Plant your commercial farm in Boston
Learn which farming opportunities are possible. First, choose a location.
Please contact the BRA for specified use regulations on each parcel. Additional rules and regulations may apply subject to Article 89 and each location’s underlying zoning code. The information provided by this application is for illustrative purposes only, and should not be relied upon for definitive final calculations. Lot sizing and zoning categorizations may vary as municipal data frequently changes. Final zoning and application decisions will occur at the Inspectional Services Department of the City of Boston.
Did you mean...?
214 CAMBRIDGE ST. 02114
Whoa there! This site has been optimized for mobile and tablet devices. If you’ve opened this app on a desktop, please try narrowing the width of the screen.
Parcel ID: 392847837
Neighborhood: Beacon Hill
Zone: Residential
Condition: Historic
Parcel size: 1,989ft²
6,209ft²
18ft²
No structure
1-300ft²
300-750ft²
750ft² or more
Structures include sheds, greenhouses, freight containers, compost bins, hoophouses, farm stands, and other similar support systems.
Soil Plants are crops planted in the ground or in raised beds
Small
Medium
Large
Greenhouse
Less than 5000ft²
Does not apply to the size of your roof or ground space
This space is in a Neighborhood Design Overlay District, you’ll need to apply for Comprehensive Farm Review (CFR).
This space is near Boston Common. Not to worry, you can submit a site plan to Boston Parks & Recreation Department (BPR).
Hydroponics is the cultivation of plants in a solution of circulating, nutrient-rich water
Primary
Primary w/ Freight Container
Accessory
Accessory w/ Freight Container
More than 25% of lot space
Does not apply to the size of your roof or ground space
This space is in a Neighborhood Design Overlay District, you’ll need to apply for Comprehensive Farm Review (CFR).
This space is near Boston Common. Not to worry, you can submit a site plan to Boston Parks & Recreation Department (BPR).
Aquaponics & Aquaculture is the cultivation of fish and plants, or fish and shellfish, in a controlled recirculating system
Primary
Accessory
Accessory w/ Freight Container
More than 25% of lot space
Does not apply to the size of your roof or ground space
This space is in a Neighborhood Design Overlay District, you’ll need to apply for Comprehensive Farm Review (CFR).
This space is near Boston Common. Not to worry, you can submit a site plan to Boston Parks & Recreation Department (BPR).
Honey Bees are honey producing bees that improve the quality and quantity of plants through pollination
One
Two
Three
up to 4ft² per hive
Does not apply to the size of your roof or ground space
You'll need to have a public hearing and let you neighbors know about your plans.
This space is in a Neighborhood Design Overlay District, you’ll need to apply for Comprehensive Farm Review (CFR).
This space is near Boston Common. Not to worry, you can submit a site plan to Boston Parks & Recreation Department (BPR).
Hens are egg-laying female chickens that also produce excellent fertilizer and control weeds and bugs
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Four hens will use a minimum of 80ft² make sure this is less than 25% of the back yard (more rules apply)
Does not apply to the size of your roof or ground space
You are about to embark on a journey.
This space is in a Neighborhood Design Overlay District, you’ll need to apply for Comprehensive Farm Review (CFR).
This space is near Boston Common. Not to worry, you can submit a site plan to Boston Parks & Recreation Department (BPR).
Composting is the process of decomposing organic matter to provide a natural fertilizer and reduce solid waste
Primary
Accessory
Does not apply to the size of your roof or ground space
This application integrates Boston Zoning Code with recent legislation, Article 89, to act as a preliminary guide for the opportunities available in commercial urban agriculture. The app was designed and developed by Fathom Information Design, and created in collaboration with the Mayor's Office of Food Initiatives, the Boston Redevelopment Authority, and the City of Boston. This project is supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
Please contact the BRA for specified use regulations on each parcel. Additional rules and regulations may apply subject to Article 89 and each location’s underlying zoning code. The information provided by this application is for illustrative purposes only, and should not be relied upon for definitive final calculations. Lot sizing and zoning categorizations may vary as municipal data frequently changes. Final zoning and application decisions will occur at the Inspectional Services Department of the City of Boston.