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Submitting an Architectural Access Board Variance

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In instances where compliance with the Architectural Access Board's regulations appears impracticable, developers have the right to apply for variance as laid out in 521 CMR 4.1. This page explains how to submit variance applications to the City of Boston Disability Commission when the building in question is within the City of Boston.

Step
1

Guidelines

  • Applications should be addressed to Commissioner Kristen McCosh and sent to ada@boston.gov
  • The email submissions should have the subject line: [Address] - AAB Variance Application
  • The application and all attachments must be in .pdf format in a single file, except where that file exceeds 15 megabytes.
  • If the file should exceed 15 megabytes, it may be broken up into as few files as possible to fall below the size limit.

Keep in Mind

In order to promote environmentally-friendly operational practices, The City of Boston Disabilities Commission is encouraging Architectural Access Board applicants to send variance and amendment applications electronically via email, in lieu of physical mailed-in copies on an ongoing basis. 

Please email ada@boston.gov, should there be any questions or concerns.

Step
1

Guidelines

Physical AAB variance applications can be submitted by mail or in-person to the following address. 

Commissioner Kristen McCosh

City of Boston Disability Commission

Boston City Hall

One City Hall Sq, Room 967

Boston, MA 02201

All physical submissions should include a digital copy of all associated plans submitted in one of the following ways:

  • Physical CD or thumb drive
  • Emailed as an attachment to ada@boston.gov
  • Provided via a document share link

Keep in Mind

In order to promote environmentally-friendly operational practices, the City of Boston Disabilities Commission is encouraging Architectural Access Board applicants to send variance and amendment applications electronically via email, in lieu of physical mailed-in copies on an ongoing basis where possible. Please email ada@boston.gov, should there be any questions or concerns.

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