Politics
Boston Mandates Affordable Housing in New Large Rental Projects
Boston residents face new on-site affordable housing requirements for large rental and homeownership projects under updated rules that took effect in October 2024.
How we reported this
Boston adopted Article 79 in November 2023 to codify its Inclusionary Development Policy. The change sets on-site affordable housing requirements at 18 to 20 percent for large rental projects and 20 percent for large homeownership projects, effective October 1, 2024.
Separate Downtown zoning rules also apply
New comprehensive zoning for Downtown Boston, adopted in October 2023, permits building heights up to 700 feet near the Financial District. It requires 20 percent affordable units, including 3 percent for Section 8, in residential projects. The City also adopted Net Zero Carbon Zoning to enforce decarbonization requirements for new development and advance the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
Any project adding more than 50,000 square feet of gross floor area requires Large Project Review under Article 80B by the Boston Planning and Development Agency. Boston operates under its own Enabling Act, M.G.L. c. 665 of the Acts of 1956, which establishes the Boston Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeal as its two zoning authorities, separate from the statewide process in M.G.L. c. 40A.
Impacts for Boston residents
These rules apply to qualifying developments across the city and determine how much affordable housing must be included on site in larger projects. Residents seeking housing may encounter different unit mixes in new buildings subject to the updated percentages. Projects meeting the size threshold undergo review by the Boston Planning and Development Agency before proceeding.
The Net Zero Carbon Zoning requirements affect energy standards for new construction, which can influence building design and operating costs over time. The separate Downtown zoning provisions set height limits and affordable unit targets in that specific area while the citywide Inclusionary Development Policy governs other locations.
Future projects will continue to follow the Large Project Review process when they exceed the 50,000 square foot threshold. The Boston Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeal handle decisions under the Enabling Act framework that has been in place since 1956.