1F-5000 Zone in Boston, MA
1F-5000 zoning district rules in Boston, MA. Permitted uses, setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage requirements.
The 1F-5000 zone in Boston, MA is a residential district. This zone requires a 20 ft front setback, 7 ft side setback, and 30 ft rear setback. Maximum building height is 35 feet (2 stories). Maximum lot coverage is 40%.
Setback Requirements
| Setback Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 20 feet |
| Side Setback | 7 feet |
| Rear Setback | 30 feet |
Boston Zoning Code Article 56. 1F-5000 single-family zone — 5,000 sqft minimum lot area, 50 ft minimum lot width. Front 20 ft, side 7 ft each side, rear 30 ft.
Height Limits
- Max Height
- 35 feet
- Max Stories
- 2
Boston Zoning Code. 1F-5000 — 35 ft maximum, 2.5 stories commonly interpreted.
Lot Coverage
- Max Coverage
- 40%
Boston Zoning Code. 1F-5000 single-family — 40% maximum lot coverage.
Parking Requirements
Single-family: 1–2 spaces per single-family dwelling depending on zone. Boston's dense urban neighborhoods often have limited parking. Many older Boston homes predate automobile era — no garage. On-street permit parking available in many neighborhoods. Multi-family: 0.5–1 space per unit in residential zones. Near MBTA stations, parking requirements are reduced. Boston's downtown and dense neighborhoods have very low parking minimums — often 0 for affordable housing projects.
Source: Boston Zoning Code; Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A Section 3; Affordable Homes Act (Chapter 150, Acts of 2024). Last verified April 5, 2026. View source