city_hall

Official websites use .boston.gov

A .boston.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the City of Boston.

lock

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Last updated:

Back Bay Architectural District

The Back Bay Architectural District was established in 1966 and expanded in 1974, 1979, and 1981.

Toggle
Page Sections

The Back Bay Architectural District Commission (BBAC) meets the second Wednesday of each month to review proposed exterior design changes and alterations. Find out about the commissioner nomination process in the district's original enabling legislation. Interested in becoming a commissioner? Please check the commission information section at the bottom of this page. If you see an "apply online" button, we have an opening on the commission and you're able to apply for it.

Design Review Process

All proposed exterior work is subject to the review of the BBAC. You must submit a Design Approval Application to the Commission and it must be approved by the Commission before beginning any exterior work.

Apply For Design Review Online

  • To save time and costs, contact staff early in the planning process to determine project compliance with guidelines.
  • Review all instructions and documentation requirements before submitting your application to ensure it is complete. Only complete applications will be added to a public hearing agenda.
  • Submit your application online well in advance of a filing deadline in case it is marked incomplete and additional or revised information needs to be submitted.
  • Staff is not available to review applications for completeness immediately upon submittal.
  • Do not begin any work, or buy materials until after you have received confirmation your project has been approved.
History

The Back Bay was originally a tidal body of water, used for mill operations. In the mid-19th century extensive landfilling began, resulting in over 450 acres of usable land by the 1880s. The Back Bay was an early planned fashionable residential district, based on Baron Haussmann’s plans to remake Paris. As the tidal flats were slowly filled in, beginning at the edge of the Public Garden and extending westward, residential construction advanced on filled-in lots as they became available. As a result, Back Bay, when viewed in block sequence, illustrates the changing tastes and stylistic evolution of American architecture over the course of the mid- to late 19th and early 20th centuries. Commercial development started on Boylston Street around 1880, and on Newbury Street in the early 20th century, in some cases adapting existing row houses.  You can learn more about Back Bay through this brochure on the history of the area.

Resources

Resources
1. CHECK TO SEE IF YOU'RE IN THE DISTRICT:
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.
2020 agendas
2019 agendas
2018 agendas
Meeting minutes
2020 meeting minutes
2019 meeting minutes
2018 meeting minutes
BBHD 2023 recordings
  • January 2023
  • February 2023
  • March 2023
  • April 2023
  • May 2023
  • June 2023
  • July 2023
  • August 2023
  • September 2023
  • October 2023
  • November 2023
  • December 2023
BBHD 2022 recordings
BBHD 2021 recordings

Commission Info

  • Department:
    Environment Dept
  • Authority:
    City
  • Term:
    5 years
  • Stipend:
    No
  • Total Seats:
    14
Resources:
Enabling legislation
Boards and commissions information
We have openings:
Apply online

Current members

Member Appointed Expires Status
John Christiansen 3/4/2020 12/31/2023 Active
Iphigenia Demetriades 2/12/2016 12/31/2018 Holdover
Kathleen Connor 3/4/2020 12/31/2021 Holdover
Kenneth Tutunjian 10/18/2011 12/31/2014 Holdover
David Eisen 10/15/2013 12/31/2014 Holdover
David Sampson 5/24/2016 12/31/2020 Holdover
Robert Weintraub 2/10/2021 12/31/2024 Active
Ethel MacLeod 3/4/2020 12/31/2024 Active
Zsuzsanna Gaspar 3/4/2020 12/31/2024 Active
Thomas High 2/8/2023 12/31/2023 Active
Tanvi Nayar 2/8/2023 12/31/2028 Active
Anddie Chan-Patera 2/8/2023 12/31/2026 Active
Franklin Ross 3/27/2024 12/31/2027 Active

Meet the Back Bay Planner

Back Bay Planner
Provide Your Feedback
Back to top