Retain single-family zoning in West Roxbury
The Issue
We, the undersigned, respectfully request that the Boston Planning Department retain single-family zoning in the areas of West Roxbury that are currently zoned for single-family homes, including the existing 1FR-6000 and 1FR-8000 districts.
We further request the creation of an RD-1 zoning district that preserves single-family zoning for new construction while recognizing the ability of existing homes to accommodate an additional dwelling unit, including an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
Why This Matters
Approximately 85% of West Roxbury's residential properties are single-family properties, while approximately 15% are multifamily, with multifamily housing located throughout the neighborhood and with concentrations in the business district along Centre, Spring and Washington Streets.
This mix has allowed West Roxbury to provide different types of housing while maintaining substantial areas of single-family homes, individually owned properties, yards, and lower residential density.
The Boston Planning Department's proposed rezoning would change areas that are currently zoned single-family to multifamily zoning with as-of-right development status.
We believe West Roxbury should continue to offer residents the option of living in neighborhoods primarily composed of single-family homes and that new zoning should respect the existing scale and character of these areas.
Massachusetts law now permits Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on qualifying residential properties. This already provides an opportunity to add housing and increase residential density without requiring that all existing single-family districts in West Roxbury be converted to multifamily zoning.
What We Are Asking the City to Do
We ask the Boston Planning Department to create an RD-1 (Dormer-1) zoning district specifically for West Roxbury, rather than applying the proposed RD-2 and RD-3 zoning to areas currently zoned for single-family homes.
The proposed RD-1 framework would:
- Maintain single-family zoning for new construction, while allowing an ADU as permitted by law.
- Allow existing homes to accommodate up to two dwelling units, inclusive of an ADU.
- Maintain appropriate standards for building size, lot coverage, permeable area, yards and setbacks that respect the existing scale and physical character of West Roxbury's single-family neighborhoods.
BHIA may also propose specific zoning text, dimensional standards, mapping criteria, conforming amendments, and other technical provisions necessary or appropriate to implement RD-1 and further these objectives.
Add Your Name
By signing this petition, I support retaining single-family zoning in the areas of West Roxbury currently zoned for single-family homes and the creation of an RD-1 district as described above.
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The Issue
We, the undersigned, respectfully request that the Boston Planning Department retain single-family zoning in the areas of West Roxbury that are currently zoned for single-family homes, including the existing 1FR-6000 and 1FR-8000 districts.
We further request the creation of an RD-1 zoning district that preserves single-family zoning for new construction while recognizing the ability of existing homes to accommodate an additional dwelling unit, including an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
Why This Matters
Approximately 85% of West Roxbury's residential properties are single-family properties, while approximately 15% are multifamily, with multifamily housing located throughout the neighborhood and with concentrations in the business district along Centre, Spring and Washington Streets.
This mix has allowed West Roxbury to provide different types of housing while maintaining substantial areas of single-family homes, individually owned properties, yards, and lower residential density.
The Boston Planning Department's proposed rezoning would change areas that are currently zoned single-family to multifamily zoning with as-of-right development status.
We believe West Roxbury should continue to offer residents the option of living in neighborhoods primarily composed of single-family homes and that new zoning should respect the existing scale and character of these areas.
Massachusetts law now permits Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on qualifying residential properties. This already provides an opportunity to add housing and increase residential density without requiring that all existing single-family districts in West Roxbury be converted to multifamily zoning.
What We Are Asking the City to Do
We ask the Boston Planning Department to create an RD-1 (Dormer-1) zoning district specifically for West Roxbury, rather than applying the proposed RD-2 and RD-3 zoning to areas currently zoned for single-family homes.
The proposed RD-1 framework would:
- Maintain single-family zoning for new construction, while allowing an ADU as permitted by law.
- Allow existing homes to accommodate up to two dwelling units, inclusive of an ADU.
- Maintain appropriate standards for building size, lot coverage, permeable area, yards and setbacks that respect the existing scale and physical character of West Roxbury's single-family neighborhoods.
BHIA may also propose specific zoning text, dimensional standards, mapping criteria, conforming amendments, and other technical provisions necessary or appropriate to implement RD-1 and further these objectives.
Add Your Name
By signing this petition, I support retaining single-family zoning in the areas of West Roxbury currently zoned for single-family homes and the creation of an RD-1 district as described above.
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Petition created on August 24, 2026