Landmarks Commission Common Questions

About the Boston Landmarks Commission

The Boston Landmarks Commission (BLC) is Boston's historic preservation office, part of the Office of Historic Preservation. BLC and local historic district commissions perform a wide range of preservation functions. Changes to landmarked properties—including those in historic districts—are reviewed and approved by commissions with volunteer commissioners, each supported by a BLC staff person.

Contact Information

• Phone: 617-635-1935
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: 26 Court Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02108
• Archaeology inquiries: [email protected]

Stay Informed

• Facebook: @BostonLandmarks
• Instagram: @BostonLandmarks
• X: @BostonLandmarks
• Threads: @Bostonlandmarks
• YouTube: @BostonHistoricPreservation

Design Review Applications

• Mailing address: Office of Historic Preservation: Landmarks Commission, ATTN: (Name of Planner or Architect), 20 City Hall Avenue Floor 3, Boston, MA 02108
• Applications accepted on a rolling basis
• Submit 15 business days before the hearing date for public hearing agenda inclusion
• Staff contacts applicants about application status before the completion date
• Agendas posted 10 calendar days before hearing date on Boston.gov

Application Status & Hearings

Track your application status using the applicant portal. If your application is listed as a 'Design Review' item, a representative must appear before the Commission. If listed as 'Administrative Review,' you do not have to appear but must await a decision before starting work.

Design Review Fees

Different fees and categories apply depending on the situation. See the design review application instructions for the fee list.

Check Historic District Status

Use the publicly available map to determine if a building is within a historic district boundary or individually landmarked.

Emergency Repairs

Emergency repair applications can be approved at a Preservation Planner's discretion if the work is consistent with guidelines and is necessary to prevent property damage or protect safety. Proof of emergency and photographs showing the situation must be provided.

Historical Approval for Building Permits

If your property is flagged as a designated property, you need historical approval. Complete an application online and bring or mail it to: Office of Historic Preservation: Boston Landmarks Commission, 20 City Hall Avenue Floor 3, Boston, MA 02108.

Report Violations

To report potential violations of historic preservation requirements, call 617-635-1935 or email [email protected].