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Back Bay Architectural District

The Back Bay Architectural District was established in 1966 and expanded in 1974, 1979, and 1981.

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The Back Bay Architectural District Commission (BBAC) meets the second Wednesday of each month to review proposed exterior design changes and alterations. Find out about the commissioner nomination process in the district's original enabling legislation. Interested in becoming a commissioner? Please 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 is subject to the review of the BBAC. You must submit a Design Approval Application to the Commission and it must be approved by the Commission before beginning any exterior work.

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

The Back Bay was originally a tidal body of water, used for mill operations. In the mid-19th century extensive landfilling began, resulting in over 450 acres of usable land by the 1880s. The Back Bay was an early planned fashionable residential district, based on Baron Haussmann’s plans to remake Paris. As the tidal flats were slowly filled in, beginning at the edge of the Public Garden and extending westward, residential construction advanced on filled-in lots as they became available. As a result, Back Bay, when viewed in block sequence, illustrates the changing tastes and stylistic evolution of American architecture over the course of the mid- to late 19th and early 20th centuries. Commercial development started on Boylston Street around 1880, and on Newbury Street in the early 20th century, in some cases adapting existing row houses.  You can learn more about Back Bay through this brochure on the history of the area.

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.
2025 agendas
2024 agendas
2023 agendas
Meeting minutes
2025 meeting minutes
  • BBAC January 2025
  • BBAC February 2025
  • BBAC March  2025
  • BBAC April 2025
  • BBAC May 2025
  • BBAC June 2025
  • BBAC July 2025
  • BBAC August 2025
  • BBAC September 2025
  • BBAC October 2025
  • BBAC November 2025
  • BBAC December 2025
2024 meeting minutes
2023 meeting minutes
BBAC 2025 recordings
BBAC 2024 recordings
BBAC 2023 recordings

Commission Info

  • Department:
    Environment Dept
  • Authority:;
    City
  • Term:;
    5 years
  • Stipend:;
    No
  • Total Seats:;
    14
Resources:
Enabling legislation
Boards and commissions information
We have openings:
Apply online

Current members

Member Appointed Expires Status
MemberJohn Christiansen
Appointed3/4/2020
Expires12/31/2023
StatusActive
MemberIphigenia Demetriades
Appointed2/12/2016
Expires12/31/2018
StatusHoldover
MemberKathleen Connor
Appointed3/4/2020
Expires12/31/2021
StatusHoldover
MemberKenneth Tutunjian
Appointed10/18/2011
Expires12/31/2014
StatusHoldover
MemberDavid Eisen
Appointed10/15/2013
Expires12/31/2014
StatusHoldover
MemberDavid Sampson
Appointed5/24/2016
Expires12/31/2020
StatusHoldover
MemberRobert Weintraub
Appointed2/10/2021
Expires12/31/2024
StatusActive
MemberEthel MacLeod
Appointed3/4/2020
Expires12/31/2024
StatusActive
MemberZsuzsanna Gaspar
Appointed3/4/2020
Expires12/31/2024
StatusActive
MemberTanvi Nayar
Appointed2/8/2023
Expires12/31/2028
StatusActive
MemberAnddie Chan-Patera
Appointed2/8/2023
Expires12/31/2026
StatusActive
MemberFranklin Ross
Appointed3/27/2024
Expires12/31/2027
StatusActive
MemberThomas High
Appointed3/31/2025
Expires12/31/2028
StatusActive
MemberLisa Tharp
Appointed3/11/2025
Expires12/31/2028
StatusActive
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