Why Proper Scaffolding Planning Matters in Urban Projects

In Boston (where you’ve got narrow streets, historic buildings that predate the Civil War, and neighbors who care about their block), winging the scaffolding just doesn’t cut it.

TL;DR: Proper scaffolding planning is about safety, of course, but it’s also about permits, logistics, protecting historic structures, and not making enemies of everyone on the block. Skip the planning phase and you’ll pay for it later.

Is Scaffolding Just Putting Up Metal Poles?

Scaffolding seems straightforward until you’re actually doing it in downtown Boston or Cambridge. You can’t just roll up with a truck full of equipment and start building… Boston requires permits for most structural work, and that definitely includes staging a building. Proper scaffolding planning means thinking through the entire project before a single piece of metal touches the building. Where does the scaffolding tie into the structure (and did an engineer sign off on those tie-ins)? How do pedestrians get around it? What about parking? And if you’re working on a historic building, you’ve got a whole different set of considerations.

We’ve seen projects stall for weeks because someone didn’t plan for permits. Or because the scaffolding blocked a fire escape. Bonus fact: if a scaffold is over 25 feet tall, it must be designed by a professional engineer.

What Makes Urban Scaffolding Different?

Space (or the lack thereof) is the main reason urban scaffolding is a different ballgame than out in the countryside. Those 18th-century street layouts in Boston are charming until you need to set up scaffolding for a four-story brick building and there’s literally three feet between you and the building across the street. You need a plan that accounts for:

• Pedestrian walkways (the city will make you maintain them. Boston’s permit process will flat-out ask if you’re blocking the sidewalk and demand an ADA-compliant detour or protective tunnel).

• Vehicle access for material delivery

• Neighboring properties (no, your scaffold can’t swing into the neighbor’s window)

• Overhead utilities

These constraints mean we often have to get creative, like using smaller-footprint scaffold bases or scheduling deliveries at off-hours. And remember, every scaffold component has to handle serious load – OSHA requires it to support four times the max intended load. In tight quarters, that means careful engineering so nothing overloads or tips.

What About Historic Buildings?

The brick might be 150 years old, the mortar joints are crumbling, and you absolutely cannot afford to damage original materials during scaffolding installation. That means planning your tie-in points carefully, using lots of protective padding, and sometimes engineering custom solutions because standard scaffolding brackets would chew up historic masonry.

Boston’s Landmarks Commission or the Massachusetts Historical Commission may also want a say if the building is a designated landmark. In fact, if your project is in a historic district like Beacon Hill or the South End, you’ll likely need commission approval before any scaffolding goes up. 

How Far in Advance Should You Plan Scaffolding?

At minimum? Four to six weeks before you need it up. You need time for:

• Engineering drawings

• Permit applications with the city (which can’t be rushed. Even a simple street use permit needs to be filed at least 7 business days in advance).

• Coordination with the building department (inspections, approvals, etc)

• Scheduling inspections (the city might want to inspect the scaffold after it’s up, plus you’ll have our team doing daily safety checks per OSHA rules)

• Actually procuring and installing the equipment

Rush it and you’ll either pay premium rates for expedited permits or, more likely, you’ll just sit there waiting while your masons stand around checking their phones. Proper scaffolding planning means building a time buffer so the project starts on schedule.

What Permits Do You Need for Scaffolding in Boston?

Depends on the scope and location, but generally you’re looking at a few key permits:

• Building permit – You often need a building permit for the scaffolding itself, especially if it’s attached to a building or over a certain height. The city treats scaffolds as temporary structures that must meet safety codes.

• Street occupancy permit – If any part of the scaffold or its work zone sits on a public sidewalk or street, you’ll need a permit from Public Works to occupy that space. Boston will ask exactly how much area you’re taking and for how long. (They even charge by the square foot per day – at least the first 500 sq ft) Plan to apply at least a week in advance for this permit, and be ready with a traffic/pedestrian plan.

• Historic commission approval – If it’s a landmark building or in a historic district, expect an extra layer of review. Boston’s historic commissions want to ensure you’re not altering or marring the building’s appearance. Getting their sign-off can involve submitting scaffolding plans or methods for approval.

• Inspections – The city may require inspections at various stages (for example, a sign-off after the scaffold is erected, and a final inspection when work is done). Also, OSHA requires a competent person to inspect the scaffold before each work shift for safety – so that’s a daily affair on our projects.

Each municipality in Greater Boston has its own quirks. Somerville isn’t exactly like Cambridge, which isn’t exactly like Boston proper. The permits and processes differ a bit. You need to know the local rules or work with someone who does. (We’ve pulled permits in all these places, so we’ve got you covered.)

Does Scaffolding Damage Historic Brick?

If you don’t know what you’re doing, it definitely can. Standard scaffolding brackets and tie-ins can crack old brick or pulverize weak mortar. That’s why proper planning includes identifying the strongest tie-in points, using protective materials at every contact, and often engineering custom mounting solutions.

Proper scaffolding planning isn’t just about worker safety; it’s about building safety, too. We plan ahead so that when the scaffold comes down, the 150-year-old wall looks exactly like it did (or better, after repairs), no extra holes or cracks.

About JMS Masonry

JMS Masonry has been keeping Greater Boston’s historic buildings standing strong for years, and as of late 2025, we’re working out of our new office in Woburn. We specialize in the kind of masonry work that Boston’s historic buildings demand: tuckpointing, brick restoration, structural repairs, and the careful, considered approach that old buildings need.

Whether you’re dealing with a historic brownstone in Back Bay or a century-old commercial building in Cambridge, we understand both the technical challenges and the planning requirements that come with urban masonry work. We handle everything from historic brick repair to complete facade restoration, and we know how to navigate the permitting and logistics that make Boston projects unique.

Planning a masonry project? Contact JMS Masonry today. We’ll help you think through the scaffolding, the permits, the timeline, and all those details that separate smooth projects from nightmare projects. Give us a call, and let’s talk about your building before anyone picks up a single scaffold pole.