PLANNING DEPARTMENT APPROVES UPDATES TO GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICT
The Planning Department has advanced updates to the Groundwater Conservation Overlay District (GCOD) zoning regulations with the goal of streamlining the review process specifically for ‘Substantial Rehabilitation’ projects. The GCOD, regulated under Article 32 of the Boston Zoning Code, plays a critical role in preventing the deterioration of groundwater and actively promotes the restoration of groundwater levels throughout the city. This overlay district is mapped in areas of Boston built on filled land, where many older buildings rely on wood piles for structural support. Projects located within the GCOD are required to incorporate groundwater recharge systems, which ensure that rainwater and other precipitation infiltrate into the ground rather than run off onto streets or other impermeable surfaces. These regulations also mandate certification that the proposed project will not negatively impact groundwater levels. At present, each relevant project must receive a permit granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). Although ‘Substantial Rehabilitation’ projects—such as major renovations of existing buildings—will continue to undergo thorough permitting review focused on groundwater protection, they will no longer be subject to a public hearing before the Board of Appeal. This adjustment is intended to streamline the permitting process, enabling these projects to proceed more quickly and with greater efficiency, while still maintaining the integrity of the GCOD.
These updates are scheduled to be presented before the Zoning Commission in October.
Testimony begins at 125:20
UPDATING THE GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICT
The Planning Department, working in close collaboration with the Boston Groundwater Trust, is proposing a set of minor updates to the existing Groundwater Conservation Overlay District (GCOD) zoning regulations. The revisions aim to enhance the effectiveness and clarity of the current zoning.
~ Next Meeting: Thursday September 25th, 4PM at the Lenox Hotel with a virtual option via Zoom
~ Next Meeting: Thursday September 25th, 4PM at the Lenox Hotel with a virtual option via Zoom
Meeting agendas are posted in the Public Notices section on the City of Boston website.
Preserving the Foundations of Boston’s Historic Structures
The Boston Groundwater Trust (BGwT) was established in 1986 by the Boston City Council with the primary objective of monitoring groundwater levels in specific city sections. The focus areas are those where the stability of building foundations, which are supported by wood pilings, is at risk due to low groundwater levels. The accompanying video (viewed best in desktop mode) visually represents a typical row house in a filled land area in Boston. These houses are supported on wood piles capped with granite blocks, showcasing the traditional foundation method used from the 1800’s to the early 1920’s. It's evident that when the groundwater level remains above the tops of the wood piles, they can maintain their strength and effectively bear the weight of the building. However, a decline in the groundwater level leads to the exposure of wood piles to air, initiating a process of decay that compromises the stability of the building, ultimately posing safety hazards.
“Together we can make Boston the greenest City in the country and one whose future is as bright as our foundations are strong .”
— Honorable Mayor Michelle Wu, City of Boston
WOOD PILE VIDEO SERIES
Wood Piles: Preserving Boston's First Deep Foundations
A look into how Boston became the City it is today and why the Boston Groundwater Trust monitors groundwater levels.
Wood Piles: Preserving and Maintaining Groundwater Levels
A look into how the Boston Groundwater Trust helps preserve and maintain groundwater levels.
Wood Piles: The Process of Underpinning
A look into the labor-intensive process of underpinning a building with decayed wood piles.