Individual Landmarks
The Boston Landmarks Commission (BLC) was established in 1975. BLC reviews proposed changes to individually landmarked buildings, landscapes, and objects, separately from the historic district commissions' review.
Looking to submit a petition to designate a new Boston Landmark? Learn more about the designation process.
The BLC preserves landmarked properties in the City. We do this by reviewing proposed physical changes to designated properties. Applications for BLC design review can include, but are not limited to:
- roof decks and additions
- window replacements
- general repairs and painting
- masonry cleaning or repointing
- signage and awnings, and
- new balconies, porches, decks, stairs.
Proposed changes that respect landmarks' guidelines can be approved more quickly. BLC staff and commissioners will work with applicants to refine and improve proposed changes. The BLC also reviews proposals for properties under review or awaiting a decision on a landmark designation. The commission must approve changes at a public hearing before work can start.
Design review
All design review starts with a complete application. Please refer to the landmarked property's study report guidelines. All landmarked properties in Boston, including the historic districts, have a study report with specific design standards. You can find the study report for any designated landmark on our publications page. Your project has a better chance of commission approval if it follows the guidelines.
Apply for DESIGN REVIEW online
The Commission reviews proposed changes to design, materials, or appearance of the exterior. Interior changes usually don't need approval unless the inside of the property is landmarked. Check our petition status list below for interior designations. There is some interior work that is actually exterior. For example, window replacements, new HVAC equipment, and vents are all exterior changes related to interior work.
Design review hearings are held once per month, and all hearings are public. BLC's design review hearings are on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Anyone can attend hearings and give their opinion. If you plan to submit an application, you must make sure a complete application is submitted as early as possible in the process.
Complete applications, as determined by staff and received 15 business days before the hearing date, will be added to an agenda. BLC hearings are also held on the second Tuesday of each month to address non-design review agenda items, such as preliminary hearings on petitions, study reports review, and Article 85 demolition review hearings.
List of all submitted petitions
Study Reports Under Review
Study Reports Under ReviewRESOURCES
RESOURCES- Once your application has been ruled on by the commission, your decision letter will be emailed to you.
- If approved, use the decision letter to obtain your building permit with the building department. Be sure to display your approval placard on site, visible to the public, for the duration of the project.
- Application instructions and fees
- Enabling legislation
- Legislative amendments
- Extension Form
- By-Laws with Regulations
- Accelerated design review policy
- GIS Landmark Map
- Guide to photographing windows for applications
- Resilient, Historic Buildings Design Guide
- Study reports and guidelines
- Information on fund sources for historic preservation
- Archeology Department
- Archives Department
- Boston Public Library
- Boston Planning and Development Agency
- City of Boston Property Management
- Community Preservation Act
- Disabilities Commission
- Environment Department
- Fire Department
- Inspectional Services Department
- Language and Communications Access
- Neighborhood Services
- Parks & Recreation Department
- Public Works Department
- Transportation Department
- Zoning Board of Appeals
2024 Hearing Recordings
- January 9, 2024
- January 23, 2024
- February 13, 2024 (canceled)
- February 27, 2024 - Part 1
- February 27, 2024 - Part 2
- March 12, 2024 (canceled)
- March 26, 2024 - Part 1
- March 26, 2024 - Part 2
- April 9, 2024
- April 23, 2024
- June 25, 2024 - Part 1
2023 HEARING RECORDINGS
- January 11, 2023
- January 18, 2023
- February 14, 2023
- February 28, 2023
- March 14, 2023
- March 28, 2023
- April 11, 2023 (canceled)
- April 25, 2023
- May 9, 2023
- May 23, 2023
- June 13, 2023
- June 27, 2023
- July 11. 2023 (canceled)
- July 25, 2023
- August 11, 2023 (canceled)
- August 22, 2023 Part One
- August 22, 2023 Part Two
- September 12, 2023
- September 26, 2023 - Part 1
- September 26, 2023 - Part 2
- October 10, 2023
- October 24, 2023 - Part 1
- October 24, 2023 - Part 2
- November 14, 2023
- November 28, 2023
- December 12, 2023
2021 Hearing Recordings
Related links
Related linksMeet The Staff Architect
Staff ArchitectCommission Info
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Department:
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Authority:City
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Term:3 years
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Stipend:No
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Total Seats:18
Current members
Member | Appointed | Expires | Status |
---|---|---|---|
David Berarducci | 11/18/2020 | 6/30/2023 | Active |
John Amodeo | 3/27/2024 | 6/30/2024 | Active |
Susan Goganian | 3/27/2024 | 6/30/2024 | Active |
John Freeman | 10/18/2023 | 6/30/2024 | Holdover |
Christopher Hart | 10/18/2023 | 6/30/2024 | Holdover |
Richard Henderson | 9/23/2016 | 6/30/2019 | Holdover |
Bradford Walker | 10/18/2023 | 6/30/2026 | Holdover |
Lindsey Mac Jones | 3/27/2024 | 6/30/2025 | Active |
Kirsten Hoffman | 2/10/2021 | 6/30/2023 | Active |
Jeffrey Gonyeau | 10/18/2023 | 6/30/2024 | Active |
Felicia Jacques | 10/18/2023 | 6/30/2026 | Active |
Justine Orlando | 11/18/2020 | 6/30/2022 | Holdover |
Angela Ward Hyatt | 10/18/2023 | 6/30/2026 | Active |
Jeffrey Heyne | 10/18/2023 | 6/30/2026 | Active |
Fadi Samaha | 3/27/2024 | 6/30/2024 | Active |
Celina Barros-Millner | 3/27/2024 | 2/5/2027 | Active |
Senam Kumahia | 4/3/2024 | 6/30/2025 | Active |