POR 2026-171 · Agenda item attachment · Sep 14 2026

POR 2026-171 FIRST IN COUNCIL September 14, 2026 City of Cambridge MAYOR SIDDIQUI COUNCILLOR AL-ZUBI COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN VICE MAYOR AZEEM WHEREAS: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest and most effective anti-hunger assistance program in the nation, serving over 895,000 Massachusetts recipients or 561,000 Massachusetts households in June 2026, and approximately 10,000 individuals in Cambridge in July 2025; and WHEREAS: The monthly number of calls from individuals needing action from the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) to receive or keep SNAP but were unable to connect to a call center representative reached a record high in March 2026 of 11,806, likely due to insufficient staff to answer phone lines; and WHEREAS: In July 2025, President Trump signed H.R.1 (“One Big Beautiful Bill”) into law, resulting in a decrease of approximately 180,000 Massachusetts recipients of SNAP benefits, including 63,000 children; and WHEREAS: Since July 2025, the number of monthly walk-in visits for those seeking services has remained constant, but the average number of processing days for new SNAP applications has increased from 11 days to 21 days; and WHEREAS: According to the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI), the Cambridge economy has already lost approximately $2.95 million in annualized federal SNAP dollars, with approximately $28.8 million in annualized federal MassHealth dollars at risk; and WHEREAS: Since July 2025, Cambridge’s SNAP enrollment has fallen by 15.2%, or 1,491 residents, and according to the MLRI, 70% of application denials and 50% of recertifications were denied for procedural reasons; and WHEREAS: While the Federal government is focused on cutting programs that have served our residents well for decades, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts can choose to invest in SNAP and DTA’s workforce; now therefore be it RESOLVED: That the City Council urge the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Massachusetts General Court to prioritize the hiring of additional DTA case workers to ensure those eligible for SNAP are able to receive and maintain benefits and taking other steps needed to end the SNAP access crisis; and be it further ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably

engrossed copies of this resolution to Governor Maura Healey, DTA Commissioner Michael Cole, and the Cambridge state legislative delegation on behalf of the entire City Council. A true copy; ATTEST:- Paula M. Crane, Interim City Clerk

City of Cambridge That the City Council urge the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Massachusetts General Court to prioritize the hiring of additional DTA case workers to ensure those eligible for SNAP are able to receive and maintain benefits and taking other steps needed to end the SNAP access crisis.

Vote Certification Cambridge Street Active Use Zoning petition Referred to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for Hearing and Report: Monday, April 27, 2026 RESULT: 9 TO 0 YEAS: Ayah A. Al-Zubi, Burhan Azeem, Timothy R. Flaherty, Marc C. Mcgovern, Patricia M. Nolan, E. Denise Simmons, Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, Catherine Zusy, Sumbul Siddiqui NAYS: PRESENT: ABSENT:

Vote Certification Cambridge Street Active Use Zoning petition Passed to a Second Reading: Monday, August 3, 2026 RESULT: 8 TO 1 YEAS: Ayah A. Al-Zubi, Timothy R. Flaherty, Marc C. Mcgovern, Patricia M. Nolan, E. Denise Simmons, Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, Catherine Zusy, Sumbul Siddiqui NAYS: Burhan Azeem PRESENT: ABSENT:

Description of proposed district boundaries based on the maps submitted with petition materials for the April 27th, 2026 City Council Meeting: Cambridge Street Active Uses Business A (BA) District – Legal Description Create a Business A (BA) district on the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge with the following boundaries: Beginning at the northwesternmost point of the existing CAM-6/PUD-4A District where it meets the street centerline of Monsignor O’Brien Highway and the southern boundary of the SD-1 District, and proceeding along the western boundary of the CAM-6/PUD4A District in a southerly direction; thence continuing in a southerly direction along the western boundary of the CAM-6/PUD4A District to the intersection of the street centerline of Gore Street; thence turning in a southwesterly direction along the street centerline of Gore Street to the intersection of the street centerline of Third Street; thence turning in a northerly direction along the street centerline of Third Street to the intersection of the street centerline of Third Street and the northern boundary of the C-1 District; thence turning in a northwesterly direction and proceeding along the C-1 District boundary to the intersection of the street centerline of Monsignor O’Brien Highway and the southern boundary of the SD-1 District; thence turning in a southeasterly direction along the boundary of the SD-1 District to the point of beginning.

