Aberdeen Architectural Conservation District
The Aberdeen Architectural Conservation District was designated in 2002.
Apply for Design Review Online
The Aberdeen Architectural Conservation District Commission (AACDC) meets on the second Thursday of each month to review exterior alterations. Interested in becoming a commissioner? Please see details about nomination in the district's Study Report and 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 visible from a public way is subject to the review of the AACDC.
- To save time and costs, review the district Standards and Criteria early in the planning process.
- Review all instructions and documentation requirements before submitting your application to ensure it is complete. Incomplete applications will not be added to a public hearing agenda.
- Submit your application online well in advance of a filing deadline in case additional or revised information is needed.
- Staff won't be able to review applications for completeness immediately upon submittal.
- Do not begin any work, or buy materials, until after confirmation that your project was approved by the Commission.
HISTORY
The Aberdeen section of Brighton (annexed by Boston in 1873) was developed after 1887, with a high degree of architectural unity. The trolley line along Beacon Street helped Aberdeen develop as a “Romantic Suburb” of free-standing residential buildings. The large, ornate houses built along winding roads that follow the land’s natural contours, were intended for Boston commuters on the newly electrified trolley system. Aberdeen’s architectural styles include the Colonial Revival, Georgian Revival, Queen Anne, and Shingle styles.
For further historical background, please check out the Aberdeen Architectural Conservation District Study Report.
Resources
Resources- Application instructions and fee schedule
- Apply online
- Signature page only (If you cannot sign electronically)
- 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.
- Application Instructions and Fees
- By-Laws
- District Map
- District Property Data
- Enabling Legislation
- Extension Form
- GIS Landmark Map
- Guide to Photographing Windows for Applications
- Resilient Historic Buildings Design Guide
- Standards & Criteria
- Study Report
- Approval Placard *New*
- Information on Funding Historic Preservation
In the Aberdeen Architectural Conservation District, apartment and condominium houses have a large presence throughout the neighborhood. Window replacement, when necessary, should match throughout the building. Below you will find a running list of previously approved window replacements to assist you in finding the correct window replacements.
Property owners are still expected to obtain written approval from their condominium board and apply to the Commission to replace their windows. However, when this is done you must use the previously approved windows for your specific building. If you don't see your building listed, please check with Commission staff for guidance.
Project Address
- Archeology Department
- Archives Department
- Boston Public Library
- Boston Planning and Development Agency
- Brighton/Allston Historic Society
- Community Preservation Act
- Disabilities Commission
- Environment Department
- Fire Department
- Inspectional Services Department
- Language and Communications Access
- Neighborhood Services
- Parks & Recreation Department
- Public Works Department
- Transportation Department
- Zoning Board of Appeals
2024 agendas
- AACDC January 2024
- AACDC February 2024
- AACDC March 2024
- AACDC April 2024
- AACDC May 2024
- AACDC June 2024
- AACDC July 2024
- AACDC August 2024
- AACDC September 2024
- AACDC October 2024
- AACDC November 2024
NOTE: Our office has additional older hearing recordings, agendas and meeting minutes available at request. Please contact our office for more information.
2023 agendas
2024 meeting minutes
- January 2024
- February 2024
- March 2024
- April 2024
- May 2024
- June 2024
- July 2024
- August 2024
- September 2024
- October 2024 (Pending Approval)
NOTE: Our office has additional older hearing recordings, agendas and meeting minutes available at request. Please contact our office for more information.
2023 meeting minutes
AACDC 2024 recordings
- January 2024
- February 2024
- March 2024
- April 2024
- May 2024
- June 2024
- July 2024
- August 2024
- September 2024
- October 2024
NOTE: Our office has additional older hearing recordings, agendas and meeting minutes available at request. Please contact our office for more information.
Commission Info
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Department:Energy, Environment and Open Space
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Stipend:No
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Total Seats:7
Current members
Member | Appointed | Expires | Status |
---|---|---|---|
Sharon Cayley | 5/6/2020 | 6/30/2021 | Holdover |
Helen Pillsbury | 5/6/2020 | 6/30/2021 | Holdover |
Kirsten Hoffman | 9/23/2016 | 6/30/2018 | Holdover |
Edward Bredenberg | 3/1/2023 | 6/30/2026 | Active |