Chinatown Rezoning Process
Overview
About the Chinatown Rezoning Process
Since the late 19th century, Chinatown has been a gateway for generations of immigrants and families, and the neighborhood continues to be a hub for housing, business and employment opportunities, education and resource sharing, and social and cultural connectivity. The purpose of the Chinatown Rezoning process is to work with community members to identify key neighborhood assets, such as housing, commercial development, and cultural spaces, which are necessary for the continued success of Chinatown, and establish zoning regulations for land uses and dimensions that ensure the protection and promotion of such developments.
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Latest Updates
BPDA Board Adoption (May 14, 2026)
On May 14, 2026, the BPDA Board adopted new Chinatown Design Guidelines, which are available below:
The BPDA Board also voted to petition the Boston Zoning Commission to consider new zoning for Chinatown. The Boston Zoning Commission will convene on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 to vote on the proposed zoning and map amendments.
Chinatown Draft Zoning Amendment Release (April 2026)
The Planning Department released the Updated Draft Chinatown Zoning Amendment and Updated Draft Chinatown Design Guidelines on April 8, 2026. This release includes changes resulting directly from public feedback on the previous Draft Chinatown Zoning.
A summary of the Chinatown Zoning Amendment is available here:
The Updated Draft Chinatown Zoning Amendment and Chinatown Zoning Map is available here:
Chinatown Draft Zoning Amendment Release (November 2024)
The Planning Department released the Draft Chinatown Zoning Amendment and Draft Chinatown Design Guidelines on November 19, 2024.
A summary of the Draft Zoning Amendment is available here:
The Draft Chinatown Zoning Amendment,Draft Chinatown Zoning Map, and Draft Chinatown Design Guidelines are available here:
The Draft Chinatown Design Guidelines, which will be an amendment to PLAN: Downtown, are available here:
A collection of feedback of all written comments from the public comment period is now available below. This collection includes survey responses, emails, comment letters, and petitions.
Engagement
Past Meetings & Events
Click on the event date to view details and materials.
2026
2025
2024
The Planning Department conducted a survey from February 7th to April 30th, 2024 that gathered responses about new zoning and priorities for Chinatown. The responses have been translated into Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) and English.
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Responses received between 2/7/24 and 3/14/24
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Responses received between 3/15/24 and 4/30/24
How to Get Involved in the Process
Stay up to date about the Chinatown Rezoning process by signing up on our Get Involved page. Make sure to select “Chinatown” under “I want information emailed to me on” > “Neighborhoods.”