Planning Department - City of Boston

Planning Department - City of Boston Official account for the City of Boston’s Planning Department. Planning a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city together.

08/24/2026

The Neighborhood Housing Zoning Initiative is working to update Boston's residential zoning rules to allow homeowners to more easily renovate, put on additions, and adapt their properties over time.

We’re starting in West Roxbury, Roslindale, and Hyde Park! You can look at which Neighborhood Housing zoning district your home is in through our website. Watch this video to learn how, and use this link to find the Neighborhood Housing Zoning Lookup Tool: https://boston.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=40c65af19cfd49f9b2129f6a9c26572b

08/17/2026

Attention Port Norfolk residents! Together with Environment Boston, the City is offering free home assessments to evaluate potential flood risk hazards and identify any specific retrofits needed for your home. Applications are still being accepted for the second round of assessments until the end of September (https://www.bostonplans.org/planning-zoning/planning-initiatives/resilient-port-norfolk).

Meet John and Maria, (Port Norfolk residents for more than 40 years!) who had their home assessed this summer. Watch the video to learn more about their experience.

This project, initially identified as a part of the Coastal Resilience Solutions for Dorchester (2020), is part of ongoing efforts to protect Boston’s coastal communities from future flooding.

These assessments are conducted by a professional engineering firm, and each participating household receives a brief report with the findings.

The Planning Department this month recommended approval of new zoning for infrastructure such as solar panels and wind t...
08/14/2026

The Planning Department this month recommended approval of new zoning for infrastructure such as solar panels and wind turbines. The Department also recommended approval of four new development projects representing approximately 398,998 square feet. All were approved. The newly approved development proposals will create 329 new homes, including 137 that are designated income-restricted, and will support approximately 359 construction jobs and two permanent jobs. Learn more:
https://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/news-updates/2026/08/14/planning-advances-new-zoning-for-small-clean-energ

Neighborhood Housing draft zoning is out for Hyde Park, Roslindale, and West Roxbury. Check out these maps to see how yo...
07/29/2026

Neighborhood Housing draft zoning is out for Hyde Park, Roslindale, and West Roxbury. Check out these maps to see how your street has been zoned.

Updated zoning will make it easier to:
-Add a porch
-Finish and expand an attic with dormers to add more livable space
-Build a detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
-Add an additional unit within an existing building
-Renovate your home to better suit your needs
-Add a ramp to make a property more accessible

Check out our previous Instagram post to learn more about what is included in your Neighborhood Housing zoning district.

Have thoughts? Share your comments and look up what district your property is in by going to bostonplans.org/neighborhood-housing and boston.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html

The Neighborhood Housing Zoning Initiative sets out to create clear, predictable rules for homeowners looking to do smal...
07/29/2026

The Neighborhood Housing Zoning Initiative sets out to create clear, predictable rules for homeowners looking to do small renovations to their homes, such as add a dormer or build a detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).

The new zoning establishes limits on building height, lot coverage, and yard space so that the standards for any project are clear and the same for everyone on the block, rather than settled case-by-case with the Zoning Board of Appeal.

Residents will still need standard building permits, but far fewer projects will require zoning relief, saving time and money.

Swipe to learn more about the different Neighborhood Housing districts!

Share your comments online by going to bostonplans.org/neighborhood-housing

07/27/2026

We’re proposing updates to Boston’s residential zoning rules to make it easier for homeowners to make changes to their properties. 🏡

The Neighborhood Housing Zoning Initiative will set straightforward rules that better align the zoning code with how our neighborhoods look today. It’ll be easier for homeowners to add ADUs, renovate their properties, and adjust them to meet their changing needs over time.

Draft zoning is out now for West Roxbury, Hyde Park, and Roslindale!

Learn more and submit comments at bostonplans.org/neighborhood-housing.

07/15/2026

What would be your reason to apply to the Planning Academy? 💭
The City of Boston is accepting applications until August 3 for the next Planning Academy!

Join us this fall for an eight-week, in-person course to learn what planning is, how the past shapes Boston today, and how through design we can shape our city. You will receive the tools, knowledge, and confidence to meaningfully have a voice in shaping Boston’s future.

Learn more and apply here: https://www.bostonplans.org/urban-design/urban-design-initiatives/planning-academy

In the meantime - watch this video to hear about why the first participants of the Planning Academy applied!

Following the success of the City’s first Planning Academy, the Planning Department will be launching our next Planning ...
07/06/2026

Following the success of the City’s first Planning Academy, the Planning Department will be launching our next Planning Academy this fall!

Do you want to learn how Boston is planned—and receive the tools, knowledge, and confidence to meaningfully have a voice in shaping its future? Apply now to join the Planning Academy! This will be a free, interactive learning experience with classes over eight weeks. Applications are due August 3. Learn more and apply here:
https://www.bostonplans.org/urban-design/urban-design-initiatives/planning-academy

06/24/2026

Fort Point is one of Boston’s most distinctive waterfront neighborhoods – and a priority area in our efforts to be more climate resilient.

Join us at two upcoming opportunities to learn more about the Resilient Fort Point Channel Infrastructure Project.

The current proposal aims to:
-Build a coastal flood protection system along the inland edge of the Harborwalk
-Provide new landscaping and open space
-Coordinate integration with other resilience projects along the Fort Point Channel

Learn more at our virtual info session tonight or at our open house on Monday, June 29 to walk around the site. https://www.bostonplans.org/planning-zoning/planning-initiatives/resilient-fort-point-channel

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