If the crane will set up on a public street or sidewalk in Boston, you usually need a street occupancy permit from Boston Public Works. Apply at least 7 business days before the lift. The permit can require a surety bond, a traffic plan, a plan for a Boston police detail, and a safe walking route if the sidewalk is closed. If the crane sets up entirely on private property, the street permit may not be needed.
Permits are one of the most common reasons a lift gets pushed back. Here is how it works in Boston and what to have ready. City rules and fees change, so always check the current details on the City of Boston website before you apply.
When you need a street occupancy permit
Boston requires a street occupancy permit any time you block or restrict access to a street or sidewalk. For crane work, that usually means the crane itself, its outriggers or the swing area sit on a public way.
- The crane parks on the street.
- Outriggers or mats extend onto the sidewalk.
- Part of the street or sidewalk has to be closed for safety.
- Parking spaces or meters need to be blocked off.
What the city asks for
- An application through the Public Works online permit system.
- A surety bond.
- A traffic plan that shows how cars, bikes and people get around the work.
- A plan for hiring a Boston police detail.
- A safe, accessible walking route if the sidewalk is closed.
- Signs or meter bags for parking spaces you need cleared.
Larger jobs may also need a review of the construction or traffic plan by the Boston Transportation Department. Fees are based on the area you block and the number of days.
Dave’s tip
Apply early. The city asks for at least 7 business days, and a missing item can add more. Build the permit into your schedule before you lock in the crane date.
Police details
Many street lifts in Boston need a police detail to direct traffic and keep people safe. The detail is booked for a set time, so plan the lift around it. If the lift runs long, the detail stays too.
Other towns around Boston
Cambridge, Brookline, Newton and the other towns around Boston each have their own process. Some handle it through the DPW, others through the police or the building department. If your job is outside Boston, call the town early and ask what they need for a crane on the street.
Near Logan Airport
Tall cranes near airports may need to be reported to the Federal Aviation Administration before they go up. Near Logan, that can apply even to cranes that do not seem very tall. Ask your crane company to check it as part of planning.
Who gets the permit?
Usually the general contractor or property owner applies, because the permit and bond are tied to the job. We help our customers plan the setup, show where the crane and outriggers will go and tell them what the city will need. For more on planning, see How to Plan a Crane Lift: The Checklist We Use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Boston street occupancy permit take?
The city asks for applications at least 7 business days before the work. Larger jobs that need a traffic plan review can take longer.
Do I need a police detail for a crane in Boston?
Often, yes, when the crane or the work area is in the street. The permit application asks for your plan for hiring a police detail.
Do I need a permit if the crane is on my own property?
If the crane, outriggers and work area stay completely on private property, you may not need a street permit. If any part blocks the street or sidewalk, you do.
Can the crane company get the permit for me?
It depends on the job and the city. We help plan the setup and tell you exactly what the permit needs, so the application goes in right the first time.
Planning a lift in the city? Request a free quote and we will help you plan the setup and the paperwork. Learn more about our job site lifts.
