Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Framingham, MA (2026)
2 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Framingham, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Density Bonus Law
In the City of Framingham, a residential project can earn a density bonus by including affordable housing units (AHU) beyond the base inclusionary requirement. Under City Code § 435-35F, the Planning Board acts as the special permit granting authority and allows one AHU for every four market-rate units, with a 20% lot-size reduction for qualifying lots.
Framingham Density Bonus for Affordable Housing
Some RestrictionsFramingham City Code § 435-35F
Density bonus. (1) A special permit may be granted for applicants who seek a density bonus for the inclusion of AHU within a residential project. The Planning Board shall be the SPGA for § 435-35F herein. One AHU shall be provided for every four market-rate units. The applicant shall be subject to all of the requirements of this section, unless modified within § 435-35F. (2) A density bonus pur...
Downtown Design Guide
Framingham requires every project in the Central Business (CB) District that needs site plan review or a special permit to meet design standards under City Code § 435-14, meant to preserve Downtown Framingham's historic character and keep it walkable and transit-oriented. The rules cover building scale, facades, windows, and materials, and the Planning Board can only waive them by a four-fifths vote.
Framingham Downtown Design Standards
Some RestrictionsFramingham City Code § 435-14
§ 435-14. Central Business District. ... A. The Central Business (CB) District design standards have been developed to promote quality development that preserves and enhances Downtown Framingham's history and character; and further encourages a walkable, pedestrian- and transit-oriented environment. These design standards are integral to the CB District regulations and must be met as part of an...