Boston's Squares + Streets initiative creates new BPDA zoning districts encouraging mid-rise mixed-use development near MBTA stations and main streets to expand housing supply.
Launched 2023, Squares + Streets is a citywide BPDA rezoning effort targeting commercial corridors and MBTA-served squares (Cleary Square, Roslindale Village, Hyde Square, Mattapan Square, Fields Corner, Egleston Square). New base districts S-0 through S-5 allow buildings 35 to 90 feet by-right, ground-floor commercial, reduced parking minimums near transit, and streamlined Article 80 small-project review. Pilots completed in early adopter neighborhoods, with citywide rollout phased through 2027. The framework aligns with Boston's Climate Action Plan, IDP affordability targets, and the Mayor's housing supply goal of accelerating production along transit corridors.
Projects using Squares + Streets bonuses must meet ground-floor activation, IDP affordability, and design standards; non-compliance forfeits density allowances and triggers BPDA enforcement.
Boston, MA
The Boston Zoning Code is administered by BPDA as a separate document from the Code of Ordinances, organized by neighborhood articles plus citywide standards...
Boston, MA
Boston's Inclusionary Development Policy requires market-rate residential projects of ten-plus units to set aside 13-20% as income-restricted affordable hous...
See how Boston's transit-oriented communities (toc) rules stack up against other locations.
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