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Overview
Draft Zoning Documents
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Draft Zoning Amendment

Overview

After two years of research, engagement, and analysis, the Planning Department is preparing to implement changes to improve Boston’s Article 80 Development Review process. This includes new draft zoning amendments that correct outdated language and introduce changes to the Boston Civic Design Commission’s review of projects.

The current zoning article that regulates development review is Article 80. The Boston Civic Design Commission (BCDC) is regulated by Article 28. These are the primary articles modified by this amendment, but other zoning articles will also need to be updated to ensure consistency in cross-references and definitions. 

Why does it matter?

Your feedback helps us ensure that these updated rules for reviewing proposed development projects are headed in the right direction. By sharing your feedback on proposed zoning amendments, you can help determine the rules that developers, City staff, and community members will follow to review proposed development in Boston. 

Draft Zoning Documents

Primary Changes:

  • Article 80: Development Review and Approval 

    • Updates the standards for public notice and document distribution to reflect how we work today- posting documents online and sharing them through email newsletters. 

    • Adds in existing policies (like Notice of Project Change) that are part of the review process but aren’t in zoning

  • Article 28: Boston Civic Design Commission 

    • Rules for the Boston Civic Design Commission will be moved and renamed Article 81

    • Increases the threshold for the size of projects reviewed from 100,000 square feet to 200,000 square feet

 Supportive Changes

  • Article 2: Definitions

    • Move definitions into  an easier-to-use location

  • Article 28: Design Review

    • Create a new zoning article that moves existing procedures spread across Article 80 to a new, easier to find location

Zoning Documents

Modernization Zoning Amendment Summary Document

Amendments

Upcoming Engagement 

We want to hear from you - please share your feedback and questions during our 45-day public comment period, from May 1 - June 15, 2025.

Upcoming Public Meetings

Article 80 Modernization: Improving Development Review | Public Meeting

Upcoming Office Hours

Register to join one of our upcoming virtual office hours, held weekly on Fridays from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (register here) and every other week on Tuesday from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (register here)

Share Your Feedback

Share your comments during our 45-day public comment period, from May 1- June 15, 2025. All responses are welcome and will be reviewed by the project team.  Comments can be shared in two ways: 

  1. Sending a comment letter to [email protected], or

  2. Filling out the feedback form at the bottom of this page

 
This form includes some optional demographic questions. Completion of these questions is not required. The City of Boston is committed to equity and inclusion, and the provided demographic information will help ensure that we reach the range of different people who live in our community.
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