Bay Village Historic District
The Bay Village Historic District was designated in 1983.
The Bay Village Historic District Commission (BVHDC) meets the second Tuesday of each month to review proposed exterior design changes and alterations. Interested in becoming a commissioner? Please see details about nomination in the district's Study Report and 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 work at rooftops) that is, or will be visible from any public way is subject to the review of the BVHDC. You must submit a Design Approval Application to the Commission and it must be approved by the Commission before beginning any exterior work that is 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 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
Prior to 1825 the Bay Village area consisted of mudflats created by Back Bay tides. Once construction of a dam was authorized and the land drained, construction began almost immediately. Early deeds restricted height and construction materials, as a result, the major streets tend to be visually similar; red brick was the building material of choice, often with a granite foundation. Most Bay Village buildings were constructed between 1825 and 1899 and represent a variety of architectural styles, ranging from Federal to Greek Revival to Victorian.
For further historical background, please check out the Bay Village Historic District Study Report.
Resources
Resources- 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
- Bay Village By-Laws
- Bay Village Historic district map
- Bay Village Standards
- Bay Village Study report
- Enabling Legislation
- Extension Form
- By-Laws
- Guide to photographing windows for applications
- GIS Landmarks map
- Resilient, historic building design guide
- Approval Placard *New*
- Information on Funding Historic Preservation
- Archeology Department
- Archives Department
- Bay Village Neighborhood Association
- Boston Public Library
- Boston Planning and Redevelopment Agency
- 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
- BVHD Agenda December 2019
- BVHD Agenda November 2019
- BVHD Agenda October 2019
- BVHD Agenda September 2019
- BVHD Agenda August 2019 (Unavailable)
- BVHD Agenda July 2019
- BVHD Agenda June 2019
- BVHD Agenda May 2019
- BVHD Agenda April 2019 (Unavailable)
- BVHD Agenda March 2019
- BVHD Agenda February 2019
- BVHD Agenda January 2019
2018 Agendas
2020 meeting minutes
2019 meeting minutes
- BVHD December 2019
- BVHD November 2019
- BVHD October 2019
- BVHD September 2019 (Unavailable)
- BVHD August 2019
- BVHD July 2019
- BVHD June 2019
- BVHD May 2019
- BVHD April 2019
- BVHD March 2019
- BVHD February 2019
- BVHD January 2019
2018 meeting minutes
BVHD 2020 Recordings
BVHD 2019 Recordings
BVHD 2018 Recordings
- January 2018
- February 2018
- March 2018
- April 2018
- May 2018 (Unavailable)
- June 2018
- July 2018
- August 2018 (Unavailable)
- September 2018
- October 2018
- November 2018
- December 2018
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:8
Current members
Member | Appointed | Expires | Status |
---|---|---|---|
Anne Kilguss | 9/23/2016 | 6/30/2019 | Holdover |
Stephen Dunwell | 3/27/2024 | 4/1/2026 | Holdover |
Lora Shea | 3/27/2024 | 4/1/2026 | Active |
Katherine Sikora Nelson | 3/27/2024 | 4/1/2026 | Active |
Senam Kumahia | 3/27/2024 | 4/1/2025 | Active |