Boston’s Zoning Commission rejected the Wu administration’s attempt to limit carbon emissions in new developments last night in a surprising turn of events.
The changes had been set to go into effect in July 2025, part of the city’s goal to reduce fossil fuel use and emissions in the building sector. The commission voted 6-4 in favor of the proposal, short of the two-thirds majority required.
In June, the Boston Planning & Development Agency board of directors approved the strict new limits on carbon emissions which would apply to developments which are submitted for approval beginning in July 2025. Typically, a BPDA board vote is the main gate zoning and other policy proposals must pass through, with other city boards typically following suit.
The net-zero zoning code applies to projects that include at least 15 housing units or 20,000 square feet of construction, and additions to existing buildings of 50,000 square feet or more.
Existing buildings already need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or pay into a city fund under the implementation of Boston’s Building Emissions Reduction Disclosure Ordinance.
Source: Commission Rejects Boston Fossil Fuel-Free Zoning Code – Banker & Tradesman
