City Council, April 15, 2026
Votes on Zoning Text Amendment to Eliminate Residential Parking Minimums Citywide
What happened
This Boston City Council meeting contained little traditional zoning business but two significant land-use policy items. The Council passed a home rule petition (Docket 0163) for a real estate transfer fee of up to 2% on property sales above $2 million, with proceeds directed to…
- Jurisdiction
- Boston, MA
- Governing body
- Final authority
- Date
- April 15, 2026
- Decisions
- 12 zoning decisions
- Outcome
- Voted
Free sample: decision 1 of 12
Home Rule Petition for Real Estate Transfer Fee and Senior Property Tax Relief
Home rule petition for a special law relative to real estate transfer fees and senior property tax relief. Creates an up-to-2% transfer fee on property transactions exempting the first $2 million, directing revenue to the Neighborhood Housing Trust; estimated to generate approximately $180 million over four years. Also increases senior base exemption from $500 to $1,500 and ties eligibility to 50% of area median income. Passed 11-2; Councillors Flynn and Murphy voted no.
- First $2 million of any transaction exempt
- exemption adjustable every five years based on market conditions
- requires local acceptance by ordinance
- funds directed to Neighborhood Housing Trust
The other decisions are listed below by title. The full write-up, verbatim conditions, and the audio at each vote are in Pro.
Meeting Summary
This Boston City Council meeting contained little traditional zoning business but two significant land-use policy items. The Council passed a home rule petition (Docket 0163) for a real estate transfer fee of up to 2% on property sales above $2 million, with proceeds directed to…
Key Decisions (12)
Home Rule Petition for Real Estate Transfer Fee and Senior Property Tax Relief
Bike Share Revolving Fund Ordinance for FY27
MSBA Statement of Interest for Mel King South End Academy
Zoning Text Amendment to Eliminate Residential Parking Minimums Citywide
School Window and Door Replacement Appropriation - Adams Elementary
School Window and Door Replacement Appropriation - Multiple Schools
Police Department Harbor Patrol Port Security Grant
Police Department Counter-Drone Grant
Hearing Order on Wentworth-ISD Workforce Pipeline
Resolution to Rename Ruggles Station for Phillis Wheatley
Ordinance to Use Asphalt for Pothole Repairs on Private Ways
MBE Procurement Readiness Pilot Program Ordinance
Development Activity (1)
Mel King South End Academy Therapeutic School
Other
Market Signals (6)
Housing Demand
Boston faces a housing emergency with over 50% of renters…
Sentiment
Council leadership notes housing production is at historic lows and…
Infrastructure
FY27 capital budget of $4.4 billion covers 329 projects; $1.4…
Who Spoke (19)
On the record: the chair, 10 councilmembers, and 3 members of the public.
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