# Building permits at 871 Commonwealth Av, Boston, MA

37 permits on record here. The newest, Oct 15, 2025: Remove fixtures and cap drain lines. Within a quarter mile, the city has issued 15 more permits since May 1.

## At this address

| Date | Type | Work | Cost | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 15, 2025 | Plumbing | Remove fixtures and cap drain lines | $1,500 | [PL1788298](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/PL1788298/) |
| Aug 22, 2025 | Electrical | New temperature controls for renovated lecture rooms | $4,500 | [ELV1761049](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ELV1761049/) |
| Jul 22, 2025 | Electrical | Upgrade audiovisual systems - boston university cgs classroom #505 | $188,419 | [ELV1742666](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ELV1742666/) |
| Jun 11, 2025 | Electrical | Install 48 data cables to classrooms data closets on fifth floor | $22,000 | [ELV1723887](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ELV1723887/) |
| May 27, 2025 | Plumbing | install 1 toilet and 1 lav | $5,000 | [PL1724503](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/PL1724503/) |
| May 12, 2025 | Alteration or repair | Interior renovations to 2 lecture hall classrooms, adjacent corridor, restroom, entry vestibule and exterior alterations to egress exists. Demo of non-structural walls/doors/finishes, with upgrades to MEP-FP/FA systems and architectural finishes.eplan; | $1,672,883 | [ALT1697165](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ALT1697165/) |
| Apr 28, 2025 | Alteration or repair | Associated w/ Long Form Application ALT1697165 Demolition of 2 large classrooms | $97,000 | [SF1709147](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/SF1709147/) |
| Apr 23, 2025 | Electrical | 5th Fl lecture hall renovation | $272,075 | [E1704543](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/E1704543/) |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Fire systems | 5th fl lecture hall reno | $25,000 | [EFA1704573](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/EFA1704573/) |
| Jun 12, 2024 | Electrical | This is an Application for Permit to Perform Electrical Work for Institutional Use Only This is the tenth of Nineteen Annual Maintenance Permits Area -10- 871 Commonwealth Ave | $310 | [E1604255](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/E1604255/) |
| Sep 24, 2021 | Electrical | This is an Application for Permit to Perform Electrical Work for Institutional Use Only This is the tenth of Nineteen Annual Maintenance Permits Area -10- 871 Commonwealth Ave | $90,000 | [E1251995](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/E1251995/) |
| Jun 3, 2019 | Fire systems | Removing hornstobes and smoke detectors. Then adding ceiling and wall mounted horn strobes to the existing fire alarm system. | $9,500 | [EFA959418](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/EFA959418/) |
| May 22, 2019 | Electrical | Furnish and Install Lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles. | $35,000 | [E955948](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/E955948/) |
| May 20, 2019 | Alteration or repair | 4th floor-Renovation of approximately 2,000 SF of corridor and lounge space at the College of General Studies consisting of new finishes and ceilings. | $237,696 | [SF953103](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/SF953103/) |
| Jan 28, 2019 | Electrical | Installation of BA security device at Chase Bank 870 Commonwealth Ave ATM Boston, MA 02215 (8-61061-01) | $2,117 | [ELV914749](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ELV914749/) |
| Oct 12, 2018 | Electrical | Low Voltage - Room 407 Panic Alarms | $2,000 | [ELV889187](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ELV889187/) |
| Jul 16, 2018 | Alteration or repair | We will be replacing the carpet, and ACT ceiling, along with painting the entire suite. | $42,483 | [SF847772](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/SF847772/) |
| Nov 6, 2017 | Electrical | Low Voltage - 2nd, 3rd, 5th Floor Panic Buttons | $5,000 | [ELV774438](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ELV774438/) |
| Nov 7, 2016 | Electrical | Low Voltage - Room 119 Panic Alarm | $1,800 | [ELV654634](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ELV654634/) |
| Mar 17, 2016 | Electrical | Low Voltage - Security Camera's and Panic Alarms | $22,000 | [ELV570206](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ELV570206/) |
| Jul 23, 2014 | Electrical | Install power for AV equipment and install receptacles on walls for 2 classrooms. | $8,200 | [E372124](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/E372124/) |
| Jan 9, 2013 | Electrical | we are installing 7 telephone and data jacks | $3,700 | [ELV212867](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ELV212867/) |
| Jan 3, 2013 | Electrical | Renovation of offices and new bathroon power and lights | $5,000 | [E211501](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/E211501/) |
| Dec 28, 2012 | Alteration or repair | Minor reworking of offices | $90,000 | [SF210490](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/SF210490/) |
| Dec 12, 2012 | Plumbing | Plumbing renovation's. | $4,700 | [PL206668](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/PL206668/) |
| Aug 10, 2012 | Electrical | Replace lighting with energy efficient fixtures. Brookline Jaguar BMW 880 Commonwealth | $3,911 | [E161710](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/E161710/) |
| May 11, 2012 | Fire systems | Install new Fire Alarm Monitor Modules to the existing system for the addition of a new sprinkler system. | $6,100 | [EFA140415](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/EFA140415/) |
| May 11, 2012 | Electrical | Remove and Replace the Hallway Light Fixtures on the 1st Floor | $8,900 | [E140411](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/E140411/) |
| Feb 24, 2012 | Fire systems | Installing sprinkler upgrades in entire building.Related fire alarm work. | $560,700 | [ALT117144](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ALT117144/) |
| Aug 17, 2011 | Electrical | Install light fixtures in corridors. | $15,000 | [E91300](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/E91300/) |
| Jul 28, 2011 | Alteration or repair | Renovation of existing stairwell floors 1-5. Work includes furing out of drywall, paint, rubber flooring, and lighting. | $55,000 | [SF86304](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/SF86304/) |
| Dec 29, 2010 | Fire systems | Adding modules to monitor flow and tamper switches. | $1,200 | [EFA56951](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/EFA56951/) |
| Aug 6, 2010 | Electrical | Tel/data outlets to 12 station locations in 5th floor classroom at 871 Commonwealth | $5,000 | [ELV37311](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ELV37311/) |
| Jun 2, 2010 | Electrical | Furnish and install AV and Tele/Data conduit and wire | $2,000 | [ELV26515](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ELV26515/) |
| Jun 2, 2010 | Fire systems | Relocate and expand existing fire alarm devices. | $1,000 | [EFA26522](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/EFA26522/) |
| Jun 2, 2010 | Electrical | Electric renovation of an existing class room | $34,000 | [E26521](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/E26521/) |
| Apr 29, 2010 | Alteration or repair | Boston University College of General Studies Classroom renovations on the 5th floor. Revise existing Fire Alarm Electrical &; HVAC per plans; | $300,000 | [ALT22838](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ALT22838/) |