Cambridge St Active Use Amendments – FINAL April 22, 2026 Page 1 Petition: To amend the Zoning Map and Article 17.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of strengthening active use requirements on Cambridge Street. Amendments to the Zoning Map. See attached Zoning Map and descriptive text. Amendments to Article 17.000. Amend Section 17.704.2.1 to read as follows: 17.704.2.1 Additional Height for Ground Story Active Uses. The following limitations shall apply in addition to the Table of Height Limitations below: As set forth in the Table of Height Limitations, greater height shall be permitted for portions of buildings containing Residential Uses if the Ground Story is occupied by one or more Active Uses, as defined in Section 17.703.3, comprising at least 60% of the interior portion of the Ground Story that is within 50 feet of a Primary Street. (a) On lots abutting one or more Primary Streets, residential uses shall be limited to 3 stories above grade and 35 feet above grade if the Ground Story is not occupied by one or more Active Uses, as defined in Section 17.703.3, comprising at least 60% of the interior portion of the Ground Story that is within 50 feet of a Primary Street. (b) Upon granting a special permit, the Planning Board may approve modifications to the Active Use floor area and location standards in paragraph (a) above to permit residential heights up to those set forth in the Table of Height Limitations if the Board finds that all of the following criteria are met in addition to those in Section 17.707.2 and may impose conditions to ensure ongoing conformance: (i) Active Uses shall be provided in a manner that generally meets the intent of the requirement to provide for reasonably continuous active ground floor frontage along the Primary Street, and (ii) the total floor area of required Active Uses is not substantially reduced, and (iii) the modifications directly respond to unique site-specific conditions that make the application of paragraph (a) infeasible. (c) Lots that do not directly abut a Primary Street shall not be subject to the additional limitations of paragraph (a) above; however, (i) within 50 feet of the street line of a Primary Street, the permitted residential heights shall not exceed the applicable limitations set forth in paragraph (a) above, and (ii) the limitations set forth in paragraph (a) above shall apply to the entire area of any lot that abuts a Primary Street on April 27, 2026, including any lots or portions of lots that are later subdivided so that they no longer abut a Primary Street. (d) The additional limitations of this Section shall not apply to an AHO Project.

Cambridge St Active Use Amendments – FINAL April 22, 2026 Page 2 Amend Section 17.704.3 to read as follows: 17.704.3 Table of Height Limitations. CAM-6 CAM-10 CAM-12 Non-Residential Uses (Section 4.30 except 4.31 a-j., 4.33.b.7 & 4.33.a) 35 feet and 3 stories above grade 45 feet and 4 stories above grade 35 feet and 3 stories above grade Dormitory Uses (Section 4.33.b.7) 45 feet and 4 stories above grade 45 feet and 4 stories above grade 45 feet and 4 stories above grade Residential Uses (Section 4.31 a-j.) & Religious Purposes Uses (Section 4.33.a) 75 feet and 6 stories above grade 75 feet and 6 stories above grade 75 feet and 6 stories above grade Residential Uses (Section 4.31 a-j.) with Ground Story Active Uses (Section 17.703.3) 75 feet and 6 stories above grade 120 feet and 10 stories above grade 145 feet and 12 stories above grade

Cambridge St Active Use Amendments – FINAL April 22, 2026 Page 3 Formula Business Special Permit Amendments to Article 17.000. Create a new Section 17.703.4 to read as follows: 17.703.4 Formula Businesses. A Formula Business as defined in this Ordinance may be established in a Cambridge Street District only after the issuance of a special permit from the Planning Board. In reviewing an application the Planning Board shall take the following into consideration: (a) The extent to which the design of the proposal reflects, amplifies, and strengthens the established historical character of existing buildings and store fronts on Cambridge Street. (b) The extent to which the particulars of the building or storefront design is varied from the formula or standard design of the chain in order to reflect the unique character and conditions of Cambridge Street generally or the specific location in particular. (c) The extent to which the standard elements of the enterprise as they define it as a Formula Business are modified to respect and provide unique expressions of Cambridge Street history and traditions as well as innovation in physical design and marketing that will distinguish the Cambridge Street location from other locations of the Formula Business.

