Regulations, Guidelines & Forms

Below is information intended to assist in explaining regulations, guidelines, and forms applicable to historic preservation activities in Boston. It has three subsections for the local, state and national levels.

Boston Landmarks Commission

Historic Districts

Boston has nine Historic Districts located within the boundaries of the city. Each district has a local Historic District Commission that reviews proposed exterior design changes to properties within their local district. The Historic District Commissions help to ensure that the unique historic and architectural character of these Boston neighborhoods is protected and preserved.

Aberdeen Architectural Conservation District | LINK

Back Bay Architectural District | LINK

Bay State Road/Back Bay West Architectural Conservation District | LINK

Bay Village Historic District | LINK

Historic Beacon Hill District | LINK

Fort Point Channel Landmark District | LINK

Mission Hill Triangle Architectural Conservation District | LINK

South End Landmark District | LINK

St. Botolph Architectural Conservation District | LINK

Survey

The BLC has compiled an extensive Cultural Resource Inventory, which is a library of survey forms describing properties in varying levels of detail. An example of this form can be downloaded here:

Completed Sample Building Information Form B | PDF