Process Updates for Constituent Zoning Petitions
Overview
The Planning Department is proposing updates to the existing process for residents and property owners to propose amendments to the Boston Zoning Code. Three distinct groups can propose changes to zoning: 1) the Planning Department, 2) the Boston City Council, and 3) any resident or property owner in Boston. Zoning amendments may only be adopted after one of these groups petitions the Boston Zoning Commission to make the change.
To see past and ongoing zoning proposals, please use the links below:
Currently, the petition process for residents and property owners is opaque and outdated. The required fee of $275 was last updated in 1990, and there are no set requirements for any public process or outreach to nearby affected properties unlike City-led rezoning initiatives. Because there is no set process for these constituent zoning petitions, the process has been unique for each request in recent years. The proposed updates to the constituent zoning petition process will ensure consistency with City-led zoning changes, making the process more predictable and fair.
Draft Zoning Amendment
The proposed updates to the existing process will be encoded in Article 5 of the Zoning Code and include:
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Establishing a public engagement process that is accessible, equitable, and consistent with City-run rezoning efforts;
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Setting clear submission requirements for constituents proposing zoning amendments;
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Formalizing the process for Planning Department recommendations on these zoning amendments;
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Updating the required fees for proposing zoning amendments; and
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Committing the Planning Department to provide technical assistance for drafting zoning.
Additionally, the proposed text amendment formally states the Boston City Council’s ability to petition the Zoning Commission.
The draft zoning text, along with an informational video, that describes this process is available below:
A summary of the Draft Zoning Amendment
Engagement
Provide Your Feedback!
The public comment period on the Petitions Draft Zoning Amendment is now open. You can submit comments via email to [email protected] and [email protected]. Please continue to reach out to city staff with questions about the project and working timeline as we facilitate the ongoing engagement process.
Click on the event date to view details and materials.
Wednesday, September 3 | Process Updates for Constituent Zoning Petitions | Public Meeting | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Virtual Office Hours
Five virtual office hours sessions were held on 9/9, 9/11, 9/17, 9/23, and 9/25. These were an informal opportunity for individuals to drop in to chat, ask questions, and share thoughts on the proposed process updates for constituent zoning petitions.