Cambridge St Active Use Amendments – AMENDED CLEAN August 3, 2026 Page 1 Petition: To amend the Zoning Map and Article 17.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of strengthening active use requirements on Cambridge Street. Amendments to the Zoning Map. See attached Zoning Map and descriptive text. Amendments to Article 17.000. Amend Section 17.704.2.1 to read as follows: 17.704.2.1 Ground Story Active Uses. The following limitations shall apply in addition to the Table of Height Limitations below: (a) On lots abutting one or more Primary Streets in a CAM-10 or CAM-12 district, residential uses shall be limited to 3 stories above grade and 35 feet above grade if the Ground Story is not occupied by one or more Active Uses, as defined in Section 17.703.3, comprising at least 60% of the interior portion of the Ground Story that is within 50 feet of a Primary Street. (b) Upon granting a special permit, the Planning Board may approve modifications to the Active Use floor area and location standards in paragraph (a) above to permit residential heights up to those set forth in the Table of Height Limitations if the Board finds that all of the following criteria are met in addition to those in Section 17.707.2 and may impose conditions to ensure ongoing conformance: (i) Active Uses shall be provided in a manner that generally meets the intent of the requirement to provide for reasonably continuous active ground floor frontage along the Primary Street, and (ii) the total floor area of required Active Uses is not substantially reduced, and (iii) the modifications directly respond to unique site-specific conditions that make the application of paragraph (a) infeasible. (c) Lots that do not directly abut a Primary Street shall not be subject to the additional limitations of paragraph (a) above; however, (i) within 50 feet of the street line of a Primary Street, the permitted residential heights shall not exceed the applicable limitations set forth in paragraph (a) above, and (ii) the limitations set forth in paragraph (a) above shall apply to the entire area of any lot that abuts a Primary Street on April 27, 2026, including any lots or portions of lots that are later subdivided so that they no longer abut a Primary Street. (d) The additional limitations of this Section shall not apply to an AHO Project. Amend Section 17.704.3 to read as follows:

Cambridge St Active Use Amendments – AMENDED CLEAN August 3, 2026 Page 2 17.704.3 Table of Height Limitations. CAM-6 CAM-10 CAM-12 Non-Residential Uses (Section 4.30 except 4.31 a-j., 4.33.b.7 & 4.33.a) 35 feet and 3 stories above grade 45 feet and 4 stories above grade 35 feet and 3 stories above grade Dormitory Uses (Section 4.33.b.7) 45 feet and 4 stories above grade 45 feet and 4 stories above grade 45 feet and 4 stories above grade Religious Purposes Uses (Section 4.33.a) 75 feet and 6 stories above grade 75 feet and 6 stories above grade 75 feet and 6 stories above grade Residential Uses (Section 4.31 a-j.) 75 feet and 6 stories above grade 120 feet and 10 stories above grade 145 feet and 12 stories above grade

Cambridge St Active Use Amendments – AMENDED CLEAN August 3, 2026 Page 2

Cambridge St Active Use Amendments – AMENDED CLEAN August 3, 2026 Page 3 Formula Business Special Permit Amendments to Article 17.000. Create a new Section 17.703.4 to read as follows: 17.703.4 Formula Businesses. A Formula Business as defined in this Ordinance may be established in a Cambridge Street District only after the issuance of a special permit from the Planning Board. In reviewing an application the Planning Board shall take the following into consideration: (a) The extent to which the design of the proposal reflects, amplifies, and strengthens the established historical character of existing buildings and store fronts on Cambridge Street. (b) The extent to which the particulars of the building or storefront design is varied from the formula or standard design of the chain in order to reflect the unique character and conditions of Cambridge Street generally or the specific location in particular. (c) The extent to which the standard elements of the enterprise as they define it as a Formula Business are modified to respect and provide unique expressions of Cambridge Street history and traditions as well as innovation in physical design and marketing that will distinguish the Cambridge Street location from other locations of the Formula Business.

