The Boston Civic Design Commission, established by Article 81 (formerly Article 28) of the Boston Zoning Code, is an advisory body to the City of Boston Planning Department. The Commission’s review is an extension of the Planning Department’s Design Review function and applies to a subset of plans and projects subject to Article 80 Development Review procedures, including:

• Projects proposing more than 200,000 gross square feet

• Projects of special significance due to location, use, or public impact as determined by the Planning Department.

Meetings

The Commission typically meets twice a month, on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Meeting dates and agendas are posted in the public notices section of the City Clerk’s website.

Meetings are divided into two formats:

• Full Commission meetings, where projects are formally introduced and, at the conclusion of the Commission’s review, receive final review and recommendations
• Design Subcommittee meetings, where Commissioners and project proponents engage in more detailed design discussion and feedback prior to final review.
  

Public Participation

Commission meetings are open to the public. If you are interested in sharing comments on a project with the Commission, you are strongly encouraged to submit your comments by emailing [email protected]. 

As of January 1, 2026, verbal comments during Commission meetings will be accepted only at the project’s introduction and will be limited to two minutes. Written comments received in advance of Commission meetings will be distributed to Commissioners. If you have questions about submitting public comments or attending a meeting, please email [email protected].

Instructions for Proponents

Projects are eligible to appear before the Commission once the proponent has filed a Project Notification Form (or other qualifying filing documents) and the Planning Department has hosted at least one public meeting.

Once these eligibility requirements are met, the Commission’s review will begin at the first available regular Commission meeting. Proponents should coordinate directly with their assigned Planning Department Project Manager.