What does Residence C zoning mean in Cambridge?

Residence C is one of Cambridge's higher-density residential districts, permitting multifamily buildings at greater height and unit density than the Residence A or B districts. Exact FAR and height limits depend on lot size and any applicable overlay.

Is single-family-only zoning still allowed in Cambridge?

No. In February 2025 Cambridge eliminated single-family-only zoning citywide, amending its residential districts to permit four- to six-story multifamily buildings as of right in areas that previously capped density at one or two units.

How do I find the zoning for an address in Cambridge?

Use the CDD's online zoning map to identify the base district and any overlay (such as the Affordable Housing Overlay or a Kendall Square PUD district) applicable to a parcel, then confirm dimensional standards against the published zoning ordinance.

Cambridge, Massachusetts · city zoning districts · 13 districts

Cambridge, MA zoning map & districts

Cambridge's zoning is administered by the Community Development Department (CDD), with the Planning Board handling special permits and the Board of Zoning Appeal handling variances. In February 2025, Cambridge eliminated single-family-only zoning citywide, amending its residential districts so that four- to six-story multifamily buildings are now allowed as of right in areas that previously capped density at one or two units — one of the most sweeping zoning reforms of any city its size.

The code Cambridge Zoning Ordinance

Cambridge zoning map

The Cambridge Community Development Department maintains an online GIS zoning map alongside the published Cambridge Zoning Ordinance text; the Board of Zoning Appeal and Planning Board process variances and special permits.

There is no link to the official map here yet — confirm current district boundaries directly with the Cambridge planning or zoning department.

A published summary is never the authority. The adopted ordinance and the city's official zoning map govern, and both change — verify the district and every standard on your parcel before you rely on it.

How zoning works in Cambridge

The city also layers in targeted overlays: Planned Unit Development (PUD) districts around Kendall Square shape the biotech and lab-office boom near MIT, and a citywide Affordable Housing Overlay grants height and density bonuses to fully income-restricted developments regardless of the underlying base district. Developers should check both the base district and any applicable overlay before assuming a project's allowed envelope.

Cambridge zoning districts by family

The 13 district codes below are the ones that decide most projects in Cambridge, grouped by what they are for rather than by the order the ordinance prints them.

Key districts in the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance — a curated reference, not the exhaustive list. Confirm against the current adopted code.
Code	District	What it is for
Residential 5 districts
A-1	Residence A-1
A-2	Residence A-2
B	Residence B
C	Residence C
C-1	Residence C-1
Mixed-use 3 districts
O-1	Office-1
BA	Business A
MXD	Mixed Use Development
Commercial 2 districts
BB	Business B
BC	Business C
Industrial 2 districts
IA	Industry A
IB	Industry B
Special purpose 1 district
OS	Open Space

Cambridge zoning — common questions

What does Residence C zoning mean in Cambridge?: Residence C is one of Cambridge's higher-density residential districts, permitting multifamily buildings at greater height and unit density than the Residence A or B districts. Exact FAR and height limits depend on lot size and any applicable overlay.
Is single-family-only zoning still allowed in Cambridge?: No. In February 2025 Cambridge eliminated single-family-only zoning citywide, amending its residential districts to permit four- to six-story multifamily buildings as of right in areas that previously capped density at one or two units.
How do I find the zoning for an address in Cambridge?: Use the CDD's online zoning map to identify the base district and any overlay (such as the Affordable Housing Overlay or a Kendall Square PUD district) applicable to a parcel, then confirm dimensional standards against the published zoning ordinance.

Working in Massachusetts? Get on the list.

The parcel layer lands in the order demand does. Illinois went first because that's where the deals were; the next state is decided by who tells us what they're trying to underwrite. Tell us where you're building and what you wanted to run — you'll hear from us when Massachusetts opens, and sooner if we need a test parcel.

Keep reading

← Massachusetts zoning — who holds the zoning power in Massachusetts, under which enabling statute, and the reforms that override local rules.

Other Massachusetts cities

The zoning reference → — every state, plus city-level district guides like this one.

Cambridge zoning summaries on this page are provided for information, not legal advice. Confirm every project against the current adopted code for the jurisdiction.