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.
The Inclusionary Development Policy, codified at Boston Zoning Code Article 80, applies to developments of ten or more housing units seeking BPDA zoning relief. Projects must create at least 13% on-site affordable units citywide, scaling to 17-20% in higher-cost neighborhoods, with mixed AMI tiers (typically 60-100% AMI). Alternatives include off-site units, donated land, or in-lieu cash payments to the IDP Fund administered by the Mayor's Office of Housing. The 2024 IDP overhaul deepened affordability requirements and added homeownership tracks. IDP units carry long-term deed restrictions enforced through the BPDA Compliance Office.
Projects failing IDP compliance lose BPDA zoning approvals, face Boston Zoning Code Article 80 enforcement, lien attachment for unpaid in-lieu fees, and recapture of public benefits.
Boston, MA
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