Boston ISD Launches Building Safety Month with Walkthroughs and Virtual Seminar

BOSTON — July 22, 2026 — Boston's Inspectional Services Department promotes National Building Safety Month with neighborhood walkthroughs and public seminars. Newly appointed Commissioner Sean Lydon and Supervisor of Building and Structures Cheryl Odom appeared on the city's community access television program Commissioner's Corner to outline the department's May campaign, which includes a walkthrough of the North End led by Mayor Kim Janey alongside ISD inspectors, door-to-door distribution of safety materials, and a free two-hour virtual seminar open to residents via social media sign-up. Odom detailed two existing compliance programs: the Facade Ordinance, which requires licensed engineering reports on exterior building skins every five years for structures up to 125 feet tall at a minimum cost of $100, and the egress program, covering fire escapes and wooden stairways, at $50 per five-year cycle. Lydon identified small businesses as the department's top priority as pandemic restrictions ease, saying the goal is to "get the neighborhood businesses up and at them" and push toward full reopening. Residents with safety concerns can contact ISD through 311 or at boston.gov/isd.