Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Cambridge, MA (2026)
2 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Cambridge, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Density Bonus Law
Cambridge lets Inclusionary Housing Projects build 30% more gross floor area or dwelling units than the district otherwise allows, as-of-right, plus extra height in Residence C-1, in exchange for the project's affordable-unit obligations.
Cambridge Inclusionary Housing Density Bonus
Some RestrictionsCambridge Zoning Ordinance § 11.203.5(a), (d)
If a limitation on GFA or FAR is applicable within the district, the Gross Floor Area permitted by the applicable zoning may be increased by thirty percent (30%), as long as such additional Gross Floor Area is used for residential uses not including hotel or motel use. ... In a Residence C-1 district, the maximum height of buildings or portions of buildings used as Residences may be increased t...
Downtown Design Guide
Cambridge's zoning ordinance requires the Harvard Square Advisory Committee and permit-granting authorities to judge new development in the Harvard Square Overlay District against the published Harvard Square Development Guidelines before any variance, special permit or advisory consultation is approved.
Cambridge Harvard Square Design Guidelines
Significant RestrictionsCambridge Zoning Ordinance § 20.53.2
20.53.2 Criteria for Advisory Development Consultations and Review of Applications for Special Permits and Variances. In reviewing applications for variances, special permits or development consultation reviews the permit or special permit granting authority or the Harvard Square Advisory Committee shall be guided by the objectives and criteria contained in the publication Harvard Square Develo...