Overview
While small multi-family buildings can provide more affordable and accessible options, they also are subject to a unique set of constraints under Boston’s current zoning code that often make designing, permitting, and constructing them a long, complicated, and expensive process. To alleviate and improve these issues, the Planning Department is working to create a Small Multi-family Guidebook.
Following the publication of the ADU Guidebook, the Small Multi-family Guidebook will provide guidelines for developing high-quality, accessible, contextual, and energy-efficient housing with approximately six to fourteen units: at the “Missing Middle” scale.
Alongside a streamlined design framework, the Small Multi-family Guidebook will provide developers with instructions and pathways to constructing new units, taking into account building code requirements and market feasibility. The research used to compose the Small Multi-Family Guidebook will also inform updated zoning, process improvements, and other policy guidelines.
Share Your Feedback
The Small Multi-Family survey is designed to gain insight on resident preferences for new Small Multi-family construction moving forward. We aim to gather public sentiment on questions, such as: What styles of buildings do residents like most? How important are features like balconies, elevators, and dedicated parking when residents are looking for housing? Are building materials and finishes important to renters? etc.
The Planning Department will use this research to produce updated zoning, make internal process improvements, and create streamlined design and policy guidelines.
We believe your input is critical to ensuring that this work appropriately addresses the City's housing needs and we greatly value your participation!