Chinatown Rezoning Process
Latest Update
Adopted Zoning (June 17, 2026)
On June 17, 2026, the Boston Zoning Commission approved text and map amendments for new zoning in Chinatown, which are now visible in Municode.
Adopted Design Guidelines (May 14, 2026)
On May 14, 2026, the BPDA Board adopted new Chinatown Design Guidelines, which are available below:
Overview
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 Chinatown Rezoning process worked 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 established zoning regulations for land uses and dimensions that ensure the protection and promotion of such developments.
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Chinatown Draft Zoning Amendment (April 2026)
The Planning Department released the Updated Draft Chinatown Zoning Amendment and Updated Draft Chinatown Design Guidelines on April 8, 2026. This release included changes resulting directly from public feedback on the November 2024 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 (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