Page 1 ORDINANCE NO. 2026-06 – FIRST PUBLICATION CITY OF CAMBRIDGE In the Year Two Thousand and Twenty-Six AN ORDINANCE That the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge be amended on a Zoning Petition by the Cambridge City Council to amend the Zoning Map and Article 17.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of strengthening active use requirements on Cambridge Street. Amendments to the Zoning Map. See attached Zoning Map and descriptive text. Amendments to Article 17.000. Amend Section 17.704.2.1 to read as follows: 17.704.2.1 Ground Story Active Uses. The following limitations shall apply in addition to the Table of Height Limitations below: (a) On lots abutting one or more Primary Streets, residential uses shall be limited to 3 stories above grade and 35 feet above grade if the Ground Story is not occupied by one or more Active Uses, as defined in Section 17.703.3, comprising at least 60% of the interior portion of the Ground Story that is within 50 feet of a Primary Street. (b) Upon granting a special permit, the Planning Board may approve modifications to the Active Use floor area and location standards in paragraph (a) above to permit residential heights up to those set forth in the Table of Height Limitations if the Board finds that all of the following criteria are met in addition to those in Section 17.707.2 and may impose conditions to ensure ongoing conformance: (i) Active Uses shall be provided in a manner that generally meets the intent of the requirement to provide for reasonably continuous active ground floor frontage along the Primary Street, and (ii) the total floor area of required Active Uses is not substantially reduced, and (iii) the modifications directly respond to unique site-specific conditions that make the application of paragraph (a) infeasible. (c) Lots that do not directly abut a Primary Street shall not be subject to the additional limitations of paragraph (a) above; however, (i) within 50 feet of the street line of a Primary Street, the permitted residential heights shall not exceed the applicable limitations set forth in paragraph (a) above, and (ii) the limitations set forth in paragraph (a) above shall apply to the entire area of any lot that abuts a Primary Street on April 27, 2026, including any lots or portions of lots that are later subdivided so that they no longer abut a Primary Street. (d) The additional limitations of this Section shall not apply to an AHO Project.

Page 2 Amend Section 17.704.3 to read as follows: 17.704.3 Table of Height Limitations. CAM-6 CAM-10 CAM-12 Non-Residential Uses (Section 4.30 except 4.31 a-j., 4.33.b.7 & 4.33.a) 35 feet and 3 stories above grade 45 feet and 4 stories above grade 35 feet and 3 stories above grade Dormitory Uses (Section 4.33.b.7) 45 feet and 4 stories above grade 45 feet and 4 stories above grade 45 feet and 4 stories above grade Religious Purposes Uses (Section 4.33.a) 75 feet and 6 stories above grade 75 feet and 6 stories above grade 75 feet and 6 stories above grade Residential Uses (Section 4.31 a-j.) 75 feet and 6 stories above grade 120 feet and 10 stories above grade 145 feet and 12 stories above grade

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Page 3 Formula Business Special Permit Amendments to Article 17.000. Create a new Section 17.703.4 to read as follows: 17.703.4 Formula Businesses. A Formula Business as defined in this Ordinance may be established in a Cambridge Street District only after the issuance of a special permit from the Planning Board. In reviewing an application the Planning Board shall take the following into consideration: (a) The extent to which the design of the proposal reflects, amplifies, and strengthens the established historical character of existing buildings and store fronts on Cambridge Street. (b) The extent to which the particulars of the building or storefront design is varied from the formula or standard design of the chain in order to reflect the unique character and conditions of Cambridge Street generally or the specific location in particular. (c) The extent to which the standard elements of the enterprise as they define it as a Formula Business are modified to respect and provide unique expressions of Cambridge Street history and traditions as well as innovation in physical design and marketing that will distinguish the Cambridge Street location from other locations of the Formula Business. Passed to a second reading at the City Council meeting held on August 3, 2026 and on or after August 24, 2026 the question comes on passage to be ordained. Attest:- Paula M. Crane Interim City Clerk

Vote Certification Massachusetts Avenue Active Use Zoning petition Referred to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for Hearing and Report: Monday, April 27, 2026 RESULT: 9 TO 0 YEAS: Ayah A. Al-Zubi, Burhan Azeem, Timothy R. Flaherty, Marc C. Mcgovern, Patricia M. Nolan, E. Denise Simmons, Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, Catherine Zusy, Sumbul Siddiqui NAYS: PRESENT: ABSENT:

