Framingham Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Framingham Zoning Overview
Framingham transitioned from town to city government in 2018 and is the largest city in the MetroWest region, located about 20 miles west of Boston. The city combines suburban residential neighborhoods with a growing downtown area near the Framingham commuter rail station. The zoning ordinance is administered by the Planning Department and reflects the city's suburban-to-urban transition.
Framingham's zoning districts range from large-lot single-family areas in the southern and western portions of the city to denser multi-family and commercial zones in the downtown and along Route 9. The city has been actively planning for transit-oriented development near the commuter rail station and updating its downtown zoning to encourage mixed-use growth.
The 2024 state ADU law and MBTA Communities Act have prompted Framingham to update its zoning to accommodate more housing diversity, particularly in areas well-served by transit and existing infrastructure.
Key Zoning Districts
Framingham's residential zones include R-1 through R-4 (increasing density), business zones B-1 through B-4, and manufacturing zones. The Downtown overlay district allows the highest intensity. Technology Park and Highway Business zones accommodate office and regional commercial uses along the Route 9 corridor.
ADU Regulations
Under the 2024 state ADU law, Framingham 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 ADU permits within 45 to 75 days.
Development Process
Development in Framingham starts with a zoning review at the Planning Department. Conforming projects proceed to the Building Department. Projects requiring relief apply to the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Planning Board reviews site plans for commercial and multi-family projects.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Framingham
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 — Middlesex 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
- 20,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 30 ft
- Side Setback
- 15 ft
- Rear Setback
- 30 ft
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
ADU Rules in Framingham
- 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 Framingham are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Framingham permit fees →