Boston Upzoning Proposal Moves Forward

The Boston Planning Department approved a proposal that would raise allowable building heights in downtown and streamline permitting for small businesses.

1 minute read

September 22, 2025, 6:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Busy pedestrian street in downtown Boston, Massachusetts.

2p2play / Shutterstock

The Boston Planning Department approved a rezoning plan that will allow more density in downtown, raising allowable building heights and streamlining requirements for small businesses, reports Beth Treffeisen for Boston.com. 

The action moves the proposal forward to the Zoning Commission. If passed, the change would increase height restrictions in parts of the city from 100 feet to 700 feet. “The plans include adding limited eligibility for Planned Development Areas (PDAs) for one-acre sites. The PDA must consist of a landmark, be predominantly residential, and invest in preserving a historic building. The PDA sites do not have height restrictions, but must adhere to state shadow laws.”

The law would require 20 percent of all residential projects be affordable. “The board also voted unanimously to forward it to the Zoning Commission, where it will receive a full public hearing. The commission next meets on Oct. 22.”

Friday, September 19, 2025 in Boston.com

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