Vote Certification Massachusetts Avenue Active Use Zoning petition Amended by Substitution and Passed to a Second Reading from language in CMA 2026-218: Monday, August 3, 2026 RESULT: 8 TO 0 YEAS: Ayah A. Al-Zubi, Burhan Azeem, Timothy R. Flaherty, Marc C. Mcgovern, Patricia M. Nolan, Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, Catherine Zusy, Sumbul Siddiqui NAYS: PRESENT: ABSENT: E. Denise Simmons

Vote Certification Massachusetts Avenue Active Use Zoning petition Amended by Substitution and Passed to a Second Reading from language in CMA 2026-218: Monday, August 3, 2026 RESULT: 8 TO 0 YEAS: Ayah A. Al-Zubi, Burhan Azeem, Timothy R. Flaherty, Marc C. Mcgovern, Patricia M. Nolan, Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, Catherine Zusy, Sumbul Siddiqui NAYS: PRESENT: ABSENT: E. Denise Simmons

Description of proposed district boundaries based on the maps submitted with petition materials for the April 27th, 2026 City Council Meeting: Massachusetts Avenue Active Uses MAS-12A District – Legal Description Create a Massachusetts Avenue-12A (MAS-12A) district on the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge with the following boundaries: Beginning at the northwesternmost point of the existing MAS-18/PUD-POR District where it meets the street centerline of Massachusetts Avenue, and proceeding in a southeasterly direction along the boundary of the MAS-18/PUD-POR District; thence continuing along the MAS-18/PUD-POR boundary to the intersection of the street centerline of Roseland Street; thence turning in an easterly direction and proceeding along the southern boundary of the MAS-18/PUD/POR District to the intersection of with the C-1 District boundary within the Roseland Street right-of-way; thence turning in a southerly direction and proceeding along the C-1 District boundary to the intersection with the southern boundary of the C-1 District and the northern boundary of the C-2A District; thence continuing in a southerly direction along the western boundary of the C-2A District to the intersection of the southern boundary of the C-2A District and the northern boundary of the C-3 District within the Everett Street right-of-way; thence turning in a westerly direction and proceeding along the boundary of the C-3 District to the intersection with the eastern boundary of the C-2 District within the Chauncy Street right-of-way; thence turning in a northerly direction along the eastern boundary of the C-2 District to the intersection with the southern boundary of the C-1 District; thence continuing in a northerly direction along the eastern boundary of the C-1 District to the intersection with the southern boundary of the C-2 District within the Linnaean Street right-of-way; thence continuing in a northerly direction and proceeding along the eastern boundary of the C-2 District to the intersection with the boundary of the C-1 District within the Lancaster Street right-of-way; thence continuing in a northerly direction along the eastern boundary of the C-1 District to the southern boundary of the C-2 District; thence turning in an easterly direction and proceeding along the boundary of the C-2 District to the intersection with the boundary of the C-1 District; thence continuing in a northerly direction along the eastern boundary of the C-1 District to the southern boundary of the C-1A District; thence continuing in a northerly direction and proceeding along the eastern boundary of the C-1A District to the southern boundary of the C-1 District; thence turning in a northwesterly direction and proceeding along the boundary of the C-1 District to the southern boundary of the OS District; thence turning in an easterly

direction along the southern boundary of the OS district to the intersection with the eastern boundary of the property located on Map 191, Lot 118; thence continuing in an easterly direction and proceeding along a line described as follows: a straight line connecting a point at the previously described intersection of the southern boundary of the OS district where it intersects with the eastern boundary of the property located on Map 191, Lot 118 and a point at the southwestern point of the OS District on the property located on Map 184, Lot RR4 where it intersects with the northwesternmost point of the property located on Map 184, Lot 155; thence continuing in an easterly direction along the northernmost boundary of the property located on Map 184, Lot 155 to the intersection with the Cameron Avenue right-of-way; thence continuing in an easterly direction and proceeding along a line described as follows: a straight line connecting a point at the intersection of the OS District on the property located on Map 184, Lot RR4, the property located on Map 184, Lot 155, and the Cameron Avenue right-of-way and a point located at the intersection of the Cameron Ave right-of-way, the property located on Map 183, Lot 128, and the westernmost point of the OS District boundary; thence continuing in an easterly direction and proceeding along the boundary of the OS District to the intersection with the boundary of the C-1 District; thence turning in a southwesterly direction and proceeding along the boundary of the C-1 District to the intersection with the northern boundary of the MAS-18/PUD-POR District within the Davenport Street right-of-way; thence turning in a southwesterly direction and proceeding along the boundary of the MAS- 18/PUD-POR District to the point of beginning.

