Boston to take incremental approach to broadening allowable construction

Boston, MA According to NAIOP, the city announced it will be taking an incremental approach to broadening the allowable categories of construction. Effective May 5^th, all essential construction projects (as defined by the state, which currently means residential, hospitals, public schools, mixed-use with residential, public works and construction related to COVID-19) with approved safety plans and signed affidavits as required under the COVID-19 Safety Policy for Construction will be authorized to prepare the site with project-specific COVID-19 safety measures.

As of May 18, the city will allow a subset of essential construction projects on sites that meet specific criteria to commence (hospitals, public schools, 1-3 unit residential buildings, road and utility work, or other outdoor/open-air work such as steel erection). On May 26^th, all essential construction projects as defined by the state may re-commence construction in adherence to safety plans.

At no time will the city permit any construction beyond what is allowed by the Commonwealth. DPW and ISD will continue to monitor and enforce the COVID-19 Safety Plans for Construction. In accordance with the signed affidavit, contractors acknowledge and agree that non-compliance with any requirements may result in suspension or termination of work in progress or revocation of the city’s permit for such work. 

NAIOP will continue to advocate for policies, executive orders, and legislation that address how this public health crisis is affecting real estate and overall economic development. They are working on numerous initiatives. Please feel free to reach out to CEO Tamara Small or Government Affairs Associate Anastasia Nicolaou if you have any questions.