City Services
References for 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.
BOS:311
The BOS:311 app is a fantastic way to connect to the city and help improve our neighborhood. You can report non-emergency issues using this mobile technology. 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 or click here
- 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
- City of Boston Taxpayer Referral & Assistance Center: (617) 635-4287
Boston Planning & Development Agency (formerly Boston Redevelopment Authority):
- For General Information: (617) 722-4300
Business:
- City of Boston Office of Economic Development: (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