# Building permits at 161 Bay State Rd, Boston, MA

The biggest project within a quarter mile since May 1: a $30M alteration or repair at 700 Commonwealth Av, permitted May 20.

Two permits on record here. The newest, Jun 22: Replace an old metal junction box with new for existing service in the basement. Within a quarter mile, the city has issued 36 more permits (35 projects) since May 1.

## At this address

| Date | Type | Work | Cost | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 22, 2026 | Electrical | Replace an old metal junction box with new for existing service in the basement. | $2,000 | [E1863118](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/E1863118/) |
| Jul 16, 2013 | Fire systems | Proposed Work: Install NFPA 13 auto sprinkler system and 72 fire alarm system; rewire bldg; remodel nine bthrms and one kitchen; board and plaster., Last Action: READY TO ISSUE | Not listed | [ALT7973](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ALT7973/) |

## Within ¼ mi since May 1, 2026

36 permits in the circle. From our copy of the city's data (last 24 months).

### Next door (under 250 ft), 2 permits

| Date | Address | Distance | Type | Work | Cost | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 25, 2026 | [171 Bay State Rd](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/171-bay-state-rd/) | 110 ft W | Plumbing | Install new gas boiler with backflow and new water shut off valve | $15,600 | [PL1903909](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/PL1903909/) |
| Sep 25, 2026 | [171 Bay State Rd](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/171-bay-state-rd/) | 110 ft W | Plumbing | install new gas boiler | $15,600 | [G1903908](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/G1903908/) |