## Within ¼ mi since May 1, 2026

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

### Next door (under 250 ft), 8 permits

| Date | Address | Distance | Type | Work | Cost | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 4, 2026 | [855-861 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/855--861-commonwealth-av/) | 210 ft E | Plumbing | new sink and misc 80' of new piping for office | $10,000 | [PL1880340](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/PL1880340/) |
| Jul 23, 2026 | [855-861 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/855--861-commonwealth-av/) | 210 ft E | Fire systems | Adding (1) smoke detector and re-locating (2) strobes | $1,000 | [EFA1877357](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/EFA1877357/) |
| Jun 15, 2026 | [25 Buick St](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/25-buick-st/) | 250 ft NW | Electrical | install CCTV and access control | $75,000 | [ELV1861348](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ELV1861348/) |
| Jun 15, 2026 | [855-861 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/855--861-commonwealth-av/) | 210 ft E | Electrical | Remove existing teldata back to termination panels in 403B Remove existing WAP and Enclosure during construction Install 2 teldata Cat 6a Duplex Information Outlets for WAPs Install 8 teldata Cat 6a Duplex Information Outlets for Station Locations Install WAPs and Enclosures after construction | $11,725 | [ELV1861194](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ELV1861194/) |
| Jun 10, 2026 | [855-861 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/855--861-commonwealth-av/) | 210 ft E | Electrical | Interior electrical renovation of 5th Floor Visual Arts space including demolition, new lighting, power, HVAC electrical connections, data receptacles, fire alarm modifications, and associated wiring. | $25,000 | [E1859028](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/E1859028/) |
| May 29, 2026 | [855-861 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/855--861-commonwealth-av/) | 210 ft E | Alteration or repair | Renovation of existing office space on 5th floor. Demolition of floors, walls and ceilings, providing new openings in CMU walls. Providing new plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Minor relocations of FA and FP devices | $512,089 | [ALT1847217](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ALT1847217/) |
| May 26, 2026 | [25 Buick St](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/25-buick-st/) | 250 ft NW | Electrical | HVAC and temperature controls for renovated office space | $10,000 | [ELV1853708](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ELV1853708/) |
| May 15, 2026 | [25 Buick St](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/25-buick-st/) | 250 ft NW | Electrical | Scope of work: Add (49) CAT6A duplexes for IPC from IDF 380F Add (6) CAT6A duplexes for WAPS (9172I) to specific location Add (15) CAT6A duplexes to various rooms | $20,000 | [ELV1849358](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ELV1849358/) |

