South End Innovation District

Proposed Zoning Framework

The South End Innovation District is a proposed set of new development regulations for a portion of the South End. If adopted, these new zoning standards will adapt the existing Enterprise-Light Manufacturing (E-LM) zoning district in several key ways, based on many of the goals contained in planBTV: South End, which calls for the creation of an Innovation District at the heart of the South End. Throughout the planning process, the community recognized that the area’s new, but quickly growing office and technology sector could be an engine for job growth well into the 21st century. The area’s large, undeveloped sites are imagined as a vibrant urban business community with accessible streets, paths and open spaces.  

One aspect of the South End’s future that was widely discussed and debated during the planning process was the idea of allowing housing in some areas of the Enterprise District. While the adopted plan did not recommended housing in the district at the time of adoption, it did recognize that the issue is dynamic and that we needed to continue this discussion in the context of changing community needs. Since the plan’s adoption, the city has grappled with historic challenges with housing prices and a lack of supply, particularly of affordable housing. In response to these pressures, we are continuing the conversation about housing in the South End, by considering how it can be part of the South End Innovation District.  

This new zoning framework addresses both the uses allowed within the district, as well standards for where buildings are located and how they connect to public infrastructure.

Want more information?

Read a summary of the proposed ordinance or read the full proposed ordinance. Our office has created additional videos related to specific topics brought up during the public engagement process: