Cambridge bathroom permit: when you need one and what to submit
The short answer
Any plumbing or drain work needs a permit. New cupboards with no plumbing don't. City fee: $18 per fixture, minimum $107.
Last verified 2026-10-07 · City of Cambridge: Building permits, City of Cambridge Fees and Charges By-law 25-079, 2026 (PDF)- City fee
- $18 per fixture, minimum $107
- Where to apply
- City of Cambridge application portal
The City doesn't say whether swapping a fixture in the same spot is exempt, so ask before you start.
What an application usually includes
Cambridge’s checklist has the exact list; apply through City of Cambridge application portal.
- A plumbing layout: fixtures, drains, vents and the tie-in to the stack
- The fixture count for the fee
- A floor plan if walls or openings change
Local quirks
- No water in a pool or hot tub until the City's final inspection, and building before the permit doubles the pool permit fee.
- A deck has to stay at least 3.0 m (about 10 ft) from the rear lot line.
- Removing or damaging a private tree 20 cm (8 in) across or more needs its own tree permit.
Design your Cambridge bathroom to the Building Code.
The design, drawings and code checks work in Cambridge today. Cambridge’s own forms aren’t built in yet, so you’ll fill those in on the City’s portal.