Suffolk County, MA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

Suffolk County does not regulate driveways — rules are municipal. In Boston, any new or modified curb cut requires a Public Improvement Commission (PIC) permit plus Boston Transportation Department review (Boston Municipal Code §11-7). Curb cuts in historic districts (Beacon Hill, Back Bay, South End Landmark District, Bay Village, Fort Point) require additional Boston Landmarks Commission approval and are often denied for streetscape-preservation reasons. Boston Municipal Code §16-12.16 prohibits blocking a sidewalk, crosswalk, or curb ramp with any vehicle — $100 ticket plus tow. Parking on unpaved front yards is prohibited under Boston Zoning Code (Article 23) and triggers Inspectional Services code enforcement. Unregistered or inoperable vehicles cannot be stored visibly per Boston Municipal Code §16-44 (junk vehicles). Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop each have their own curb-cut processes through their public works or DPW departments. MassDOT approval is required for curb cuts on state-numbered routes (Route 1A, Route 1, Route 16, Route 28).