SMALL MULTIFAMILY GUIDEBOOK

Overview

Small multifamily housing, with approximately six to sixteen units, can easily fit into many different neighborhood contexts, while bringing benefits like higher accessibility, better fire safety standards, and affordable housing options. However, this type of housing is currently constrained under Boston’s current zoning code, which often makes designing, permitting, and construction a long, complicated, and expensive process. To alleviate and improve these issues, the Planning Department is working to create a Small Multifamily Guidebook.

Whether you are a local builder, a property owner exploring new possibilities, a community advocate, or a resident who cares deeply about how your neighborhood grows, this guidebook will make high-quality housing easier to achieve. In the upcoming guidebook, you will find a range of small multifamily housing designs tailored to fit into different Boston neighborhoods. This guidebook will also illustrate thoughtful site planning and open space, climate resiliency, and vibrant public spaces, alongside practical guidance on regulations and financial feasibility. At the same time, this guidebook will serve as a tool for the Planning Department in updating the zoning rules to allow small multifamily housing where appropriate.