### Farther (1,000 ft to ¼ mi), 7 permits

| Date | Address | Distance | Type | Work | Cost | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2, 2026 | [961 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/961-commonwealth-av/) | 0.23 mi W | Sign | Install a new front-lit channel letter sign and refacing the existing double-sided blade sign | $4,983 | [ALT1896335](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/ALT1896335/) |
| Sep 28, 2026 | [785-795 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/785--795-commonwealth-av/) | 0.23 mi E | Alteration or repair | AT&T will be replacing (2) antennas, replacing (1) RRHs, removing (2) RRHs, and replacing FRP canister on concealment ballasted tripod. | $140,000 | [SF1901060](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/SF1901060/) |
| Aug 25, 2026 | [961 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/961-commonwealth-av/) | 0.23 mi W | Plumbing | gas piping for a restaurant fryer and stove. | $6,000 | [G1890331](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/G1890331/) |
| Aug 24, 2026 | [33 Harry Agganis Wy](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/33-harry-agganis-wy/) | 0.20 mi NW | Plumbing | Replacement of (2) tankless water heaters | $40,000 | [PL1890912](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/PL1890912/) |
| Aug 19, 2026 | [961 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/961-commonwealth-av/) | 0.23 mi W | Electrical | wiring for new counter,2 electrical cook grill. | $12,000 | [E1889180](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/E1889180/) |
| Jul 28, 2026 | [961 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/961-commonwealth-av/) | 0.23 mi W | Alteration or repair | Remove the old service counter and replace a new one. Repair, fix and patch the walls. Install new wall paper on small walls section TORI | $49,800 | [SF1878108](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/SF1878108/) |
| Jul 20, 2026 | [33 Harry Agganis Wy](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/33-harry-agganis-wy/) | 0.20 mi NW | Other | Drill 5 borings on Boston University property on Harry Agganis Way and Buick Street. | $18,500 | [SF1873734](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/permit/SF1873734/) |

## Zoning requests nearby

There are no zoning requests on file within ¼ mi. Boston's feed was last read Oct 8.

## More on this street

Other addresses on Commonwealth Av with permits, nearest house number first:

- [881 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/881-commonwealth-av/): newest permit Feb 11, 2025
- [855-861 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/855--861-commonwealth-av/): newest permit Aug 4, 2026
- [905 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/905-commonwealth-av/): newest permit Nov 18, 2025
- [949 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/949-commonwealth-av/): newest permit Nov 17, 2025
- [957 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/957-commonwealth-av/): newest permit Nov 6, 2025
- [785-795 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/785--795-commonwealth-av/): newest permit Sep 28, 2026
- [961 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/961-commonwealth-av/): newest permit Oct 2, 2026
- [963-969 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/963--969-commonwealth-av/): newest permit Apr 1, 2026
- [775 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/775-commonwealth-av/): newest permit Jun 16, 2026
- [771 Commonwealth Av](https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/771-commonwealth-av/): newest permit May 14, 2025

---
Source: Boston Inspectional Services Department permit data (https://data.boston.gov/dataset/approved-building-permits). Checked 2026-10-08 21:03 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 8, 17:47 UTC.

Map, all 37 permits at this address and 15 nearby: https://nearbypermits.com/boston/address/871-commonwealth-av/