Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the proposed zoning changes and how this site works.
What is this site?
An independent civic-data tool that analyzes Boston's proposed zoning changes for every residential parcel in West Roxbury. It translates the draft zoning text into plain-language, property-specific information.
Is this affiliated with the City of Boston?
No. This is an independent project. We use publicly available City data from Analyze Boston and the draft zoning text, but we are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or funded by the City of Boston or the Boston Planning Department.
What data does this site use?
Boston GIS parcel data, City assessor records, the July 2026 draft zoning text, and MassGIS road network data. All sources are listed on our Sources page.
How accurate is the analysis?
The analysis is based on the best available public data and the draft zoning text. Some values (like setback estimates) are approximations. All limitations are clearly noted on each property page. You can review the full methodology on GitHub.
Is this open source?
Yes. The full codebase is available at github.com/the-last-unicorn/west-roxbury-zoning under the MIT license. All data sources, calculations, and methodology are documented.
Who built this?
Created by Emily Gamble, prepared by The Last Unicorn, LLC. Learn more about the project.
How can I provide feedback on the actual zoning proposal?
Visit bostonplans.org/neighborhood-housing to submit official feedback to the Boston Planning Department, or email Will.Cohen@boston.gov. You can also attend an upcoming meeting.
What does this site use for analytics?
We use Umami — an open-source analytics tool that doesn't use cookies or collect personal information. We only see aggregate page views. Read our full Privacy Policy.