### This block (250 to 1,000 ft), 28 permits

| Date | Address | Distance | Type | Work | Cost | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 6, 2026 | [566 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/566-commonwealth-av/) | 830 ft SE | Alteration or repair | Seeking to change the occupancy from 111 apartments, garage for 105 vehicles, and offices to 117 apartments, garage for 105 vehicles, and offices and to complete interior renovate. Nominal Fee. [Apartments to replace some of the previous office space on the second floor] | $650,000 | [ALT1790171](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ALT1790171/) |
| Sep 28, 2026 | [113 Bay State Rd](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/113-bay-state-rd/) | 650 ft E | Alteration or repair | Interior demolition and abatement of ETR apartments. Interior renovations under separate long-form permit. | $30,500 | [SF1897404](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/SF1897404/) |
| Sep 28, 2026 | [700 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/700-commonwealth-av/) | 970 ft SW | Fire systems | Installation of new fire alarm system in dormitory tower. | $950,000 | [EFA1902449](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/EFA1902449/) |
| Sep 21, 2026 | [700 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/700-commonwealth-av/) | 970 ft SW | Electrical | Install low voltage cable, connectivity, and system components associated with Security system renovations at Boston University Warren Towers, Phase B – Tower B and Podium. | $425,975 | [ELV1902535](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ELV1902535/) |
| Sep 21, 2026 | [700 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/700-commonwealth-av/) | 970 ft SW | Electrical | Install low voltage cable, connectivity, and system components associated with Tel Data and Security system renovations at Boston University Warren Towers, Phase B – Tower B and Podium. | $447,515 | [ELV1902528](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ELV1902528/) |
| Sep 8, 2026 | [631-639 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/631--639-commonwealth-av/) | 400 ft SW | Alteration or repair | Provide exhaust system for existing classroom. | $179,406 | [SF1897255](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/SF1897255/) |
| Sep 2, 2026 | [584-598 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/584--598-commonwealth-av/) | 890 ft S | Electrical | Access control doors | $65,000 | [ELV1896773](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ELV1896773/) |
| Aug 27, 2026 | [99 Bay State Rd](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/99-bay-state-rd/) | 910 ft E | Roofing | masonry waterproofing to 5th and 6th floors rear of building. remove balcony to seal penetrations. seal 10 rear facing windows. repairs needed 20x25 rubber roof where existing deck currently sits. copper scuppers & down spouts to match existing | $202,700 | [SF1890653](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/SF1890653/) |
| Aug 25, 2026 | [565 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/565-commonwealth-av/) | 850 ft SE | Electrical | Installing underground PVC to three (3) locations. | $1,500 | [E1894206](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/E1894206/) |
| Aug 25, 2026 | [58 Deerfield St](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/58-deerfield-st/) | 790 ft E | Alteration or repair | Interior renovations to increase dining room and kitchen/trash services and meeting room space. Work is contained to only the basement and first floor. | $975,000 | [ALT1859819](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ALT1859819/) |
| Aug 24, 2026 | [566 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/566-commonwealth-av/) | 830 ft SE | Electrical | kitchen and bathroom remodeling, installation of sconce lights in the living room, and replacement of electrical outlets | $9,000 | [E1886107](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/E1886107/) |
| Aug 21, 2026 | [584-598 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/584--598-commonwealth-av/) | 890 ft S | Electrical | Provide wiring for one environmental room for the Chem Lab for BU including wiring from control panel into the environmental room. | $14,000 | [E1890453](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/E1890453/) |
| Aug 11, 2026 | [566 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/566-commonwealth-av/) | 830 ft SE | Plumbing | Bathroom and kitchen remodel Same location Convert bathtub into a shower stall | $6,300 | [PL1884398](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/PL1884398/) |
| Aug 11, 2026 | [584-598 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/584--598-commonwealth-av/) | 890 ft S | Alteration or repair | This is to amend building permit #ALT1732443 to capture Bulletin#04 layout modifications | $306,027 | [A1880703](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/A1880703/) |
| Aug 6, 2026 | [566 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/566-commonwealth-av/) | 830 ft SE | Alteration or repair | Interior renovation only (kitchen + bath in unit #508) | $46,600 | [SF1881610](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/SF1881610/) |
| Aug 5, 2026 | [566 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/566-commonwealth-av/) | 830 ft SE | Alteration or repair | Demolition of interior finishes in preparation for fit out under ALT1790171. | $35,000 | [SF1879776](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/SF1879776/) |
| Aug 4, 2026 | [566 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/566-commonwealth-av/) | 830 ft SE | Alteration or repair | Full renovation on Kitchen and bathroom, Remove two closets walls ( No-bearing wall ). Install new kitchen cabinets following the old layout, Install new toilet, shower valve, tiles on walls and floor, new lights on kitchen and bathroom ceilings. Hauling out all debris by city code. | $28,000 | [SF1881910](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/SF1881910/) |
| Jul 31, 2026 | [136-148 Bay State Rd](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/136--148-bay-state-rd/) | 340 ft SE | Other | Installing a temporary weighted 20x40 frame tent without walls for a BU open house and an ROTC BBQ. Installing 08/31/26 and removing 09/03/26. No alcohol. | $2,100 | [SF1877670](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/SF1877670/) |
| Jul 28, 2026 | [680 Beacon St](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/680-beacon-st/) | 950 ft SE | Alteration or repair | Renovate existing Citizens Bank 24-hour ATM vestibule including interior demolition, new non-load-bearing partitions, doors, glazing, finishes, HVAC, electrical and lighting. No structural work or change of occupancy. | $172,000 | [SF1873238](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/SF1873238/) |
| Jul 22, 2026 | [24 Cummington Ma](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/24-cummington-ma/) | 850 ft S | Electrical | Add (1) explosion proof receptacle with back box and dedicated circuit. | $1,500 | [E1874797](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/E1874797/) |
| Jul 8, 2026 | [700 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/700-commonwealth-av/) | 970 ft SW | Fire systems | Installation of new fire alarm equipment within the level 4 dining, kitchen areas and roof mounted equipment serving the dining area. | $93,000 | [EFA1869481](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/EFA1869481/) |
| Jun 22, 2026 | [700 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/700-commonwealth-av/) | 970 ft SW | Electrical | Renovation of existing kitchen, cafe and dining area on level 4 (East side only). Scope includes new panelboards, branch power, lighting, lighting controls, fire alarm, security, telecom. Also includes kitchen equipment connections. | $4,800,000 | [E1861486](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/E1861486/) |
| Jun 4, 2026 | [24 Cummington Ma](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/24-cummington-ma/) | 850 ft S | Electrical | Installation of audiovisual systems in boston university chemistry dept. | $300,000 | [ELV1857481](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ELV1857481/) |
| Jun 1, 2026 | [605 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/605-commonwealth-av/) | 340 ft S | Sign | Install Individual letters to brick wall to read: "BOSTON UNIVERSITY WHEELOCK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION &; HUMAN DEVELOPMENT" as approved by BPDA | $15,000 | [ALT1848608](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ALT1848608/) |
| May 27, 2026 | [24 Cummington Ma](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/24-cummington-ma/) | 850 ft S | Electrical | (3) Cooling towers being replaced on the roof top. (3) VFD's for towers being replaced in Penthouse Mech Room. | $15,000 | [E1853138](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/E1853138/) |
| May 22, 2026 | [680 Beacon St](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/680-beacon-st/) | 950 ft SE | Sign | Elec App. Per BPDA approval 4-14-26 install signs for Citizens: S1 channel letters on backer panel parallel wall sign @34 sf; S2 and S3 two illum blades @19.17 sf each to replace two existing blades; S4 hours on door glass; S5 reface non-illum parallel sign over rear entrance. | $18,000 | [ALT1850496](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ALT1850496/) |
| May 20, 2026 | [700 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/700-commonwealth-av/) | 970 ft SW | Alteration or repair | BU Warren Towers - architectural finishes at the main entrance lobby on the 1st floor, 4th floor west reconfiguration and garage renovations. Structural, MEP's and finishes as per plans and memo. All work in conjunction with ALT1672973.eplan | $30,085,206 | [A1828902](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/A1828902/) |
| May 13, 2026 | [566-574 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/566--574-commonwealth-av/) | 860 ft SE | Roofing | Re roof | $655,550 | [SF1848121](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/SF1848121/) |

