Past PIC Hearing Public Documents

Please contact PIC@boston.gov to request info from hearings prior to 2024.

The enclosed plans are the versions which were presented to the Commission at the hearings, and are subject to revisions at the direction of the Commission and/or Commission staff.

The Commission owns and manages Boston’s public and private rights-of-way. We play an important role in the City’s urban development and permitting.

Public Improvement Commission
The Commission owns and manages Boston’s public and private rights-of-way. We play an important role in the City’s urban development and permitting.

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The Public Improvement Commission (PIC) was formally established in 1954, and is derived from the original Board of Alderman, which later delegated certain powers to the Board of Street Commissioners. The PIC is an independent body managed by the Public Works Department. Members of the Commission include:

Commissioner of the Public Works Department, who is the Chairperson of the Commission
Commissioners of the Property Management, Inspectional Services, and Transportation Departments, as well as the Disabilities Commission
Executive Director of Boston Water and Sewer Commission
Chief Engineer
Executive Secretary, and
administrative personnel.
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Have questions? Contact us:

617-635-4960

PIC@boston.gov
Have questions about permitting?
Contact Public Works’ Permitting Division at 617-635-4909.

Our responsibilities
If you want to use public space for your business venture, you need our approval. Our work includes many responsibilities:

We order the creation, repair, adjusting, or renaming of highways.
We call for the construction of sewers and storm drains.
We use eminent domain to take land for the City, except housing and off-street parking.
We levy taxes for betterment projects involving the street, sidewalks, and sewers.
2025 Hearing Schedule
There are no related events available at this time!

2025 Hearing Schedule
PAST HEARING MINUTES AND PLANS
Past PIC Hearing Public Documents

Please contact PIC@boston.gov to request info from hearings prior to 2024.
The enclosed plans are the versions which were presented to the Commission at the hearings, and are subject to revisions at the direction of the Commission and/or Commission staff.