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Historic Beacon Hill District

The Historic Beacon Hill District was established in 1955, and expanded in 1958, 1963, 1975 and 2024.

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The Beacon Hill Architectural Commission (BHAC) meets on the third Thursday of each month to review proposed exterior 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 exterior work visible from a public way is subject to review by the BHAC. This includes views from the Boston Common, the Boston Public Garden, Storrow Drive, the Charles River Esplanade, and the Longfellow Bridge.

Apply for Design Review Online

  • To save time and costs, review 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 it is incomplete and additional or revised information needs to be submitted.
  • Do not begin any work, or buy materials, until after you have received confirmation your project has been approved by the Commission.
  • When work does commence, be sure to display your approval placard near the building permit for the duration of construction.
HISTORY

 Development on Beacon Hill began with the construction of the new Massachusetts State House, designed by renowned architect Charles Bulfinch and completed in 1798. Around the same time, the Mount Vernon Proprietors, one of the earliest land development companies in the United States, was formed. They purchased 18 ½ acres of land west of the State House to establish residential properties. The residences on Beacon Hill also showcase the work of prominent architects such as Asher Benjamin, Solomon Willard, and Alexander Parris, who designed homes in the Federal and Greek Revival styles. Later in the 19th century, apartment buildings were also added to the neighborhood. Beacon Hill’s history of adaptive reuse includes early examples of converting stables and carriage houses into lofts and studios. For more details, you can explore the National Register Nomination Document. 

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. 
2024 BHAC AGENDAS

NOTE: Our office has additional, older hearing recordings, agendas and meeting minutes available at request. Please contact us for more information.

2023 BHAC AGENDAS
2022 BHAC agendas
Meeting Minutes
BHAC 2024 MINuteS

NOTE: Our office has additional, older hearing recordings, agendas and meeting minutes available at request. Please contact us for more information.

BHAC 2023 MINuteS
BHAC 2022 minutes
BHAC 2024 recordings

NOTE: Our office has additional, older hearing recordings, agendas and meeting minutes available at request. Please contact us for more information.

BHAC 2023 recordings
BHAC 2022 recordings

Commission Info

  • Department:
    Environment Dept
  • Authority:
    State
  • Term:
    5 years
  • Stipend:
    No
  • Total Seats:
    10
Resources:
Enabling legislation
Boards and commissions information
We have openings:
Apply online

Current members

Member Appointed Expires Status
Alice Richmond 2/10/2021 5/1/2025 Active
Arian Allen 12/11/2019 5/1/2024 Active
Annette Given 3/24/2021 5/1/2025 Active
Mark Kiefer 3/23/2022 5/1/2026 Active
Ralph Jackson 3/23/2022 5/1/2023 Active
Edward Fleck 3/23/2022 5/1/2024 Active
Maurice Finegold 2/8/2023 5/1/2026 Active
Curtis Kemeny 2/8/2023 5/1/2026 Active
Sandra Steele 2/8/2023 5/1/2026 Active

Meet The Beacon Hill Planner

Beacon Hill Planner
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