Boston Zoning Commission approves plan to allow taller buildings downtown

"Local News The new zoning rules aim to boost housing and revitalize the city's struggling commercial core. In a unanimous vote Wednesday, the Boston Zoning Commission approved new regulations allowing taller buildings downtown - a key part of the city's plan to revive the struggling commercial core. The 10-0 vote marks the final step beyond the mayor's signature in a close to seven-year effort to modernize downtown zoning rules."

""We believe this proposal is the most balanced set of regulations we could reach and still meet the overarching goal of setting a clear vision for revitalizing downtown post-pandemic," said Kairos Shen, the city's Chief of Planning, at the hearing. He continued, "It acknowledges the need for historic preservation and the opportunity for new density to advance the necessary transformation from a commercial and financial hub to a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood.""

"The " Plan: Downtown" zoning will change the height limits to 300 and 500 feet near Park Plaza and Downtown Crossing along Washington Street. City officials note that only one new area, near Washington Street and State Street, will allow for 700-foot buildings. The area already has 500-foot buildings. The regulations also outline the state's shadow protections for the Boston Common and Public Garden and the FAA regulations for flight paths, which supersede the city's zoning rules."

Boston approved new downtown zoning rules in a unanimous 10-0 vote after a nearly seven-year effort to modernize regulations. Height limits will increase to 300 and 500 feet near Park Plaza and Downtown Crossing, with one area near Washington and State Street allowing 700-foot buildings. The rules preserve state shadow protections for the Boston Common and Public Garden and defer to FAA flight-path regulations. Residential use will be allowed across all districts and must include 20% affordable housing, while large labs, hotels, and office projects over 250,000 square feet become conditional. Public opinion remains divided between preservation concerns and proponents citing essential downtown revitalization.

Read at Boston.com