Boston to Begin Zoning Code Update, Mayor Announces

It’s been nearly 60 years, but the city of Boston is finally ready to do a comprehensive rewrite of its zoning code.

1 minute read

September 14, 2023, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


View of Boston from Bunker Hill with statue in foreground

Sean Pavone / Boston, Massachusetts

[Updated: 9/14/20233] The city of Boston will update its zoning code for the first time since 1964, in a historic city that overwhelmingly tends to plan and approve development with the use of variances, rather than with by-right development.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced the project earlier this week, according to a paywalled article by Catherine Carlock for the Boston Globe. The city’s zoning code currently totals 4,000 pages.

“The overhaul will start with restructuring the Boston Planning and Development Agency’s planning department to create teams focused on zoning reform and compliance, with the hopes of relying less on the Zoning Board of Appeal in the future,” reports Carlock.

“The overhaul will be guided by a report from Sara C. Bronin, a professor at Cornell University and founder of the National Zoning Atlas project, which dubs the current zoning code “bloated, outdated, inconsistent, and inequitable,’” adds Carlock for more detail. “Some of Bronin’s suggestions include reversing the city’s “longstanding practice of neighborhood-specific zoning” and culling the code to 500 pages, creating a mixed-use zoning district, and emphasizing growth and additional housing near MBTA stations.”

Wednesday, September 13, 2023 in The Boston Globe

Chicago Intercity Rail

Amtrak Ramping Up Infrastructure Projects

Thanks to federal funding from the 2021 infrastructure act, the agency plans to triple its investment in infrastructure improvements and new routes in the next two years.

September 25, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

Google maps street view of San Francisco alleyway.

Ending Downtown San Francisco’s ‘Doom Loop’

A new public space project offers an ambitious vision—so why is the city implementing it at such a small scale?

September 26, 2023 - Fast Company

Google street view of yellow "End Freeway 1/4 mile" sign on 90 freeway in Los Angeles, California.

Proposal Would Transform L.A.’s ‘Freeway to Nowhere’ Into Park, Housing

A never-completed freeway segment could see new life as a mixed-use development with housing, commercial space, and one of the county’s largest parks.

September 26, 2023 - Los Angeles Times

Aerial view of coastal town of Santa Cruz, California.

Santa Cruz Transit Looks to Expand

A small transit agency in Northern California is making ambitious expansion plans.

4 hours ago - Human Transit

View of dirt trail between shrubs with downtown Los Angeles skyline in background.

Advancing Park Equity Through Needs Assessments

City Parks Alliance, in partnership with Prevention Institute, recently hosted a webinar about park equity and collaboration, focusing on the Los Angeles Countywide Parks Needs Assessment.

5 hours ago - City Parks Alliance

Wood-frame houses under construction.

California Impact Fees Reach Supreme Court

An upcoming ruling could have a major impact on building and development in California and around the country.

6 hours ago - San Francisco Chronicle

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.