Massachusetts • US zoning
Boston zoning guide
An introduction to Boston Zoning Code, selected zoning districts, overlays and the review process in Boston. Confirm the current zoning designation and applicable provisions for the parcel.
Use this overview to plan your research. Verify current requirements and site-specific conditions against the relevant primary sources. Read our data sources, coverage and limits guide.
Official ordinance and source-check scope
Article 80 scope and the correct subject of Article 25A checked. The former landmark label and blanket contribution requirements have been removed. District descriptions, dimensions and project eligibility have not been verified. Checked 2026-09-12.
Boston — Article 25A Coastal Flood Resilience Overlay District
Before applying a number to a parcel
Confirm the current mapped district, lot geometry, permitted use, qualifying housing category, special districts and overlays. A listed FAR example is not a buildable floor-area calculation. Height, setbacks, exclusions, bonuses and other controls require their own checks.
Selected district references
| Code | District reference | FAR source example | Height | Review limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1F-2000 | Single Family 2000sqft | Check current code; no verified value here | Check mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptions | Confirm the mapped district, permitted uses, special provisions and project eligibility in the official source. |
| 3F-4000 | Three-Family | Check current code; no verified value here | Check mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptions | Confirm the mapped district, permitted uses, special provisions and project eligibility in the official source. |
| MFR-0.5 | Multifamily Residential | Check current code; no verified value here | Check mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptions | Confirm the mapped district, permitted uses, special provisions and project eligibility in the official source. |
| B-2 | Local Business | Check current code; no verified value here | Check mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptions | Confirm the mapped district, permitted uses, special provisions and project eligibility in the official source. |
| CIB | Commercial / Industrial Business | Check current code; no verified value here | Check mapped height/bulk district and applicable exceptions | Confirm the mapped district, permitted uses, special provisions and project eligibility in the official source. |
Overlay and approval questions
- Does a special district, historic designation, shoreline or flood rule apply?
- Which discretionary approvals or project-specific streamlining criteria must be satisfied?
- Are state or federal provisions relevant, and what conditions or exclusions do they impose?
Review-process context
Article 80 Large Project Review includes projects adding at least 50,000 square feet of gross floor area, but the department also identifies harbor-area projects and significant changes of use. The floor-area threshold alone does not settle applicability. Article 25A concerns the Coastal Flood Resilience Overlay District, with project-specific resilience review; it is not a landmark designation. Check current zoning, review requirements and any separate housing or linkage obligations for the proposal.
Questions
What zoning ordinance applies in Boston?
Boston Zoning Code
How does the review process work in Boston?
Article 80 Large Project Review includes projects adding at least 50,000 square feet of gross floor area, but the department also identifies harbor-area projects and significant changes of use. The floor-area threshold alone does not settle applicability. Article 25A concerns the Coastal Flood Resilience Overlay District, with project-specific resilience review; it is not a landmark designation. Check current zoning, review requirements and any separate housing or linkage obligations for the proposal.
Explore a site in Boston
Start with the parcel location and inspect the available site context. Confirm zoning and development requirements with the responsible local authority.
Explore site analysisReview current plans and usage and source coverage for your project.