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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
1. CHECK TO SEE IF YOU'RE IN THE DISTRICT:
2. FIND OUT WHAT WORK IS ALLOWED:
3. WHEN CAN MY APPLICATION GET ON THE AGENDA?
4. APPLY FOR WORK
5. RECEIVE DECISION LETTER
  • 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. 
2026 agendas
  • BSR/BBW Agenda January 2026
  • BSR/BBW Agenda February 2026
  • BSR/BBW Agenda March 2026
  • BSR/BBW Agenda April 2026
  • BSR/BBW Agenda May 2026
  • BSR/BBW Agenda June 2026
  • BSR/BBW Agenda July 2026
  • BSR/BBW Agenda August 2026
  • BSR/BBW Agenda September 2026
  • BSR/BBW Agenda October 2026
  • BSR/BBW Agenda November 2026
  • BSR/BBW Agenda December 2026
2025 agendas 

Reason for Cancellations: No complete applications for Design Review.

BSR/BBW Agenda December 2025 (canceled)

2026 BSR/BBW meeting minutes
  • BSR/BBW January 2026
  • BSR/BBW February 2026
  • BSR/BBW March 2026
  • BSR/BBW April 2026
  • BSR/BBW May 2026
  • BSR/BBW June 2026
  • BSR/BBW July 2026
  • BSR/BBW August 2026
  • BSR/BBW September 2026
  • BSR/BBW October 2026
  • BSR/BBW November 2026
  • BSR/BBW December 2026
2025 BSR/BBW meeting minutes
Reason for cancellation: No complete applications for design review.
  • BSR/BBW January 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW February 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW March 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW April 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW May 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW June 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW July 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW August 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW September 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW October 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW November 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW December 2025 (canceled)
2026 BSR/BBW Recordings
  • BSR/BBW January 2026
  • BSR/BBW February 2026
  • BSR/BBW March 2026
  • BSR/BBW April 2026
  • BSR/BBW May 2026
  • BSR/BBW June 2026
  • BSR/BBW July 2026
  • BSR/BBW August 2026
  • BSR/BBW September 2026
  • BSR/BBW October 2026
  • BSR/BBW November 2026
  • BSR/BBW December 2026
2025 BSR/BBW recordings
Reason for cancellation: No complete applications for design review.
  • BSR/BBW January 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW February 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW March 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW April 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW May 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW June 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW July 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW August 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW September 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW October 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW November 2025 (canceled)
  • BSR/BBW December 2025 (canceled)

Commission Info

  • Department:
    Environment Dept
  • Authority:;
    City
  • Term:;
    3 years
  • Stipend:;
    No
  • Total Seats:;
    7
Resources:
Enabling legislation
Boards and commissions information
We have openings:
Apply online

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
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