The Planning Department’s Development Review Division facilitates the review of small and large scale development projects, pursuant to Article 80 of the Boston Zoning Code. Led by a team of Project Management staff, this division coordinates with Planning and Urban Design staff, city agencies, elected officials, and the community to foster responsible development in the neighborhoods and the Downtown.

Development Review is responsible for facilitating the evaluation of design, density, use, and physical and social impacts for all development projects in the City of Boston, including proposals for residential, commercial office, hotel, retail, and research & development uses.

For more information, please contact the Operations Team at article80inquiries@boston.gov.

Improving Our Development Review Process

We are excited to create a more predictable, transparent, and accountable process to review new development projects with community members and developers. This new process will support Mayor Wu’s direction for planning and development and aims to further our mission of addressing affordability, resilience, and equity in Boston.

The Article 80 Modernization project will study and recommend improvements for community engagement and development review operations. Development projects will continue to be reviewed and approved while this modernization process is underway. Learn more and find opportunities to share your ideas with us by visiting our project page.