Thomas G. Gatzunis, Commissioner

Welcome to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Website

Programs & Services

Initiatives

Key Resources

bbrs-dps-acquires-new-license-software-1-2012 with FAQs (3).doc

DPS Incident Hotline

Please be advised that the Department of Public Safety (DPS) has instituted a new protocol for the reporting of incidents that require the immediate attention of the DPS. If there is an Emergency involving a DPS regulated activity please contact the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency at (508) 820-1444 to report DPS related incident.
This number should be used for all DPS related events, including but not limited to the following: Incident involving:
1. Building collapse/failure
2. Elevators/escalators
3. Boiler or air tank failure/explosion
4. Amusement or tramway incidents
5. Horse carriage incidents
6. Incidents involving hoisting and
excavating equipment.
For all Non-Emergency calls please dial 617-727-3200

Mass.gov Improved Usability

Our website sports a new look. We listened to your feedback and we’ve redesigned the site to improve your online experience.

- Pages are clean, streamlined, more readable and easier to scan.

- New navigation to help you find what you want quickly and easily.

- Effective information organization so you will click and scroll less.

The new site is a significant advancement designed to meet the expectations of customers for a quality online experience.

DPS License Lookup

DPS LIcense Lookup
All licenses issued, renewed or otherwise updated by the Department of Public Safety, are posted to the DPS Website within 48 hours

New Elevator Law - Penalty for Running an Uncertified Unit

DPS Assists with Tornado Efforts

photo of tornado damage
During the early evening hours of Wednesday, June 1st, 2011, several tornadoes roared through Massachusetts. Violent winds caused damage in about two dozen communities. The aggressive storm sheared-off rooftops, uprooted trees, and, in some cases, totally destroyed residential and commercial structures alike. Almost immediately, Governor Patrick declared a state of emergency, calling into action nearly 1,000 National guardspersons, and other emergency personnel, including the Massachusetts Urban Search and Rescue Team (MATF 1). Click title to read more...

521 CMR - Temporary Overnight Shelters

The language of the new section 521 CMR 3.10.1 requires that effective February 15, 2012, ...temporary overnight shelters, as defined in 780 CMR, shall provide at a minimum, an accessible entrance and an accessible toilet room in compliance with 521 CMR Sections 25 and 30, regardless of whether other work is performed or a change of use occurs. This change has been recently been approved as an emergency regulation change to coincide with current language in recent amendments to 780 CMR. Read More...

8th Edition MA Residential Code is Effective as of February 4, 2011

The 8th edition residential code (for one and two family dwellings and townhouses three stories and less) became effective with the February 4, 2011 Massachusetts Register. The 7th edition residential code will remain in effect concurrently with the new 8th edition until August 4, 2011. Read more...

Changes To Construction Supervisor Examinations - Transition to the Eigth Edition of the Code

Effective October 3, 2011

The following information is provided to help Construction Supervisor License candidates understand the upcoming schedule relating to exam requirements as we transition to the eighth edition of the code. It is offered in question and answer format for clarity. Read more...

Building Code Changes for next Public Hearing

The Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) will hold a public hearing on December 13, 2011 at the State House Gardner Auditorium, Boston, starting at 12 p.m., to hear public comment on the proposed amendments listed below. Read more...

Home Improvement Contractor has moved to the Office of Consumer Affairs

As you may know the HIC program has been moved from DPS to the Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA).
Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
10 Park Plaza, Suite 5170
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 973-8700
www.mass.gov/ocabr

The New CODEWORD

Years ago, the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) published a periodical titled CODEWORD. For numerous reasons, the publication was discontinued. It has long been an agency goal to re-instate issuance of the CODEWORD. Finally, that day is here. Read more...

Massachusetts State Athletic Commission

MSAC
The Massachusetts State Athletic Commission ("Commission") was established by statute effective March 1, 2010. The Commission, which replaced the State Boxing Commission, was granted jurisdiction over the regulation of the sports of boxing, mixed martial arts, and other forms of unarmed combat. Read more...

The "New Look" of Construction Supervisor License (CSL)

Please be advised of the appearance of the front of the licenses, either newly issued or renewed. Click on link above...

Archived Feature Story

WINTER STORM TIPS

The series of storms Massachusetts has been receiving continue to present a variety of challenges. Following are a number of important helpful tips to consider regarding the dangers of roof collapses, power outages and traveling. Read more...