City Services

Whether you’re opening a new business, renovating your façade or constructing a new building, many City departments work cooperatively to guide you through the permitting processes.

The BOS:311 app is a fantastic way to connect to the city and help improve our neighborhood by reporting non-emergency issues. Download it for the iPhone or Android. 

Below is a list of departments who may be of assistance:

24-Hour Mayor's Hotline

Please call 311

Mayor’s Constituent Services

City Council

Boston City Council Directory
(617) 635-3040

City Clerk

Boston City Clerk
(617) 635-4601

Assessing & Taxes:

City of Boston Assessing Department:
(617) 635-4287

How To File For A Real-Estate Tax Abatement

The Planning Department

(Formerly BPDA)

For General Information
(617) 722-4300

Business

City of Boston Office of Economic Developmen (617) 635-5729

Broadband and Cable

Broadband and Cable Department
(617) 635-3112

Cultural Affairs

Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture
(617) 635-3911

Elections Department

Elections Department
(617) 635-8683

Emergency Shelter Commission

City of Boston Emergency Shelter Commission
(617) 534-5395

EMS

City of Boston Emergency Medical Services
(617) 343-2367

Environment

City of Boston Environmental Department
(617) 635-3850

Fire Department

Dial 911 in any emergency.

City of Boston Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Inspections
(617) 343-3628

City of Boston Fire Headquarters
(617) 343-3550

Historic Designation & Preservation

City of Boston Landmarks Commission
(617) 635-3850

Housing & Residential

City of Boston Department of Neighborhood Development
(617) 635-3880

City of Boston Office of Neighborhood Services
(617) 635-3485

City of Boston Home Center
(617) 635-3880

City of Boston Rental Housing Resource Center
(617) 635-4200

City of Boston Rental Inspection Program
(617) 635-5300

Inspectional Services & Code Enforcement

City of Boston Inspectional Services Department
(617) 635-5300

City of Boston Division of Health Inspections
(617) 635-5300

City of Boston Code Enforcement Division
(617) 635-4900

Licensing

City of Boston Entertainment Licensing
(617) 635-4165

City of Boston Licensing Board
(617) 635-4170

Police

The Downtown Boston BID falls within the City of Boston’s Police District A-1

District A-1 Telephone
(617) 343-4240 [dial 911 in any emergency]

Public Health

City of Boston Public Health Commission
(617) 534-5395

Public Works, Maintenance, Recycling, & Sanitation

Trash and recycling is currently picked up within the Downtown Boston BID area on Mondays and Fridays.

Learn Your Trash and Recycling Days

City of Boston Department of Public Works
(617) 635-4900

City of Boston Graffiti Busters
311

City of Boston Pothole Repair
311

City of Boston Waste Reduction Division [Trash & Recycling]
311

City of Boston Street Lighting & Maintenance Division
311

City of Boston Water & Sewer Commission
(617) 989-7000

Transportation

City of Boston Transportation Department
(617) 635-4680

Zoning

City of Boston Zoning Board of Appeal
(617) 635-5300