Development Approval Near Public Parks And Parkways

Any construction or alteration within 100 feet of a park or parkway requires the approval of the Boston Parks and Recreation Commission prior to the issuance of building permits.

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The review under Municipal Code Section 7-4.11 (the "100' rule") generally focuses on projects adjacent to:

public parks and parkways owned by the City, state, or federal government
open space that is protected by a conservation or deed restrictions, and
property protected under Article 97 of the Article of Amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Please note:

Projects near certain parkways in the City also need to follow the height and setbacks created in Municipal Ordinance Sections 7-4.10, 7-4.12, and 7-4.13.
You can see the permanently protected open space in Boston online.

Contact Information

Si tiene preguntas, envíe un correo electrónico o llame:

Carrie Marsh Dixon
prc@boston.gov

617-961-3074

Need to know

Before you can get building permits, the Boston Parks and Recreation Commission will need to approve your project. The Commission typically reviews projects after all other federal, state, and City agencies, including:

the Boston Planning Department
the Zoning Board of Appeal
the Landmarks Commission, and
the Conservation Commission.

Small renovations and additions may be approved administratively. This approval typically takes about two weeks after all plans and information have been received.

How do I know if my property requires the review of the Parks Commission?

When you apply for a building permit through Inspectional Services, your property will be automatically flagged if it is within 100' of permanently protected open space.
Properties that are identified during the Article 80 review process of the Boston Planning Department are subject to review of the Parks Commission.

Submit an application

Download and complete the Parks Commission Design Review application form:

Design Review application form

You can email your application to prc@boston.gov, or drop it off at this location:

Boston Parks and Recreation Commission
1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 3rd Floor
Boston, MA 02118
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Parks Commission Hearings

Commission hearings are typically held on the last Monday of the month.
Please submit your application by the first Friday of the month to be considered for the agenda.