Phase 2 of Boston Construction Restart Begins 5/26 & Check Out Cambridge's Restart Guidelines 

Phase two of Boston's construction restart will begin on Tuesday, May 26th. At that time the City will permit any construction type that is allowed by the state. This group of projects includes any "housing construction-related activities" which does include mixed-use projects. As in the previous phase all projects must have COVID-19 Safety Plans & affidavits in place. 

The City of Cambridge has also released guidelines for a phased return to construction. A 23 member Construction Advisory Group, comprised of representatives from public health, building trade unions, inspectional and public works officials, contractors, development project managers, and universities, collaborated with the City on how to bring back construction in Cambridge safely.

• Phase 1: beginning May 25 will add site safety prep work for projects previously permitted by Inspectional Services (ISD) and Public Works (DPW). Forthcoming amendments to the City’s Temporary Emergency Construction Order issued on March 18 will modify the definition of essential construction to include work associated with COVID-19 restaurant modification needed to allow them to safely reopen
• Phase 2: beginning on June 1, will add horizontal construction, city-building projects, 100% affordable housing developments, larger buildings (over 25,000 square feet) previously permitted by ISD or DPW
• Phase 3: tentatively beginning on June 15, will add all remaining existing construction previously permitted by ISD and DPW
• Phase 4: tentatively beginning on June 29, will add new permits. Permits can be submitted, and pre-reviews will occur at any time, but permits will not be formally accepted or issued until this date.

• In addition to the stringent safety guidelines required by the State, all contractors will need to submit to the Inspectional Services Department or Department of Public Works, as appropriate, a COVID-19 Control Plan for Cambridge on permitted projects. This plan will require:
• •  A cleaning and decontamination checklist; The number of workers expected on the job site; and
  •  No non-essential personnel may be present at the worksite.
  •  Additionally, contractors will be encouraged, and in some cases required, to conduct a site-specific risk analysis and enhanced COVID-19 safety plan for more complex projects.