Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Boston, MA (2026)
3 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Boston, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Specific Plans Overview
The Boston Zoning Code is administered by BPDA as a separate document from the Code of Ordinances, organized by neighborhood articles plus citywide standards under MGL Ch. 665 of 1956.
Boston Zoning Code Separate from Code Ordinances
Some RestrictionsDensity Bonus Law
Boston's Inclusionary Development Policy requires market-rate residential projects of ten-plus units to set aside 13-20% as income-restricted affordable housing or pay in-lieu fees to the IDP Fund.
Boston Inclusionary Development Policy IDP Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsTransit-Oriented Communities (TOC)
Boston's Squares + Streets initiative creates new BPDA zoning districts encouraging mid-rise mixed-use development near MBTA stations and main streets to expand housing supply.
Squares Plus Streets Transit Density Rezoning
Some RestrictionsLooking for Suffolk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Boston city rules.
Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Suffolk County →