires in 30 days or on December 26th of the same year.
• Cutting & Welding Permit

  50.00 (see notes)

  Title: Cutting & Welding Permit

  Fee: 50.00 (see notes)

    
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Fire Department
All welding, torch cutting, grinding, torch applied roofing and torch paint removal requires a hot work permit per 527 CMR 1.0 - 1.12.8.23. In addition, all hot work requires an on-site evaluation to determine if a fire department detail will be required.
Fee: $50
Detail Fee (if required): Budget $80/hr
• Dumpster/Rubbish Container Permit - Permanent (Renewable)

  see notes

  Title: Dumpster/Rubbish Container Permit - Permanent (Renewable)

  Fee: see notes

    
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Fire Department
Any dumpster 6 yards or more needs a permit in accordance with 527 CMR. A permit is not required for dumpsters that will be delivered and removed from a location on the same business day. Permit is valid for one (1) year from date of issue. Permanent dumpster permits are renewable annually.
Exceptions:
• Containers holding only non-combustible materials, such as scrap metal or concrete.
• Containers dropped off and removed from the site at the end of every work day.
Fee: $25 per container and $10 for each additional container on a particular site.
For metal containers to be placed on a public street, please contact the Worcester DPW for additional permitting information.
• Dumpster/Rubbish Container Permit - Temporary

  see notes

  Title: Dumpster/Rubbish Container Permit - Temporary

  Fee: see notes

    
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Fire Department
Any dumpster 6 yards or more needs a permit in accordance with 527 CMR. A permit is not required for dumpsters that will be delivered and removed from a location on the same business day. Permit is valid for one (1) year from date of issue.
Exceptions:
• Containers holding only non-combustible materials, such as scrap metal or concrete.
• Containers dropped off and removed from the site at the end of every work day.
Fee: $25 per container and $10 for each additional container on a particular site.
For metal containers to be placed on a public street, please contact the Worcester DPW for additional permitting information.
• Flammable Storage Permit

  50.00 (see notes)

  Title: Flammable Storage Permit

  Fee: 50.00 (see notes)

    
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Fire Department
All fuel stored on-site (including CNG, LNG, LP, propane, acetylene, gasoline, kerosene, diesel and heating oil) requires a fuel storage permit from the fire department in accordance with 527 CMR 1.0 - 1.12. This includes fuel on-site during the construction process to supply generators, heating equipment, vehicles and power tools.
Fee: $50 per vessel up to 1,500 gallons (permit fees vary for larger vessels).
• Hazardous Materials Use and Storage Permit

  50.00

  Title: Hazardous Materials Use and Storage Permit

  Fee: 50.00

    
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Fire Department
• Laboratory Using Chemicals Permit

  50.00

  Title: Laboratory Using Chemicals Permit

  Fee: 50.00

    
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Fire Department
• Oil Burner Permit

  50.00

  Title: Oil Burner Permit

  Fee: 50.00

    
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Fire Department
• Propane Install/Connect Permit

  50.00

  Title: Propane Install/Connect Permit

  Fee: 50.00

    
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Fire Department
• Propane Storage Permit

  see notes

  Title: Propane Storage Permit

  Fee: see notes

    
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Fire Department
$25 for special event; $50 for permanent installation.
• Sprinkler Shutdown Permit

  50.00 (see notes)

  Title: Sprinkler Shutdown Permit

  Fee: 50.00 (see notes)

    
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Fire Department
A shut-down permit shall be obtained by a licensed sprinkler contractor for any shut down of an existing sprinkler, standpipe or other water-based suppression system in accordance with MGL 148 Section 27A and 527 CMR 1.0 - 13.1.8.
A mechanical permit shall be obtained from the Building Official for the modification or addition to an existing sprinkler system. New installations require a mechanical permit from the Building Official only. The Worcester Fire Department shall be notified any time a sprinkler or water-based fire protection system is shut down.
Sprinklers shut-down beyond working hours (overnight) require an approved impairment plan. Sprinkler and standpipe systems in buildings to be completely demolished are to remain in service until 48 hours prior to structural demolition.
• Tank Removal Permit

  see notes

  Title: Tank Removal Permit

  Fee: see notes

    
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Fire Department
According to gallonage and size - range is $50 - $250
• Unvented Gas Heater Permit

  50.00 (see notes)

  Title: Unvented Gas Heater Permit

  Fee: 50.00 (see notes)

    
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Fire Department
All fuel-fired temporary construction heaters require a permit from the fire department in accordance with 527 CMR 1.0 - 16.1.1.1, regardless of type of fuel in use. One permit shall be obtained per heating unit. Note that carbon monoxide detection is required in spaces where fuel burning, temporary heaters are used.
Exception: Temporary electric heaters.
Fee: $50/heater

Temporary Dumpster/Rubbish Container Permit • Apply Now!

The purpose of the "Temporary" Dumpster Permit is for one-time clean-out(s) or construction purposes. This permit is non-renewable and expires after one (1) year.

Please Note: In the event your dumpster is placed on a public street or sidewalk, you will also be required to apply for a DPW&P Engineering Permit (For Street Obstruction).

Permanent Dumpster/Rubbish Container Permit (Renewable) • Apply Now!

A "Permanent" Dumpster/Rubbish Container Permit is for continuous usage more than one (1) year. This permit is renewable annually.

Please Note: If you are applying for a Dumpster Permit specifically for a Special Event or if you are looking to place your dumpster on a Public Street or Sidewalk. You will need to apply for a Temporary Dumpster/Rubbish Container Permit.

Forms

• Application for Smoke Alarm/Carbon Monoxide Alarm Inspection (26F)
• Blasting Damage Complaint Form
• Fire Alarm and Emergency Communication System Inspection and Testing Form (NFPA 72 Report)

For information regarding permits for wood, pellet or coal burning stoves, please contact the Building & Zoning Division of Inspectional Services at 508-799-1198 or email inspections@worcesterma.gov.