Mass Ave Active Use Amendments – FINAL April 22, 2026 Page 1 Petition: To amend the Zoning Map and Article 17.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of strengthening active use requirements on North Mass Ave. Amendments to the Zoning Map. See attached Zoning Map and descriptive text. Amendments to Article 17.000. Amend Section 17.804.2.1 to read as follows: 17.804.2.1 Additional Height for Ground Story Active Uses. The following limitations shall apply in addition to the Table of Height Limitations below: As set forth in the Table of Height Limitations, greater height shall be permitted for portions of buildings containing Residential Uses if the Ground Story is occupied by one or more Active Uses, as defined in Section 17.803.3, comprising at least 60% of the interior portion of the Ground Story that is within 50 feet of a Primary Street. (a) On lots abutting one or more Primary Streets in a MAS-12A or MAS-18 district, residential uses shall be limited to 4 stories above grade and 45 feet above grade if the Ground Story is not occupied by one or more Active Uses, as defined in Section 17.803.3, comprising at least 60% of the interior portion of the Ground Story that is within 50 feet of a Primary Street. (b) On lots abutting one or more Primary Streets in a MAS-12 district, residential uses shall be limited to 8 stories above grade and 100 feet above grade if the Ground Story is not occupied by one or more Active Uses, as defined in Section 17.803.3, comprising at least 60% of the interior portion of the Ground Story that is within 50 feet of a Primary Street. (c) Upon granting a special permit, the Planning Board may approve modifications to the Active Use floor area and location standards in paragraphs (a) and (b) above to permit residential heights up to those set forth in the Table of Height Limitations if the Board finds that all of the following criteria are met in addition to those in Section 17.807.2 and may impose conditions to ensure ongoing conformance: (i) Active Uses shall be provided in a manner that generally meets the intent of the requirement to provide for reasonably continuous active ground floor frontage along the Primary Street, and (ii) the total floor area of required Active Uses is not substantially reduced, and (iii) the modifications directly respond to unique site-specific conditions that make the application of paragraphs (a) or (b) infeasible. (d) Lots that do not directly abut a Primary Street shall not be subject to the additional limitations of paragraphs (a) and (b) above; however, (i) within 50 feet of the street line of a Primary Street, the permitted residential heights shall not exceed the applicable limitations set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) above, and (ii) the limitations set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) above shall apply to the entire area of any lot that abuts a Primary Street on April 27, 2026, including any lots or portions of

Mass Ave Active Use Amendments – FINAL April 22, 2026 Page 2 lots that are later subdivided so that they no longer abut a Primary Street. (e) The additional limitations of this Section shall not apply to an AHO Project. Amend Section 17.804.3 to read as follows: 17.804.3 Table of Height Limitations MAS-6 MAS-12 MAS-12A MAS-18 Non-Residential Uses (Section 4.30 except 4.31 a-j. & 4.33.a) 45 feet and 4 stories above grade 45 feet and 4 stories above grade 45 feet and 4 stories above grade 45 feet and 4 stories above grade Non-Residential Uses (Section 4.30 except 4.31 a-j. & 4.33.a) within the PUD-POR District 55 feet and 5 stories above grade 55 feet and 5 stories above grade 55 feet and 5 stories above grade 55 feet and 5 stories above grade Institutional Uses (Section 4.33) except Religious Purposes (Section 4.33.a) within an Institutional Use Overlay District 60 feet and 6 stories above grade 60 feet and 6 stories above grade 60 feet and 6 stories above grade 60 feet and 6 stories above grade Residential Uses (Section 4.31 a-j.) 75 feet and 6 stories above grade 100 feet and 8 stories above grade 45 feet and 4 stories above grade 45 feet and 4 stories above grade Religious Purposes Uses (Section 4.33.a) 75 feet and 6 stories above grade 100 feet and 8 stories above grade 100 feet and 8 stories above grade 100 feet and 8 stories above grade Residential Uses (Section 4.31 a-j.)with Ground Story Active Uses (Section 17.803.3) 75 feet and 6 stories above grade 145 feet and 12 stories above grade 145 feet and 12 stories above grade 145 feet and 12 stories above grade Residential Uses with a Porter Square PUD Special Permit (Section 17.808) 75 feet and 6 stories above grade 145 feet and 12 stories above grade 145 feet and 12 stories above grade 220 feet and 18 stories above grade

Mass Ave Active Use Amendments – CLEAN August 3, 2026 Page 1 Petition: To amend the Zoning Map and Article 17.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of strengthening active use requirements on North Mass Ave. Amendments to the Zoning Map. See attached Zoning Map and descriptive text. Amendments to Article 17.000. Amend Section 17.804.2.1 to read as follows: 17.804.2.1 Ground Story Active Uses. The following limitations shall apply in addition to the Table of Height Limitations below: (a) On lots abutting one or more Primary Streets in a MAS-12A or MAS-18 district, residential uses shall be limited to 4 stories above grade and 45 feet above grade if the Ground Story is not occupied by one or more Active Uses, as defined in Section 17.803.3, comprising at least 60% of the interior portion of the Ground Story that is within 50 feet of a Primary Street. (b) On lots abutting one or more Primary Streets in a MAS-12 district, residential uses shall be limited to 8 stories above grade and 100 feet above grade if the Ground Story is not occupied by one or more Active Uses, as defined in Section 17.803.3, comprising at least 60% of the interior portion of the Ground Story that is within 50 feet of a Primary Street. (c) Upon granting a special permit, the Planning Board may approve modifications to the Active Use floor area and location standards in paragraphs (a) and (b) above to permit residential heights up to those set forth in the Table of Height Limitations if the Board finds that all of the following criteria are met in addition to those in Section 17.807.2 and may impose conditions to ensure ongoing conformance: (i) Active Uses shall be provided in a manner that generally meets the intent of the requirement to provide for reasonably continuous active ground floor frontage along the Primary Street, and (ii) the total floor area of required Active Uses is not substantially reduced, and (iii) the modifications directly respond to unique site-specific conditions that make the application of paragraphs (a) or (b) infeasible. (d) Lots that do not directly abut a Primary Street shall not be subject to the additional limitations of paragraphs (a) and (b) above; however, (i) within 50 feet of the street line of a Primary Street, the permitted residential heights shall not exceed the applicable limitations set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) above, and (ii) the limitations set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) above shall apply to the entire area of any lot that abuts a Primary Street on April 27, 2026, including any lots or portions of lots that are later subdivided so that they no longer abut a Primary Street. (e) The additional limitations of this Section shall not apply to an AHO Project.

Mass Ave Active Use Amendments – CLEAN August 3, 2026 Page 2 Amend Section 17.804.3 to read as follows: 17.804.3 Table of Height Limitations MAS-6 MAS-12 MAS-12A MAS-18 Non-Residential Uses (Section 4.30 except 4.31 a-j. & 4.33.a) 45 feet and 4 stories above grade 45 feet and 4 stories above grade 45 feet and 4 stories above grade 45 feet and 4 stories above grade Non-Residential Uses (Section 4.30 except 4.31 a-j. & 4.33.a) within the PUD-POR District 55 feet and 5 stories above grade 55 feet and 5 stories above grade 55 feet and 5 stories above grade 55 feet and 5 stories above grade Institutional Uses (Section 4.33) except Religious Purposes (Section 4.33.a) within an Institutional Use Overlay District 60 feet and 6 stories above grade 60 feet and 6 stories above grade 60 feet and 6 stories above grade 60 feet and 6 stories above grade Religious Purposes Uses (Section 4.33.a) 75 feet and 6 stories above grade 100 feet and 8 stories above grade 100 feet and 8 stories above grade 100 feet and 8 stories above grade Residential Uses (Section 4.31 a-j.) 75 feet and 6 stories above grade 145 feet and 12 stories above grade 145 feet and 12 stories above grade 145 feet and 12 stories above grade Residential Uses with a Porter Square PUD Special Permit (Section 17.808) 75 feet and 6 stories above grade 145 feet and 12 stories above grade 145 feet and 12 stories above grade 220 feet and 18 stories above grade

Page 1 ORDINANCE NO. 2026-05 – FIRST PUBLICATION CITY OF CAMBRIDGE In the Year Two Thousand and Twenty-Six AN ORDINANCE That the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge be amended on a Zoning Petition by the Cambridge City Council to amend the Zoning Map and Article 17.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of strengthening active use requirements on North Mass Ave. Amendments to the Zoning Map. See attached Zoning Map and descriptive text. Amendments to Article 17.000. Amend Section 17.804.2.1 to read as follows: 17.804.2.1 Ground Story Active Uses. The following limitations shall apply in addition to the Table of Height Limitations below: (a) On lots abutting one or more Primary Streets in a MAS-12A or MAS-18 district, residential uses shall be limited to 4 stories above grade and 45 feet above grade if the Ground Story is not occupied by one or more Active Uses, as defined in Section 17.803.3, comprising at least 60% of the interior portion of the Ground Story that is within 50 feet of a Primary Street. (b) On lots abutting one or more Primary Streets in a MAS-12 district, residential uses shall be limited to 8 stories above grade and 100 feet above grade if the Ground Story is not occupied by one or more Active Uses, as defined in Section 17.803.3, comprising at least 60% of the interior portion of the Ground Story that is within 50 feet of a Primary Street. (c) Upon granting a special permit, the Planning Board may approve modifications to the Active Use floor area and location standards in paragraphs (a) and (b) above to permit residential heights up to those set forth in the Table of Height Limitations if the Board finds that all of the following criteria are met in addition to those in Section 17.807.2 and may impose conditions to ensure ongoing conformance: (i) Active Uses shall be provided in a manner that generally meets the intent of the requirement to provide for reasonably continuous active ground floor frontage along the Primary Street, and (ii) the total floor area of required Active Uses is not substantially reduced, and (iii) the modifications directly respond to unique site-specific conditions that make the application of paragraphs (a) or (b) infeasible. (d) Lots that do not directly abut a Primary Street shall not be subject to the additional limitations of paragraphs (a) and (b) above; however, (i) within 50 feet of the street line of a Primary Street, the permitted residential heights shall not exceed the applicable limitations set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) above, and (ii) the limitations set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) above shall apply to the

Page 2 entire area of any lot that abuts a Primary Street on April 27, 2026, including any lots or portions of lots that are later subdivided so that they no longer abut a Primary Street. (e) The additional limitations of this Section shall not apply to an AHO Project. Amend Section 17.804.3 to read as follows: 17.804.3 Table of Height Limitations MAS-6 MAS-12 MAS-12A MAS-18 Non-Residential Uses (Section 4.30 except 4.31 a-j. & 4.33.a) 45 feet and 4 stories above grade 45 feet and 4 stories above grade 45 feet and 4 stories above grade 45 feet and 4 stories above grade Non-Residential Uses (Section 4.30 except 4.31 a-j. & 4.33.a) within the PUD-POR District 55 feet and 5 stories above grade 55 feet and 5 stories above grade 55 feet and 5 stories above grade 55 feet and 5 stories above grade Institutional Uses (Section 4.33) except Religious Purposes (Section 4.33.a) within an Institutional Use Overlay District 60 feet and 6 stories above grade 60 feet and 6 stories above grade 60 feet and 6 stories above grade 60 feet and 6 stories above grade Religious Purposes Uses (Section 4.33.a) 75 feet and 6 stories above grade 100 feet and 8 stories above grade 100 feet and 8 stories above grade 100 feet and 8 stories above grade Residential Uses (Section 4.31 a-j.) 75 feet and 6 stories above grade 145 feet and 12 stories above grade 145 feet and 12 stories above grade 145 feet and 12 stories above grade Residential Uses with a Porter Square PUD Special Permit (Section 17.808) 75 feet and 6 stories above grade 145 feet and 12 stories above grade 145 feet and 12 stories above grade 220 feet and 18 stories above grade Passed to a second reading as amended by substitution at the City Council meeting held on August 3, 2026 and on or after August 24, 2026 the question comes on passage to be ordained. Attest:- Paula M. Crane Interim City Clerk