Article 85 Demolition Delay

To review all active and archived demolition delay applications visit:

Boston Landmarks Commission Online Portal

1. Please read the application instructions before submitting the Article 85 application via our online portal. 
2. Please submit your application by going to the Boston Landmarks Commission online portal, creating a free account, and navigating to the Article 85 (Demolition Delay) page. The following documents are required as part of the application:
   1. photographs of the property and neighboring properties (all photographs must be keyed to a map)
   2. a map showing the property (maps are available on the Assessor’s website or through the Boston Planning & Development Agency)
   3. a plot plan
   4. plans and elevations if a new structure is proposed
   5. proof of ownership, and
   6. a signature page with the notarized signature of the owner, and of the applicant if different. Please note: This is required.
   • Specific details about document requirements are listed in the application itself. The 10-day staff review does not begin until the application is complete. See our top 10 tips for preparing your Article 85 application.
3. Wait to hear from us.

Landmarks Commission staff will review each application in the order in which it was received and may request additional required information. Please upload any additional required documents in the online application. Once all information is submitted, the application will be deemed complete by staff. Within 10 calendar days of marking the application as complete, staff will get back to the applicant with a determination. Using the specific criteria in Article 85, the building is determined “significant” or “not significant.”

If it is significant*, we schedule a public hearing within 30 days. The applicant is required to present alternatives to demolition at a Landmarks Commission hearing. Applicants can request an extension of time to:

• accommodate submitting two alternatives to demolition for staff review prior to the hearing, and/or
• to prepare additional documentation for the hearing.

Check with staff about the process. You can also read more about these requirements and the public hearing process.

*"Significant" means something very specific in Article 85 review. Staff must use the five criteria that are listed in Article 85-5.3 to determine significance.  A building can be found to be historic and worthy of preservation even if not included in:

• an official governmental list
• a register of historic places, or
• an inventory, survey, preservation report, or study, or something similar.

There are many as yet unidentified significant (historic) properties all over Boston. 

• Application Instructions
• Signature Page
• Tips for applying for Article 85
• Article 85 Zoning Code
• Zoning Maps

• Archeology Department
• Archives Department
• Boston Planning and Development Agency
• Community Preservation Act
• Disabilities Commission
• Environment Department
• Fire Department
• Inspectional Services Department
• Language and Communications Access
• Neighborhood Services
• Parks & Recreation Department
• Public Works Department
• Zoning Board of Appeals

Follow the link below to be brought to the Landmarks Commission hearing page, where you will be able to review past agendas.

Landmarks Commission hearing page

Follow the link below to be brought to the Landmarks Commission hearing page, where you will be able to review hearing recordings.

Landmarks Commission Hearing Page

Follow the link below to be brought to the Landmarks Commission hearing page, where you will be able to review meeting minutes.

Landmarks Commission Hearing Page