How to check if I could add an additional unit in Boston?

Question

Hi everyone, I'm looking at buying a SFR in Boston that zoned for multiple units,. Do people have suggestions on how to confirm if it's possible to add additional units (either by converting a large SFR or by adding a backyard unit), and what can be done without needing a variance? Any specifics (i.e. recommendations of contractors, lawyers, or city officials to speak with) would be really useful. Thanks!

Jamie Ryan · Answer

@Taylor Thompson I got down to Bostons Inspectional services department at 1010 Mass Ave, 5th floor. There are people all the time asking about changing the zoning. It is definitely worth the time to go down there in person and talk to a plans examiner at the counter. ISD is extremely busy with lack of work force right now and you may be waiting awhile to hear back. They are open until 7pm on Thursdays.

Jack Romano · Answer

I cannot attest for it myself, but Zoning runs a clinic every Tuesday where you you ask them in person: https://www.boston.gov/departments/inspectional-se....

One other thing to consider, depending on what neighborhood you're looking at, is that Plan JP/Rox (http://www.bostonplans.org/planning/planning-initiatives/plan-jp-rox) what was just completed might result in some rezoning on the affected areas.

Brandon Ingegneri · Answer

If it is within the city limits of Boston, all that you need to do is call the Boston Zoning Department and they can provide you with an answer directly over the phone.

Jack Romano · Answer

Your first stop is here: http://maps.bostonredevelopmentauthority.org/zoningviewer/ This contains the zoning maps for the city so you can see what a given property is zoned for and determine if you can build "as of right". Keep in mind, that due to zoning changes over time, the the existing types of housing that exists in an area might no longer be able to be built as of right.

Taylor Thompson · Answer

Thanks, @Jack Romano. I've looked at this, and it's a SFR currently zoned for multi-family. I then looked at the zoning codes governing multifamily zoning for each neighborhood district, which gives additional restrictions (e.g. lot size per unit, building offset, floor area ratio, usable yard space, etc.), and I think I understand what is allowed. How would you go about confirming that I'm not misunderstanding what's allowed "as of right?"

How to check if I could add an additional unit in Boston?

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