Brookline Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Brookline Zoning Overview
Brookline is an affluent town surrounded on three sides by Boston, known for its walkable neighborhoods, excellent schools, and MBTA Green Line access. The city's zoning ordinance is administered by the Planning Department and divides the municipality into residential, commercial, and industrial districts with specific dimensional and use regulations.
The city has been adapting its zoning to meet evolving state requirements and housing needs. Recent updates address transit-oriented development, mixed-use opportunities, and compliance with the MBTA Communities Act and the 2024 state ADU law.
As Massachusetts continues to push for increased housing production statewide, Brookline is updating its regulations to balance neighborhood preservation with the need for additional housing options, particularly near transit and commercial corridors.
Key Zoning Districts
Brookline's zoning includes Single Family (S-7) for low-density areas, General Residential (M-1.0) for higher-density residential, and General Business (G-1.0) for commercial uses. Additional districts cover industrial, institutional, and special-purpose areas.
ADU Regulations
Under the 2024 state ADU law, Brookline allows ADUs by right in single-family zones. ADUs may be up to 900 square feet with no additional parking required. The Building Department processes permits within 45 to 75 days.
Development Process
Development in Brookline begins with a zoning review at the Planning Department. Conforming projects proceed to building permits. Projects requiring relief apply to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Larger projects may require site plan review by the Planning Board.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Brookline
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Massachusetts
- Building Code: MA State Building Code (780 CMR, based on 2021 IBC)
- State ADU Override: Yes (MA ADU Law (2024) — requires single-family zones to allow ADUs by right)
County — Norfolk County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 7,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 3,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 50 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- 2,500 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Brookline
- Max Size
- 900 sq ft
- Max Height
- 20 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- No additional parking required
- Owner Occupancy
- Not required under state ADU law
- Permit Timeline
- 45-75 days
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Brookline are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Brookline permit fees →