The Boston Zoning Commission approved the elimination of parking standards for many affordable housing developments.
The ruling applies to new buildings where at least 60% of apartments are set aside at below-market rents. The measure is expected to lower the cost of building affordable housing by clearing a common legal roadblock.
In most sections of the city, new residential buildings are required to have a certain number of parking spaces per unit based partly on proximity to a public transportation station. Eligible projects would be exempt from rules mandating a minimum number of parking spaces per unit in many parts of the city.
Developers often seek exemptions to parking rules, noting that garage parking can add tens of thousands of dollars per unit to the project cost. Neighbors sometimes resist those exemptions, concerned that residents of the new building will raise competition for scarce street parking.
The disputes sometimes land in court, further driving up costs.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 24, 2019
ASHRAE design contest winners demonstrate building resilience
Model building, a city hall, could operate without utility service for two weeks.
Codes and Standards | Oct 22, 2019
Efficient material design, low-carbon concrete are critical to cutting GHG emissions in construction
Enhancing building utilization and reusing materials also aid carbon reduction.
Codes and Standards | Oct 21, 2019
Historic properties not exempt from Americans With Disabilities Act
Some exceptions do apply.
Codes and Standards | Oct 18, 2019
St. Louis could save $61 million per year in energy costs by improved building performance
GHG gases can be reduced by at least 11% with upgrades to public buildings and large private buildings.
Codes and Standards | Oct 17, 2019
Slow payments cost GCs and subs $64 billion annually
Study finds 51-day average payment turnaround.
Codes and Standards | Oct 16, 2019
Cool pavement can make people hotter
Reflective coatings channel sunlight raising temperatures where pedestrians walk.
Codes and Standards | Oct 15, 2019
Utah adopts 2018 International Energy Conservation Code
Provisions include increased building envelope performance and reduced air infiltration.
Codes and Standards | Oct 14, 2019
States continue to beef up energy efficiency codes
ACEEE 50-state scorecard finds latest IECC code gaining adherents.
Codes and Standards | Oct 9, 2019
DOE releases Better Buildings Healthcare Financing Primer
Outlines financial strategies to implement energy-efficiency projects in healthcare.
Codes and Standards | Oct 8, 2019
Zero Carbon Buildings for All aims for ambitious emission reduction targets
Organization makes commitment to net zero carbon for all buildings by 2050.
