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Heat Emergency in Boston
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Mayor Wu announced a heat emergency in Boston from Sunday, June 22, through Tuesday, June 24. A number of splash pads and City pools are open, and select BCYF community centers will be open as cooling centers during the emergency.
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Bay Village Historic District

The Bay Village Historic District was designated in 1983.

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The Bay Village Historic District Commission (BVHDC) meets the second Tuesday of each month to review proposed exterior design changes and alterations. Interested in becoming a commissioner? Please see details about nomination in the district's Study Report and check the commission information section at the bottom of this page. If you see an "apply online" button, we have an opening on the commission and you're able to apply for it.

Design Review Process

All proposed exterior work (including work at rooftops) that is, or will be visible from any public way is subject to the review of the BVHDC.  You must submit a Design Approval Application to the Commission and it must be approved by the Commission before beginning any exterior work that is subject to Commission review.

APPLY FOR DESIGN REVIEW ONLINE

  • To save time and costs, contact staff early in the  planning process to determine project compliance with guidelines.
  • Review all instructions and documentation requirements before submitting your application to ensure it is complete. Only complete applications will be added to a public hearing agenda.
  • Submit your application online well in advance of a filing deadline in case it is marked incomplete and additional or revised information needs to be submitted.
  • Staff is not available to review applications for completeness immediately upon submittal.
  • Do not begin any work, or buy materials until after you have received confirmation your project has been approved.
History

Prior to 1825 the Bay Village area consisted of mudflats created by Back Bay tides. Once construction of a dam was authorized and the land drained, construction began almost immediately. Early deeds restricted height and construction materials, as a result, the major streets tend to be visually similar; red brick was the building material of choice, often with a granite foundation. Most Bay Village buildings were constructed between 1825 and 1899 and represent a variety of architectural styles, ranging from Federal to Greek Revival to Victorian. 

For further historical background, please check out the Bay Village Historic District Study Report.

Resources

Resources
1. CHECK TO SEE IF YOU'RE IN THE DISTRICT:
2. FIND OUT WHAT WORK IS ALLOWED:
3. WHEN CAN MY APPLICATION GET ON THE AGENDA?
4. APPLY FOR WORK
5. RECEIVE DECISION LETTER
  • 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. 
2024 Agendas
  • BVHD Agenda December 2024
  • BVHD Agenda November 2024
  • BVHD Agenda October 2024
  • BVHD Agenda September 2024 
  • BVHD Agenda August 2024
  • BVHD Agenda July 2024
  • BVHD Agenda June 2024
  • BVHD Agenda May 2024
  • BVHD Agenda April 2024
  • BVHD Agenda March 2024
  • BVHD Agenda February 2024
  • BVHD Agenda January 2024
2023 Agendas
2022 Agendas
2024 meeBting minutes
  • BVHD February 2024 HEARING CANCELED
  • BVHD January 2024 HEARING CANCELED
2023 meeting minutes
2022 meeting minutes
BVHD 2024 Recordings
BVHD 2023 Recordings
BVHD 2022 Recordings

Commission Info

  • Department:
    Environment Dept
  • Authority:
    City
  • Term:
    3 years
  • Stipend:
    No
  • Total Seats:
    8
Resources:
Enabling legislation
Boards and commissions information
We have openings:
Apply online

Current members

Member Appointed Expires Status
Anne Kilguss 4/1/2024 4/1/2026 Holdover
Stephen Dunwell 3/27/2024 4/1/2026 Holdover
Lora Shea 3/27/2024 4/1/2026 Active
Katherine Sikora Nelson 3/27/2024 4/1/2026 Active
Senam Kumahia 3/27/2024 4/1/2025 Active
Craig Douglas 12/11/2024 4/1/2026 Active

Meet the Bay Village Planner

Bay Village Planner
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