Zoning

The Cambridge Zoning Ordinance is the municipal legal framework that regulates urban development in the city. It is complementary to other city ordinances as well as state laws and codes related to building and development.

About Zoning in Cambridge

The Zoning Ordinance establishes regulations for how sites can be used (such as residential, commercial, industrial), the size and scale of buildings, the amount of parking required, and other aspects of urban design and development throughout the city. The regulations for a given site depend on the zoning district(s) in which that site is located.

In some cases, the Zoning Ordinance may require that development projects receive a special permit, either from the Board of Zoning Appeal or from the Planning Board. A proposed project that does not comply with all zoning regulations may seek a zoning variance, which may only be granted by the Board of Zoning Appeal.

The Zoning Ordinance has two major parts: A set of zoning maps that illustrate how the city is divided into different districts, and a set of text articles describing the regulations that apply in each district. Municipal zoning ordinances are governed by Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws.

For More Information

For more information about Cambridge zoning contact Liza Paden at 617/349-4647 or lpaden@cambridgema.gov.

  • Zoning Ordinance Cover Graphic

    Zoning Ordinance Text

    View or download the text of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance.

  • Cambridge base zoning map

    Zoning Maps

    View maps of base zoning districts and overlay zoning districts for the entire city as well as some selected areas.

  • Concord Alewife Plan report cover

    Referenced Plans & Design Guidelines

    The Zoning Ordinance contains references to various Planning Studies and Design Guidelines, which are considered when reviewing developments in special areas of the city.

  • Cambridge Planning Board

    Proposed Zoning Amendments

    View information about proposed zoning amendments that are currently under discussion or were recently considered by the City Council and Planning Board.