Historic Beacon Hill District
The Historic Beacon Hill District was established in 1955, and expanded in 1958, 1963, 1975 and 2024.
The Beacon Hill Architectural Commission (BHAC) meets on the third Thursday of each month to review proposed exterior alterations. Find out about the commissioner nomination process in the district's original enabling legislation. Interested in becoming a commissioner? Please 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 exterior work visible from a public way is subject to the review of the BHAC.
Apply for Design Review Online
- To save time and costs, review district Standards and Criteria early in the planning process.
- Review all instructions and documentation requirements before submitting your application to ensure it is complete. Incomplete applications will not be added to a public hearing agenda.
- Submit your application online well in advance of a filing deadline in case it is 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 by the Commission.
- When work does commence, be sure to display your approval placard near the building permit for the duration of construction.
HISTORY
Development on Beacon Hill began with the construction of a new State House, designed by celebrated architect Charles Bulfinch and completed in 1798. Around the same time, the Mount Vernon Proprietors, one of the earliest land developer operations in the country, was formed and purchased 18 ½ acres of land to the west of the State House for residential development. The residences on Beacon Hill also showcase the work of other noted architects such as Asher Benjamin, Solomon Willard, and Alexander Parris in the Federal and Greek Revival styles. The later part of the 19th century saw apartment buildings in the neighborhood as well. Some early examples of adaptive reuse in Beacon Hill include conversion of stables and carriage houses into loft spaces and studios. You can more about Beacon Hill through this brochure on the area's history.
Resources
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
- Approval Placard
- BHAC By-Laws
- BHAC Property Data
- District Map
- Enabling Legislation and Amendments
- 2024 District Expansion
- Extension Form
- Landmark/District Map
- Guide to Photographing Windows for Applications
- National Register Nomination Document
- Resilient Historic Buildings Design Guide
- Standards & Criteria
- Tree Guard Standard (Application For Approval Required)
- Information on Funding Historic Preservation
- Video Intercom / Doorbell Guidance
- Archeology Department
- Archives Department
- Beacon Hill Civic Association
- Boston Public Library
- Boston Planning and Development Agency
- 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 BHAC AGENDAS
- BHAC January 2024
- BHAC February 2024
- BHAC March 2024
- BHAC April 2024
- BHAC May 2024
- BHAC June 2024
- BHAC July 2024
- BHAC August 2024
- BHAC September 2024 and BHAC October 3, 2024 (Make Up Hearing)
NOTE: Our office has additional, older hearing recordings, agendas and meeting minutes available at request. Please contact us for more information.
2023 BHAC AGENDAS
BHAC 2024 MINuteS
- January 2024
- February 2024
- March 2024
- April 2024
- May 2024
- June 2024
- July 2024
- August 2024
- September 2024 (Pending Approval)
NOTE: Our office has additional, older hearing recordings, agendas and meeting minutes available at request. Please contact us for more information.
BHAC 2023 MINuteS
BHAC 2024 recordings
- January 2024
- February 2024
- March 2024
- April 2024
- May 2024 Part 1 | Part 2
- June 2024
- July 2024
- August 2024
- September 2024 and October 3 (Make Up Hearing)
NOTE: Our office has additional, older hearing recordings, agendas and meeting minutes available at request. Please contact us for more information.
BHAC 2023 recordings
Commission Info
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Department:
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Authority:State
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Term:5 years
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Stipend:No
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Total Seats:10
Current members
Member | Appointed | Expires | Status |
---|---|---|---|
Alice Richmond | 2/10/2021 | 5/1/2025 | Active |
Arian Allen | 12/11/2019 | 5/1/2024 | Active |
Annette Given | 3/24/2021 | 5/1/2025 | Active |
Mark Kiefer | 3/23/2022 | 5/1/2026 | Active |
Ralph Jackson | 3/23/2022 | 5/1/2023 | Active |
Edward Fleck | 3/23/2022 | 5/1/2024 | Active |
Maurice Finegold | 2/8/2023 | 5/1/2026 | Active |
Curtis Kemeny | 2/8/2023 | 5/1/2026 | Active |
Sandra Steele | 2/8/2023 | 5/1/2026 | Active |