Boston Zoning Decisions: July 2026

In July 2026, Boston held 11 public meetings covering zoning matters. 44 zoning decisions had a recorded outcome this month: 41 approved (95% approval rate), 2 denied, 1 deferred. Activity was down 29% compared to June (570 activity items across 14 meetings).

Zoning Decisions This Month

Zoning interpretation appeal at 142 Arlington Street

Denied.

Architect Michael Kim appealed three ISD violations (off-street parking insufficient, use forbidden, usable open space insufficient) on a two-family house where a former illegal basement apartment is being converted to living space (described as a 'man cave' for the second-floor owner). ISD Commissioner Mark Joseph maintained the plan examiner reviewed it as a third dwelling unit (non-contiguous space with kitchenette, guest rooms, bathroom). Board denied the interpretation request, upholding ISD's decision.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

38-unit affordable senior housing at 151 Lenox Street

Deferred.

Article 80 case. Tenants Development Corporation, a local nonprofit developer, proposing to turn a vacant city-owned corner parcel (4,700-4,709 sq ft) at Tremont and Lenox Streets into 38 units of 100% affordable senior housing (32 one-bedrooms, 6 studios), seven stories, ~30,000 gross sq ft, 84 feet. Dimensional relief under Article 50 Section 29 (lot area, FAR, height, open space, yards) and Section 43 (parking/loading), G-COD permit. 34 letters of support; one letter of opposition from abutting neighbor 888 Tremont Street LLC (Frank Williams) citing scale and height incompatibility. Attorney Jacob Taylor of Klein Hornig; architect Laura Chalamot of Davis Square Architects. Chair recused (five-member board, one absent = four members). Initial approval motion failed (Mr. Lino/Langham voting no), then motion to defer to August 25th carried.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Three two-family dwellings at 97-101 Milton Street

Approved.

Board approved three companion cases (BOA 1859998 at 97-97A, BOA 1859995 at 101A, BOA 1859988 at 99-99A Milton Street) to construct three separate two-unit dwellings (six units total) on a 15,876 sq ft lot rezoned to 1F5000 from cemetery use. Developer Cedar Grove Cemetery, petitioner Sean Jordan. Each unit two bedrooms/two baths, 2.5 stories, 30.6 feet height. Planning Dept recommended approval with design review.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Three-to-four family conversion at 32 Fisher Ave

Approved.

Board approved converting existing three-family dwelling into a four-dwelling unit at 32 Fisher Ave. Relief sought for five violations including off-street parking, forbidden use in a three-family zone, slight FAR increase, insufficient usable open space, and insufficient additional lot area. Attic converted into unit. Owner Karen Maher.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Office-to-residential conversion at 320 Summer Street

Approved.

Board approved Article 80 large project conversion of vacant office building at 320 Summer Street (former LogMeIn office, ~130,907 sq ft) into 145 residential units (46 studios, 76 one-bedrooms, 23 two-bedrooms) plus 7,500 sq ft retail. 25 units income-restricted at ~60% AMI. Developer Hanning Capital (principal Willie Gao), architect Stantec. No parking; approved under office-to-residential pilot program and tax abatement. BPDA board approved May 14, 2026. Planning Dept reviewed under Article 80B.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Rear deck at 47-49 Gray Street

Approved.

Board approved amendment to add a rear deck off the first floor of a single-family home under renovation at 47-49 Gray Street in the South End. Deck protrudes eight feet, spans full length, first floor only. Applicant 47 Gray Street LLC. Received 16 letters in support and one in opposition regarding privacy.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Retail plus five residential units at 97 Salem Street

Approved.

Board approved changing legal occupancy at 97 Salem Street (North End) from retail store and offices to retail store and five residential units. Building height 55 feet, FAR 5.2 (3.0 required), open space 200 sq ft (250 required), zero parking (five required). Owners Peter Alfay and Robert Bernardo. Community opposed by North End Waterfront Residents Association; supported by North End Waterfront Neighborhood Council. BPD recommended provisos.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Rear porch at 62 L Street

Approved.

Board approved removing an exterior wooden staircase and replacing it with an 8x13 foot rear porch off the second level at 62 L Street, a three-family home in South Boston. Variance for insufficient rear yard setback. Reworked from a deck to a balcony after community process. City Point Neighborhood Association took no formal position.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Showing the 8 most significant of 44 recorded zoning decisions. See all Boston meetings →

Top Keywords This Month

• zoning: 110 instances
• residential: 96 instances
• commercial: 30 instances
• setback: 17 instances
• industrial: 12 instances

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