How to Check a Building’s Zoning Designation

Check your address on the free Boston Planning and Development Agency’s (BPDA) zoning viewer map to see how it is zoned and if any special regulations apply to it.

1. Open the Zoning Viewer. You’ll see a map of Boston.
2. Type an address or parcel ID number into the search bar at the top of the screen.
3. Press Enter. The map will zoom to your property and show a summary of information.

Once you select a property, you will see an information panel. Here’s what each section means:

• Assessing: Shows the parcel ID, official address, and owner. Click "Assessors Report" to see the property's current use, lot size, and history.
• Zoning: Shows the zoning district, sub-district, and the zoning article that applies. Click the article number to read the full rules.
• Zoning Overlays: Lists any special overlay districts that add extra rules on top of the base zoning. Click each one to read its regulations.
• Other: Lists non-zoning regulations from other City, state, or federal agencies.

1. In the Zoning section of the Zoning Viewer map, note your property's sub-district name.
2. Click the linked table button to open the zoning tables for your neighborhood.
3. Find your sub-district column in Table A (land uses).
4. Look for Restaurant, Take-out, or other relevant uses. Each will show one of three letters:
   • A: Allowed. You can proceed without extra review.
   • C: Conditional. You must apply for a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA).
   • F: Forbidden. This use is not allowed at this location without a variance from the ZBA.

Even within the same zoning district, different types of projects may be allowed, conditional, or forbidden.

Depending on the type of work you intend to do, your project will fall into one of two zoning categories:

• As-Of-Right. If your property is zoned for your intended use and conforms with all the other zoning requirements, you may proceed with the application process.
• Zoning Relief. If your proposed work does not conform with all the current zoning requirements, then, your permit application will be refused, and you will need to seek variances from the Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA) and be subject to a neighborhood review process.

If restaurant use is conditional or not allowed at your address, you’ll need to file a zoning appeal. This takes extra time, often several months.

1. In the same zoning table set, open Table C (dimensions).
2. Find your sub-district column.
3. Review limits for building height, lot size, and other requirements.

If your plans exceed any of these limits, you will need a variance from the ZBA.

If the use you have in mind is conditional or not allowed at your address, you’ll need to file a zoning appeal with the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). This takes time, often several months.

How to File an Appeal with the Zoning Board

To change the zoning or use of a building, use the Long Form application. There is a fee. Hearings are scheduled about 15 days after you apply.

You can track your zoning appeal on the ZBA Tracker.