Landmarks / Historic District Design Approval (Certificate of Appropriateness): Boston restaurant guide

Boston Landmarks Commission and historic district commissions

What it is

In historic districts (Back Bay, Beacon Hill, South End, Bay Village, St. Botolph, Fort Point and others) and on individual landmarks, exterior changes, storefronts and signs need commission approval before ISD will issue the building permit.

When a restaurant needs it

Building is a landmark or in a historic or architectural conservation district and you're changing anything visible outside.

How to apply

Apply online through the Landmarks Commission portal with photos, scaled drawings and owner signature. Routine items may get staff (administrative) approval; others go to a monthly public hearing.

Documents you’ll need

Design review application
Photos of existing conditions
To-scale drawings of storefront/sign (dimensions, materials, attachment, lighting, colors, lettering)
Property owner signature

Fee

Minor modifications $25; façade changes $50; major exterior alterations $100; major construction $250; projects over $500,000: 0.5% of cost (max $5,000)

Processing time

Application must be complete 15 business days before the monthly hearing; plan 1–2 months

Renewal

None

Who files

The tenant, architect or sign company may apply, but the property owner must sign.

Good to know

Upload the approval to your ISD permit application and display the approval placard on site during work.

Official source

Boston Landmarks Commission · BLC — design review application & fee guide (PDF)

Get your personalized Boston permit plan

Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.