Real estate is zoned for specific types of use in Boston. Many people initially think of the difference between commercial and residential zones, and this is one of the most important distinctions. However, it is important to note that zoning is more specific than just splitting things up between housing and businesses.
When looking at percentages, Boston makes up 47.7 square miles, and roughly 49% of that land is situated in residential zones. Another 27% is zoned for miscellaneous use or open space, such as parks, leaving roughly 24% for commercial ventures.
Dividing commercial areas
Among these zones, many areas are zoned for business use, which could include shops, storefronts, small businesses and large commercial operations. This is the traditional type of zone that many people think about when looking into commercial land use.
Additionally, some of Boston, especially in the downtown area, is zoned for industrial use. These are still commercial operations, but could include manufacturing centers, warehouses and other types of buildings that do not see direct use by consumers.
Moreover, a significant amount of the downtown and Back Bay area is zoned for mixed use. For instance, some apartment buildings will be zoned for residential use in the apartments above, but the lower level will be zoned for commercial use and will have shops along the street. These mixed-use buildings do not fit neatly into either zone but offer versatility in a modern city.
When purchasing, leasing or selling real estate, one of the first distinctions to make is how that real estate has been zoned. While navigating the transaction, it can help to work with an experienced real estate attorney.
