Planning Board Advisory Consultation (PBAC)

When is a PBAC required?

Most residential projects of 75,000 square feet or more require a Project Review Special Permit. Residential projects that are at least 50,000 square feet but do not require a special permit require a Planning Board Advisory Consultation under Section 19.47 of the Zoning Ordinance.

What happens at a PBAC?

Developers submit their plans to the Planning Board, which reviews them at one of their regular public meetings. Members of the public are invited to send written comments or make comments at the meeting. After hearing a presentation of the design and comments from the public, the Planning Board makes advisory comments about the project’s design that are non-binding to the developer.

The PBAC process involves two meetings: a preliminary consultation to present the plans, and a final consultation where the developer presents updated plans and responds to the Planning Board’s comments from the earlier meeting. After the final consultation, the developer can apply for a building permit. The development would need to meet all zoning, building code, and other applicable requirements.

How to apply for a PBAC

Ready? Set. Go!

Here are the general steps for Planning Board Advisory Consultation. This page is a reference to help guide you through the process. Contact CDD staff if you have questions or need clarifications.  

Ready? 

Start with determining the zoning requirements for your proposal. Here are steps to get ready:

Set.

You can consult with City staff about your project. After you have done your research, you should: 

  • Meet with Zoning & Development staff to discuss your proposal
  • Conduct a community engagement process as required by zoning. Be sure to send a copy of all meeting flyers to CDD staff at least two weeks before the meeting.
  • Prepare a draft application submission.

Go!

Once you have met with City staff and updated your draft submission based on their feedback, you are ready to submit the materials for a Planning Board Advisory Consultation. After you submit your final application you will: 

  • Receive a Planning Board meeting date
  • Attend the Planning Board meeting

Related Links

For More Information

Contact cddzoning@cambridgema.gov.