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.
Public Notice
Please be advised that the Worcester Fire Prevention Office is currently in the process of transitioning Permitting & Licensing applications to the City of Worcester OpenGov Portal.
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.
For information on all city permits, licenses and fees, visit Permit Center
Title
Fee
PDF
Notes
Online
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Automotive Establishment License
see notes
Title: Automotive Establishment License
Fee: see notes
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.
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Christmas Tree (Sales) Permit
50.00
Title: Christmas Tree (Sales) Permit
Fee: 50.00
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.
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Cutting & Welding Permit
50.00 (see notes)
Title: Cutting & Welding Permit
Fee: 50.00 (see notes)
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
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Dumpster/Rubbish Container Permit - Permanent (Renewable)
see notes
Title: Dumpster/Rubbish Container Permit - Permanent (Renewable)
Fee: see notes
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.
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Dumpster/Rubbish Container Permit - Temporary
see notes
Title: Dumpster/Rubbish Container Permit - Temporary
Fee: see notes
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.
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Flammable Storage Permit
50.00 (see notes)
Title: Flammable Storage Permit
Fee: 50.00 (see notes)
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).
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Hazardous Materials Use and Storage Permit
50.00
Title: Hazardous Materials Use and Storage Permit
Fee: 50.00
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Laboratory Using Chemicals Permit
50.00
Title: Laboratory Using Chemicals Permit
Fee: 50.00
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Title: Oil Burner Permit
Fee: 50.00
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Propane Install/Connect Permit
50.00
Title: Propane Install/Connect Permit
Fee: 50.00
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Propane Storage Permit
see notes
Title: Propane Storage Permit
Fee: see notes
$25 for special event; $50 for permanent installation.
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Sprinkler Shutdown Permit
50.00 (see notes)
Title: Sprinkler Shutdown Permit
Fee: 50.00 (see notes)
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.
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Tank Removal Permit
see notes
Title: Tank Removal Permit
Fee: see notes
According to gallonage and size - range is $50 - $250
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Unvented Gas Heater Permit
50.00 (see notes)
Title: Unvented Gas Heater Permit
Fee: 50.00 (see notes)
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
Smoke Detector and CO Inspection for Property Resale • Apply Now!
Massachusetts law requires working smoke and CO detectors in all residences. In accordance with MGL 148 Section 26 F l/2, The Massachusetts Fire Prevention Code 527 CMR 1.00 c 13.7.6 regulates the placement of CO detection in dwelling units.
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
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.
