Boston's Article 80 Process

In 1996, the Boston Redevelopment Authority adopted Article 80 of the zoning code to provide clear guidelines for the development review process relating to large projects (adding more than 50,000 square feet), small projects (greater than 20,000 square feet), planned development areas (new overlay zoning districts for project areas larger than 1 acre), and institutional master plans (projects relating to academic and medical campuses). Article 80 was adopted because the parameters of these unique projects rarely fit neatly within the existing zoning code and a more predictable review process was needed.

The Article 80 process may include, but is not limited to, review of a project's impacts on transportation, public realm, the environment, and historic resources. Planning Department Project Managers assist developers in navigating the Article 80 process. Public input is encouraged throughout a project's review timeline. 

For more information, see the Citizen's Guide to Article 80.

Improving Our Development Review Process

We are excited to create a more predictable, transparent, and accountable process to review new development projects with community members and developers. This new process will support Mayor Wu’s direction for planning and development and aims to further our mission of addressing affordability, resilience, and equity in Boston.

The Article 80 Modernization project will study and recommend improvements for community engagement as well as development review operations. This will not impact development projects that are currently under review while the project is ongoing. Learn more and find opportunities to share your ideas by visiting our project page.