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.
Unlike most Massachusetts municipalities operating under MGL Ch. 40A, Boston has its own zoning enabling act (Chapter 665 of the Acts of 1956) administered by the Boston Planning and Development Agency. The Boston Zoning Code is organized as numbered Articles: citywide Articles 1-9 plus neighborhood-specific articles (e.g., Article 51 Allston/Brighton, Article 53 Roxbury, Article 65 Dorchester, Article 66 Hyde Park). Use, dimensional, and overlay regulations vary widely by article. The Zoning Board of Appeal hears variances and conditional uses. PLAN initiatives like PLAN: East Boston and Squares + Streets rezoning periodically modernize neighborhood-level standards.
Construction or use without conforming Boston Zoning Code approval triggers ISD stop-work orders, BPDA cease-and-desist letters, and Zoning Board of Appeal enforcement with fines up to $300 per day.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Boston, MA
Boston has no general ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statues, or yard decorations on private residential property. Decorations must stay within proper...
Boston, MA
Boston has no specific ordinance regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must not encroach on sidewalks, block pu...
Boston, MA
Boston does not have a dedicated ordinance regulating holiday lighting on private residential property. General nuisance, electrical safety, and historic dis...
Boston, MA
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Boston require Inspectional Services Department permits when they include gas, plumbing, electrical, or structural work. Built-...
Boston, MA
Boston treats smokers and solid-fuel grills (wood, pellet, charcoal) the same as charcoal grills under Massachusetts Fire Code 527 CMR 1.00. Use on balconies...
Boston, MA
Boston's Fire Prevention Code (527 CMR 1.00, Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code) prohibits the use or storage of LP-gas grills and propane cylinder...
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