MFR Zone in Boston, MA
MFR zoning district rules in Boston, MA. Permitted uses, setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage requirements.
The MFR zone in Boston, MA is a residential district. This zone requires a 10 ft front setback, 5 ft side setback, and 20 ft rear setback. Maximum building height is 55 feet (5 stories). Maximum lot coverage is 70%.
Setback Requirements
| Setback Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 10 feet |
| Side Setback | 5 feet |
| Rear Setback | 20 feet |
Boston Zoning Code. MFR (Multi-Family Residential) — allows higher density residential development. Setbacks may vary by specific MFR subdistrict.
Height Limits
- Max Height
- 55 feet
- Max Stories
- 5
Boston Zoning Code. MFR multifamily — 55 ft base height, up to 5 stories. Higher development possible with BPDA Article 80 review.
Lot Coverage
- Max Coverage
- 70%
Boston Zoning Code. MFR multifamily — 70% maximum coverage. FAR (Floor Area Ratio) also governs density.
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