BPDA Approves Compact Living Two-Year Pilot Program

Creating clear guidelines for new residential units that are smaller in size than typical units will be examined through a two-year pilot program that has been approved by the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA).

The new policy aims to increase options for housing in response to growing demands, promote sustainable development, encourage innovation, create design solutions and minimize potential traffic resulting from increased density, according to BPDA.

This is apparently an important component of Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s Housing a Challenging City: Boston 2030, which responds to Boston’s population growth by increasing the City’s overall housing goals to 69,000 units by 2030.

BPDA reports they have seen an increased number of proposals for smaller residential units. “These guidelines will allow us to work with the community to ensure that these new projects best serve residents and neighborhoods,” Director Brian Golden noted in a press release.

All projects that fall under the Compact Living Guidelines must go through the BPDA Article 80 public review process.