### Farther (1,000 ft to ¼ mi), 6 permits

| Date | Address | Distance | Type | Work | Cost | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 17, 2026 | [533-545 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/533--545-commonwealth-av/) | 0.23 mi SE | Electrical | Power modifications renovations for new wall on 2nd floor | $11,000 | [E1902014](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/E1902014/) |
| Aug 26, 2026 | [270 Bay State Rd](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/270-bay-state-rd/) | 0.24 mi W | Other | Installing a 40x50, 20x20, 12x48, 9x20 and 19 9x10 temporary, weighted frame tents for a BU Alumni event. Installing 09/15/26 and removing 09/21/26. Alcohol served 09/19/26 12:00pm-3:00pm in the 40x50. Barricade plan included in the stamped engineer drawings. | $29,800 | [SF1890421](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/SF1890421/) |
| Aug 19, 2026 | [533-545 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/533--545-commonwealth-av/) | 0.23 mi SE | Alteration or repair | Office renovation of approx 214 SF of existing office and gym space, installing a 12' GWB wall and door to seperate the spaces | $27,500 | [SF1883374](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/SF1883374/) |
| Aug 19, 2026 | [675-701 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/675--701-commonwealth-av/) | 0.21 mi W | Alteration or repair | Clarification; Fire Protection Upgrades to existing building, including new closet for supplemental equipment.Project replaces ceilings in public corridors on level b, level 1, level 3, level 4.NOTE: BU - FP upgrades to entire building - ALT 1761847 Due to dewatering issue BU is saying the cost is t | $10,000,000 | [A1848041](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/A1848041/) |
| Jun 1, 2026 | [533-545 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/533--545-commonwealth-av/) | 0.23 mi SE | Alteration or repair | Installing an All-Glass Ballistic Door System for a secured entrance to the CEO Admin space. Modify existing GWB wall and GWB ceiling to receive new door, and relocation of (1) light and (1) diffuser | $61,800 | [SF1851672](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/SF1851672/) |
| May 22, 2026 | [270 Bay State Rd](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/270-bay-state-rd/) | 0.24 mi W | Electrical | To provide temp power via generator for the BU Beach concert on May 30, 2026. | $3,500 | [ETS1851924](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ETS1851924/) |

## Zoning requests nearby

There are no zoning requests on file within ¼ mi. Boston's feed was last read Oct 11.

## More on this street

Other addresses on Bay State Rd with permits, nearest house number first:

- [171 Bay State Rd](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/171-bay-state-rd/): newest permit Sep 25, 2026
- [174 Bay State Rd](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/174-bay-state-rd/): newest permit Oct 7, 2025
- [136-148 Bay State Rd](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/136--148-bay-state-rd/): newest permit Jul 31, 2026
- [126 Bay State Rd](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/126-bay-state-rd/): newest permit Aug 24, 2025
- [116 Bay State Rd](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/116-bay-state-rd/): newest permit Oct 19, 2024
- [113 Bay State Rd](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/113-bay-state-rd/): newest permit Sep 28, 2026
- [213-217 Bay State Rd](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/213--217-bay-state-rd/): newest permit Dec 6, 2024
- [214 Bay State Rd](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/214-bay-state-rd/): newest permit Sep 9, 2025
- [100 Bay State Rd](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/100-bay-state-rd/): newest permit Nov 25, 2025
- [99 Bay State Rd](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/99-bay-state-rd/): newest permit Aug 27, 2026

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Source: Boston Inspectional Services Department permit data (https://data.boston.gov/dataset/approved-building-permits). Checked 2026-10-12 00:40 UTC. Nearby Permits, https://nearbypermits.com. JSON API and MCP server: https://nearbypermits.com/developers/

Zoning requests come from the Boston Zoning Board of Appeal tracker (https://data.boston.gov/dataset/zoning-board-of-appeal-tracker). We read it Oct 11, 23:47 UTC.

Map, both permits at this address and 36 nearby: https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/161-bay-state-rd/