Chinatown Rezoning Process
Overview
About the Chinatown Rezoning Process
Since the late 19th century, Chinatown has been a gateway for generations of immigrants and families, and the neighborhood continues to be a hub for housing, business and employment opportunities, education and resource sharing, and social and cultural connectivity. The purpose of the Chinatown Rezoning process is to work with community members to identify key neighborhood assets, such as housing, commercial development, and cultural spaces, which are necessary for the continued success of Chinatown, and establish zoning regulations for land uses and dimensions that ensure the protection and promotion of such developments.
.jpg?width=550&height=550)
Draft Zoning Amendment
Latest Updates
The Planning Department is excited to release the Draft Chinatown Zoning Amendment and Draft Chinatown Design Guidelines. These drafts are the result of initial recommendations from PLAN: Downtown and Chinatown Rezoning Engagement conducted in Spring 2024.
A summary of the Draft Zoning Amendment is available here:
The Draft Chinatown Zoning Amendment and Draft Chinatown Zoning Map is available here:
The Draft Chinatown Design Guidelines, which will be an amendment to PLAN: Downtown, are available here:
Public Comment Period
The public comment period will extend until Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Opportunities to provide feedback include a survey, in-person and virtual public meetings, and in-person and virtual office hours events over the course of the public comment period. Planning Department Staff will also be available to attend community organization meetings upon request starting in December. Please see below for details on upcoming engagement opportunities!
Provide Your Feedback!
In addition to attending upcoming engagement opportunities, you can submit your feedback on the Draft Chinatown Zoning Amendment through this survey.
Upcoming Engagement
Chinatown Rezoning | Property Owners Meeting
Cancelled: Monday, December 16 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Location: Josiah Quincy Upper School | 900 Washington Street | Boston, MA 02111
The Planning Department will present the newly proposed Draft Zoning for Chinatown. The conversation will be directed towards what new zoning means for property owners in Chinatown, but all are welcome to attend. This Draft Zoning is the result of engagement in Chinatown that started earlier this year. Cantonese and Mandarin interpretation will be available.
Office Hours
Office Hours are an informal opportunity for individuals to drop in to chat, ask questions, and share your thoughts on the Draft Zoning for Chinatown. There are no formal presentations or planned agenda items at these office hours, so we ask that you review the information and materials available on the Chinatown Rezoning Website and come prepared with any thoughts, comments, or questions that you’d like to bring to our attention!
Interpretation will be available upon request. We ask that you notify us of an interpretation request no later than five days prior to the event so we can make appropriate accommodations.
Virtual:
In-Person | BCNC Board Room | 38 Ash Street | Boston, MA 02111
Past Engagement
Past Meetings & Events
Chinatown Rezoning: Draft Zoning Amendment In-Person | 演示 (中文) | 示範 (中文) | Presentation
Saturday, November 23 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Chinatown Rezoning: Fall Meeting Update Presentation | 演示 (中文 | 示範 (中文) | Recording
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Chinatown Rezoning: Update Meeting & Workshop Presentation | 演示 (中文) | 示範 (中文)
Thursday, April 18, 2024 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Chinatown Rezoning Kickoff Meeting | Presentation | 演示 (中文)
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
The Planning Department conducted a survey from February 7th to April 30th, 2024 that gathered responses about new zoning and priorities for Chinatown. The responses have been translated into Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) and English.
-
Responses received between 2/7/24 and 3/14/24
-
Responses received between 3/15/24 and 4/30/24
How to Get Involved in the Process
Stay up to date about the Chinatown Rezoning process by signing up on our Get Involved page. Make sure to select “Chinatown” under “I want information emailed to me on” > “Neighborhoods.”