Boston Electrical Permit for an Outlet: $20 Plus Each Device

As retrieved September 8, 2026, Boston lists a $20 application fee plus $1 for each fixture, plug, or outlet and $5 for each approved meter when there is no service change. The city page does not state an effective date, so recheck the displayed formula before filing. Read the city’s electrical permit page.

For a one-outlet project with no service change and one approved meter, the narrow municipal calculation is $20 + $1 + $5 = $26. If the project has two outlets and the same meter, it is $20 + (2 × $1) + $5 = $27. These figures are permit inputs, not the electrician’s labor, wiring, boxes, drywall, or inspection-correction price.

Confirm that service is unchanged

The no-service-change formula applies only when the service itself is not upgraded or newly installed. If the outlet needs a new branch circuit, panel work, service change, or other electrical scope, ask the contractor which Boston line applies. The city lists a different amp-based formula for service upgrades and a cost-based “other” formula.

Boston requires the licensed contractor performing the work to apply; homeowners cannot apply directly. The page also says work must not start before permit issuance and that starting early can result in a double fee. The permit portal provides the submission context.

Keep permit and installation separate

The $1 outlet line does not price cable, conduit, a box, device, AFCI/GFCI equipment, wall repair, or labor. A quote that says “outlet permit included” should show the $20 application, number of devices, approved meter count, and any separate inspection or correction work.

The meter charge is also not a per-outlet fee. If your project has one approved meter, adding an outlet adds $1 under the formula; adding a second meter adds $5. Do not infer that a multi-unit project is a stack of single-home examples.

Booking decision

For a no-service-change Boston project, use $20 + $1 per fixture/plug/outlet + $5 per approved meter. One outlet and one meter yields $26; two outlets and one meter yields $27. Have the licensed contractor confirm classification and obtain the permit before work begins.