Quincy Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Quincy Zoning Overview
Quincy is a densely populated city directly south of Boston, served by four MBTA Red Line stations and experiencing substantial transit-oriented development. Known as the "City of Presidents" as the birthplace of John Adams and John Quincy Adams, Quincy has transformed from a granite quarrying and shipbuilding center into a modern suburban city with a rapidly growing downtown.
The zoning ordinance is administered by the Planning Department and organizes Quincy into residential, business, and industrial districts with several important overlay zones. The Quincy Center area has seen dramatic redevelopment with high-rise residential and mixed-use projects, guided by overlay zoning that encourages density near transit stations.
Quincy's compliance with the MBTA Communities Act and the 2024 state ADU law reinforces the city's trajectory toward increased housing production and transit-oriented growth.
Key Zoning Districts
Quincy's districts include Residence A through D (increasing density), Business A through C (local to regional commercial), and Industrial zones. Transit overlay districts near MBTA stations allow significantly higher density and reduced parking requirements. The Quincy Center overlay is the city's most intense development zone.
ADU Regulations
Under the 2024 state ADU law, Quincy allows ADUs by right in single-family zones. ADUs may be up to 900 square feet with no additional parking required. The Inspectional Services Department processes ADU permits within 60 to 90 days.
Development Process
Development in Quincy begins with a zoning review at the Planning Department. Conforming projects proceed to building permits. Projects requiring zoning relief apply to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Large developments in overlay districts undergo site plan review by the Planning Board with public hearings.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Quincy
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
- 7,500 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 4,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 50 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 3,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Quincy
- 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
- 60-90 days
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Quincy are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Quincy permit fees →