Fire Permit Applications

The Brookline Fire Department oversees permitting in various areas as regulated by the Massachusetts Fire Code (527 CMR 1.00) and MGL 148 (Fire Prevention Statutes). The majority of permits are processed through the town of Brookline’s online permitting system. Please review the guide of how to use the online permitting system. In addition, specific requirements for commonly used permits can be found below.

List of Permit Fees

Using The Town of Brookline’s Online Permitting System

Before creating an applications all users must login or create an account. If you are not logged in you will be unable to create an application.

  1. First, register an account on our online permit portal, Accela. Follow this guide:
    you may skip this step if you already have an account.

    Guide to Registering

  2. Click the following link to open Accela and follow the steps in the Guide to Applying for a Fire Permit below.

    Apply for a Permit

Guide to Applying for a Fire Permit

  1. Once you have successfully logged into the online permitting system, navigate to the fire tab.
    The fire tab is the 5th button on a menu that reads Home, Building, Board of Health, Licenses, Fire
  2. Select “Create an Application” and review the terms of service.
    A button says, "Create an Application". Accept the Terms of Service then click Continue Applic
  3. Click Fire to open a drop down of permit types that you may apply for online. If the permit that you would like to apply for is not shown on the list, you will need to fill out the relevant paper application. Additional information on paper applications can be found below.
    Under the heading "Select a Record type," open the Fire category and select the permit you nee

26F Applications

26F certificates are required for the sale of most residential properties. See our Smoke Detector Inspections page regarding pre-sale smoke detector inspections. Due to the demand for inspections, please expect that your inspection date will be at least 14 days from the date of request.

Blasting Permit

All use of explosives during construction requires a blasting permit. In addition to the permit, other additional requirements may be put in place, such as the funding of a blasting consultant/liaison. When applying for a blasting permit please be sure to contact the Brookline Fire Prevention office in advance to discuss requirements.

Diesel Fuel Storage

Diesel fuel storage requires a permit. Please submit a narrative describing the fuel use, quantity, tank protection and method of storage.

Energy Storage

Large-capacity batteries, capacitors and other energy storage systems require permits to install and operate. Please review the guidelines for submitting an application to install one- and two family dwelling Energy Storage Systems.

Final Inspection Request/ Fire Certificate of Occupancy

A Fire Certificate of Occupancy is required at the completion of a permitted building project that modified or added a fire alarm or protection system. This application should be filed upon completion of work that was approved with a Fire Plan Review. Upon completion of this inspection and receipt of relevant test docs, the fire department will sign the final inspection field on the green building card. This application is not for the sale of a property. If you would like an inspection for the sale of a property see the 26F application above.

Fire Alarm System Repair – Shutdown

If modifications or repairs are being made to an alarm system that necessitates the system being shut down a permit is required. Please attach an impairment plan describing the length of the impairment and the measures taken to mitigate hazards arising from the shutdown. Depending on length of shutdown and occupancy, a detail may be required. Please also attach relevant licenses for those performing work on the system.

Fire Plan Review

Please see directions on applying for a fire plan review. A plan review is required when there is an intent to install or modify a fire suppression system, fire alarm or system, or a construction safety plan (NFPA 241).

Fuel Oil Equipment Install/Alter

Any modification or installation to fuel oil equipment must be permitted in advance of installation. This includes residential boilers and oil tanks. This permit does not cover UST tank removal (see below). Please attach a copy of the certificate/licensure for the technician performing the work.

Gas Tank Removal

Any gas tank removal requires permitting in advance of the work being performed. Please attach a completed FP-292 to the Accela application.

Hazardous Material Storage

All entities storing hazardous materials in reportable quantities, per state and federal guidelines must apply for a Hazardous Material Storage permit. This permit can be obtained for a single use or as a recurrent annual license to store hazardous materials. The application should include a completed FP-300.

Hot Work

All hot work in the Town of Brookline requires a permit. In accordance with the Fire Code, plumbers and gas fitters do not need an additional hot work permit, but may require a detail. Hot work is defined as any activity that involves heat, spark, or flame that is capable of starting fires or explosions. Examples include, but are not limited to, welding, cutting, grinding, soldering, heat treating, hot riveting, torch applied roofing, abrasive blasting, and powder driven fasteners. When applying for a hot work permit, please ensure all operators working under the permit have completed the NFPA Hot Work Safety program or an equivalent found at the Massachusetts DFS website. Copies of all operators’ certificates are to be attached to the submittal. In addition, please attach a letter from the building owner giving permission to perform hot work at the location. Most hot work will require a fire detail. This information will be included on the permit. Find additional information on scheduling a fire detail, including fees, on our Fire Detail page. 

Liquid Propane (LP) Gas Use and Storage

Any liquid propane (LP) gas use or storage above 42 pounds requires a permit. For short term use, apply for a one time permit. Permanent or repeated use requires an annual permit. Please attach a narrative describing use and storage of the LP gas. Certain uses may require a fire detail, such as propane fired equipment inside a temporary tent. Please also note that propane use inside a tent or in a building under construction requires adequate Carbon Monoxide protection.

Sprinkler System Repair – Shutdown

If modifications or repairs are being made to a sprinkler system that necessitates the system being shut down a permit is required. Please attach an impairment plan describing the reason and length of the impairment and the measures taken to mitigate hazards arising from the shutdown. Depending on length of shutdown and occupancy a detail may be required. Please also attach the sprinkler contractor’s license.

Tar Kettle

Any use of a tar kettle requires a valid permit prior to the work. Reasonable mitigations efforts must be made to prevent fire, especially when work with hot tar is performed in residential buildings. Please upload all relevant licensure with the application.

Unvented Gas Heater Install

Unvented gas heaters require a permit for installation. Please attach product specs of the unvented heater being used. Please also include a layout of the room the heater is to be located. A carbon monoxide detector is required when installing an unvented heater. Please indicate the detector location on the layout.

UST Removal (Fuel Oil)

Any underground storage tank removal requires permitting in advance of the work being performed. Please attach a completed FP-292 to the Accela application.

Don’t see the permit you would like to apply for?

We are always actively adding permit applications to the online portal. If you do not see what you are looking for please make an account in Accela and then call Fire Prevention. We will assist you in creating a non-standard application. Once the application is created you will need to upload supporting documentation. Most non-standard applications require the relevant application document from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services to be uploaded. Please call 617-730-2270 or email [email protected] with any questions. Please do not mail or bring checks to our office. At this time all payments can be completed electronically through the online portal system.