Bay State Road/Back Bay West Area Architectural Conservation District
The Bay State Road/Back Bay West Architectural Conservation District was designated in 1979.
The Bay State Road/Back Bay West Area Architectural Conservation District Commission (BSRACDC) meets the second Tuesday of each month to review proposed exterior design changes and alterations. To apply as a commissioner, please see details about nomination in the district's Study Report and then 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 including roofs that is (or will be) visible from any public way is subject to the review of the BBSRACDC. You must submit a Design Approval Application to the Commission and it must be approved by the Commission before beginning any exterior work subject to Commission review.
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 is needed.
- 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 Bay State Road/Back Bay West area was created during the 19th century as part of the large-scale land reclamation project that created the Back Bay. The first blocks were laid out in 1889, with most development between 1895 and 1899. Typical Bay State Road buildings exhibit architectural revival styles popular during the late 19th century.
For further historical background please see Bay State Road Back Bay West Architectural Conservation District Study Report.
Resources
Resources- Application instructions and fee schedule
- Apply online
- Signature page only (if you cannot sign electronically)
- 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.
- Application instructions and fees
- Approval Placard *New*
- BSR/BBW District map
- BSR/BBW By-laws
- BSR/BBW Standards
- BSR/BBW Study report
- Enabling legislation
- Extension Form
- GIS landmarks map
- Guide to photographing windows for applications
- Resilient, historic building design guide
- Information on Funding Historic Preservation
- Archeology Department
- Archives Department
- Boston Public Library
- Boston Planning and Redevelopment Agency
- Boston University Facilities Department
- Community Preservation Act
- Disabilities Commission
- Environment Department
- Fire Department
- Inspectional Services Department
- Language and Communications Access
- Neighborhood Services
- Parks & Recreation Department
- Public Works Department
- Transportation Department
- Zoning Board of Appeals
2019 agendas
- BSR/BBW Agenda December 2019
- BSR/BBW Agenda November 2019
- BSR/BBW Agenda October 2019
- BSR/BBW Agenda September 2019
- BSR/BBW Agenda August 2019 (Unavailable)
- BSR/BBW Agenda July 2019
- BSR/BBW Agenda June 2019
- BSR/BBW Agenda May 2019
- BSR/BBW Agenda April 2019 (Unavailable)
- BSR/BBW Agenda March 2019
- BSR/BBW Agenda February 2019
- BSR/BBW Agenda January 2019
2018 agendas
- BSR/BBW Agenda December 2018 (Unavailable)
- BSR/BBW Agenda November 2018 (Unavailable)
- BSR/BBW Agenda October 2018
- BSR/BBW Agenda September 2018
- BSR/BBW Agenda August 2018
- BSR/BBW Agenda July 2018
- BSR/BBW Agenda June 2018
- BSR/BBW Agenda May 2018
- BSR/BBW Agenda April 2018
- BSR/BBW Agenda March 2018
- BSR/BBW Agenda February 2018
- BSR/BBW Agenda January 2018
2020 BSR/BBW meeting minutes
- September 2020
- March 2020
2019 BSR/BBW meeting minutes
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019 (Unavailable)
- August 2019 (Unavailable)
- July 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019 (Unavailable)
- April 2019 (Unavailable)
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
2018 BSR/BBW meeting minutes
- December 2018 (Unavailable)
- November 2018 (Unavailable)
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
2020 BBW/BSR recordings
2019 BBW/BSR recordings
- January 2019
- February 2019
- March 2019
- April 2019 (Unavailable)
- May 2019
- June 2019
- July 2019
- August 2019 (Unavailable)
- September 2019
- October 2019
- November 2019
- December 2019
2018 BBW/BSR recordings
- January 2018
- February 2018
- March 2018
- April 2018
- May 2018
- June 2018
- July 2018
- August 2018 (Unavailable)
- September 2018
- October 2018
- November 2018 (Unavailable)
- December 2018 (Unavailable)
Commission Info
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Department:
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Authority:City
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Term:3 years
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Stipend:No
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Total Seats:7
Current members
Member | Appointed | Expires | Status |
---|---|---|---|
Terri North | 3/27/2024 | 1/15/2027 | Active |
Pamela Beale | 3/27/2024 | 1/15/2027 | Active |
Ruel Longfellow | 3/27/2024 | 1/15/2027 | Active |