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Landmarks Commission

Located within the Office of Historic Preservation, the Landmarks Commission (BLC) and 10 historic district commissions recognize, preserve, and protect Boston's built heritage and history. Local volunteers serve as commissioners.

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The Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) also includes the City Archaeology Program and the Commemoration Commission. OHP is part of the Environment, Energy, and Open Space Cabinet. Learn about how Landmarks works to protect Boston’s historic resources while promoting the environmental benefits of our existing historic buildings and open spaces.

All commissioners are residents of Boston and nominated by neighborhood groups and professional organizations. They are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council. BLC staff support each commissions' work. Find specifics about commissioner appointments in the Landmarks Commission's enabling legislation, and in each study report. 

You can now apply for design review for the 10 historic districts and individual landmarks online!

Boston Landmarks Commission Online Portal

Use our online portal to:

  • Apply for Design Review
  • Apply for Article 85 (Demolition Delay)
  • Review past Demolition Delay applications
  • Report a violation
  • Submit a public comment
  • View translated applications
  • Portal troubleshooting
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Apply for design review online
Translated Applications
Article 85 Demolition Delay
Search a map of historic landmarks and districts
Designating landmarks in Boston
2024 public hearing dates
Landmarks common questions and answers
Approved final study reports
List of all submitted petitions
Sign up for our Quarterly Newsletter!
Research and technical assistance
Historic Preservation Funding Resources
Pending Landmark Study Reports Under Review
Landmarks / Historic District Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Data

Public hearings and meetings

Hearings
Back Bay Architectural Commission
On Dec 18

Dec 18
St. Botolph Area Architectural Conservation District Commission
On Dec 18

Dec 18
Historic Beacon Hill District
On Dec 19

Dec 19
CANCELED: Highland Park Architectural Conservation District Commission
On Dec 19

Dec 19
CANCELED: December 26, 2024, Highland Park Architectural Conservation District Commission Hearing
On Dec 26

Dec 26
Boston Residency Compliance Commission Meeting
On Aug 7

Aug 7
Search public notices

Article 85 Demolition Delay

Article 85 Demolition Delay

Before demolishing a building in Boston, owners must submit an Article 85 application.

Individual Landmarks

Individual Landmarks

We review proposed changes to individually landmarked buildings, landscapes, and objects - each historic district has its own commission.

Historic Districts

Historic Districts

Aberdeen Architectural Conservation District

Brighton

The Aberdeen Architectural Conservation District was designated in 2002.

Back Bay Architectural District

Back Bay

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

Bay Village Historic District

Bay Village

The Bay Village Historic District was designated in 1983.

Historic Beacon Hill District

Beacon Hill

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

Bay State Road/Back Bay West Area Architectural Conservation District

Back Bay

The Bay State Road/Back Bay West Architectural Conservation District was designated in 1979.

Fort Point Channel Landmark District

South Boston

The Fort Point Channel Landmark District was designated in 2009.

Highland Park Architectural Conservation District

Roxbury

The Highland Park Architectural Conservation District was designated in 2022.

Mission Hill Triangle Architectural Conservation District

Mission Hill

The Mission Hill Triangle Architectural Conservation District was designated in 1985.

St. Botolph Area Architectural Conservation District

Fenway/Kenmore

The Saint Botolph Area Architectural Conservation District was designated in 1981.

South End Landmark District

South End

The South End Landmark District was designated in 1983.
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