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Individual Landmarks

The Boston Landmarks Commission (BLC) was established in 1975. We review individually landmarked buildings, landscapes, and objects separately from historic districts.

Looking to submit a petition to designate a new Boston Landmark? Learn more about the designation process.

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The BLC preserves landmarked historic properties in the City. We do this by reviewing proposals that involve any type of physical change to designated properties. Proposed changes can include, but are not limited to:

  • roof decks and additions
  • window replacements
  • general repairs and painting
  • masonry cleaning or repointing
  • signage and awnings, and
  • new balconies, porches, decks, stairs.

Proposals that respect landmarks' guidelines can be approved more quickly. But, commissioners and staff will work with applicants to refine any proposed changes. The BLC also reviews proposals for properties under review or awaiting a decision on a landmark designation. The commission must approve all changes before work can start on your project.

Design review

Learn about the process

All design review starts with a complete application. Please refer to the guidelines for the landmarked property. All landmarked properties in Boston, including the historic districts, have a study report with specific design standards. You can find the study report for any designated landmark on our publications page.  Your project has a better chance of commission approval if it follows the guidelines.

Apply for DESIGN REVIEW online

The Commission reviews proposed changes to design, materials, or appearance of the exterior. Interior changes usually don't need approval unless the inside of the property is landmarked. Check our list for interior designations. There is some interior work that is actually exterior. For example, window replacements, new HVAC equipment, and vents are all exterior changes related to interior work. 

Design review hearings

Design review hearings are held once per month, and all hearings are public. BLC's design review hearings are on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Anyone can attend a hearing and give their opinion. If you plan to submit an application, you must make sure a complete application is submitted as early as possible in the process.

Complete applications, as determined by staff and received 15 business days before the hearing date, will be added to an agenda. BLC hearings are also held on the second Tuesday of each month to address non-design review agenda items. These include Article 85 Demolition Review hearings.

List of all submitted petitions

Study Reports Under Review

Study Reports Under Review
Hotel Buckminster
NAZZARO COMMUNITY CENTER

RESOURCES

RESOURCES
1. Check to see if your building is landmarked:
2. Find out what work is allowed:
3. When can my application get on the agenda?
4. Apply for work
5. RECEIVE DECISION LETTER
  • Once your application has been ruled on by the commission, your decision letter will be emailed to you.
  • If approved, use the decision letter to obtain your building permit with the building department. Be sure to display your approval placard on site, visible to the public, for the duration of the project. 
2023
2023 HEARING RECORDINGS
2022 Hearing Recordings
2021 Hearing Recordings

Related links

Related links
Historic District Design Review
Designating a new landmark

Meet The Staff Architect

Staff Architect

Commission Info

  • Department:
    Environment Dept
  • Authority:
    City
  • Term:
    3 years
  • Stipend:
    No
  • Total Seats:
    18
Resources:
Enabling legislation
Boards and commissions information
We have openings:
Apply online

Current members

Member Appointed Expires Status
Lynn Smiledge 10/18/2023 6/30/2026 Holdover
David Berarducci 11/18/2020 6/30/2023 Active
Thomas Hotaling 11/27/2017 6/30/2020 Holdover
John Amodeo 11/18/2020 6/30/2021 Holdover
Richard Yeager 10/22/2015 6/30/2018 Holdover
Susan Goganian 3/27/2024 6/30/2024 Active
John Freeman 10/18/2023 6/30/2024 Holdover
Christopher Hart 10/18/2023 6/30/2024 Holdover
Richard Henderson 9/23/2016 6/30/2019 Holdover
Bradford Walker 10/18/2023 6/30/2026 Holdover
Lindsey Mac Jones 3/27/2024 6/30/2025 Active
Kirsten Hoffman 2/10/2021 6/30/2023 Active
Jeffrey Gonyeau 10/18/2023 6/30/2024 Active
Joseph Castro 3/4/2020 6/30/2020 Holdover
Felicia Jacques 10/18/2023 6/30/2026 Active
Anne Renehan 2/10/2021 6/30/2022 Holdover
Justine Orlando 11/18/2020 6/30/2022 Holdover
Angela Ward Hyatt 10/18/2023 6/30/2026 Active
Jeffrey Heyne 10/18/2023 6/30/2026 Active

Who's Involved:

Landmarks Commission
617-635-1935
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