Purpose of the Initiative

Boston is proposing major zoning updates in Roslindale, West Roxbury, and Hyde Park to modernize residential rules. While framed as simplifying home improvements, the changes also enable denser, taller, multi‑unit development on today’s single‑family lots. And while the city claims to have been getting the word out, many community members don't know about it!

Key changes:

• New residential district categories
• Revised dimensional standards
• Reorganized rules for ADUs and Household Living
• Reduced reliance on zoning appeals

Updated District Types

Residents can look up their district using the City’s zoning lookup tool: Neighborhood Housing Zoning Lookup 

RD‑2 — Dormer-2 district (RD-2) is distinguished by homes with low Building Lot Coverage, large Front, Side, and Rear Yards, and sloped roofs. 

• Convert to 2–3 units; up to 2.5 stories
• ADU rules: 30% lot coverage, 45% permeable area 
• Yards: 15' front, 10' rear, 3' side

RD‑3 — Dormer-3 district (RD-3) is distinguished by homes set on Lots with large Front Yards and Rear Yards, mid-sized Side Yards and sloped roofs. 

• Expand/replace with 3 units; up to 3 stories
• ADU rules: 35% lot coverage, 30% permeable area
• Yards: 15' front, 10' rear, 3' side

RD‑4 — Decker-4 district (RD-4) is distinguished by a range of residential buildings, including, but not limited to, duplexes, townhomes, triple-deckers, four-unit buildings, and ADUs; with mid-sized Side, Front, and Rear Yards. 

• Expand/replace with 4 units; up to 3 stories
• ADU rules: 45% lot coverage, 25% permeable area
• Yards: 15' front, 10' rear, 3' side

RD‑6 — Decker-6 district (RD-6) is distinguished by a diverse range of residential buildings with small yards, including, but not limited to, duplexes, townhomes, triple-deckers, and double triple-deckers. 

• Expand/replace with 6 units; up to 4 stories
• ADU rules: 60% lot coverage, 15% permeable area
• Yards: 15' front, 10' rear, 3' side

Critical Takeaways

• Neighborhood Character & Scale: Single‑family homes could be replaced with multi‑unit buildings up to six stories, reshaping suburban‑style blocks.
• Parking & Congestion: No parking required for ADUs → increased on‑street parking pressure.
• Environmental Impacts: More buildings + less open space = fewer yards and trees, more impervious surfaces, higher stormwater runoff, and potential increases in flooding and pests.
• Expanded Uses in Residential Areas: Broader allowances for emergency shelters, transitional housing, and substance‑use treatment facilities may raise compatibility and safety concerns for some residents.

What’s Next?

• Sign the petition to pause the passing of the Parkway Zoning Initiative!
• Spread the word! Public feedback is encouraged as the city continues refining the proposal.
• Attend a meeting and use this link to find one: Neighborhood Housing | Bostonplans.org