The mission of the Office of Planning & Development is to create an environment in the City of Revere that is conducive to retaining, growing and attracting businesses and residents, thereby strengthening and revitalizing our neighborhoods and stabilizing and transforming the physical, social, civic and economic environment of our community.
The economic development of the City is critical for the stimulation of its growth, accessibility, and stability. Not only does it involve the planning and production of residential, commercial, and industrial developments and the attraction of relocating businesses, but also enhancing existing market assets, boosting trade, increasing the competitiveness of its industries, and creating opportunities for workers and all residents. The City is currently in the process of revitalizing Revere’s local economy through redevelopment and reinvestment along the municipality’s underutilized but strategically positioned assets, such as the Suffolk Downs redevelopment, the Shirley Avenue business district, Waterfront Square, Wonderland Race Track, the former NECCO property, and Caddy Farms. Revere’s vision for economic development will continue to be informed by the Next Stop Revere Master Plan, about which information can be found below.
Floodplain Information
Looking for information on whether a certain property or area is located in a flood zone? Flood zone information for a property is often a requirement for many insurance and assessing purposes, and it can easily be found online via the City of Revere’s GIS platform. We’ve compiled a quick guide for utilizing the floodplain functions of the GIS maps below for your added convenience. For further information on Revere’s floodplain, please contact John Squibb at (781) 286-8184. For more information on floodplains in general, please see the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. Also visit the City of Revere Conservation Commission for additional resources.
Look to the top right of the interactive page for the “Layers” icon, which depicts three maps arranged vertically, and click on it.
A small box will pop up listing all of the operational maps for the GIS system. Click on the box next to the layer “FEMA_Floodzones_2016” to display a floodplain map for the entire City.
To quickly find a specific property or area, enter an address into the search box at the top left.
For information on what each floodplain designation means, please see this informative site.
Infrastructure and Public Facilities
One of the major responsibilities of the Office of Planning & Development is to oversee the maintenance, improvement, and construction of infrastructure and public facility projects. These projects include parks, public plantings, lighting systems, water systems, drainage systems, sewerage systems, and sidewalk and road improvements. The City often capitalizes on external financing including Chapter 90 reimbursements and Massworks grants to drive infrastructure and public facility projects in order to further enhance the efficiency, comfort, and attraction of the City of Revere. For more information, please contact Michael Kessman at (781) 286-8186 or John Squibb at (781) 286-8184.
Resources, Links and Applications
Applications and Forms
Applications and forms not online can be provided upon request by visiting the Office of Planning & Development, found on the Mezzanine Level of City Hall.
Zoning & Permitting
CitizenServe (Applications for: Site Plan Review; a Building, Plumbing, Gas, or Electric Permit; a Certificate of Occupancy)
Who can I contact for information and assistance regarding businesses, developments, planning, or other community development affairs?
The Office of Planning & Development works to promote the City as an attractive location for new businesses, retain and stimulate the expansion of our valued existing businesses, and increase and diversify our tax base. We provide planning support, technical assistance, coordination, and advisory services to City officials, boards, committees, and all residents on issues involving land use planning, zoning, economic development, open space land preservation, smart growth, and historic preservation. The office can be reached via phone at (781) 286-8181, or refer to the contact list above for professional assistance specific to your concern. Additionally, you can seek out help in-person at the Office of Planning & Development in City Hall, located on the Mezzanine level.
How do I start a business in Revere?
The City offers a comprehensive guide and dedicated staff to help you start and operate your business in Revere. Further details about this can be found on the Starting a Business page on this website or contact John Festa at (781) 286-8194.
What does Revere offer my business and why should I move/expand my business to Revere?
Revere offers a location adjacent to Boston and Logan airport, robust transportation options, a prosperous economic future to be delivered by the present development boom, and a close partnership with the City that offers various programs, subsidies, and services to help support and expand your business. For further details and advantages that Revere offers, please see the Starting a Business page.
Does the City of Revere offer business incentives?
Yes, the City offers several business assistance programs that may be applicable to your enterprise as you select a site or work to improve your existing location, including the Storefront Improvement Program and the Small Business Loan Program. For further information, please see the Starting a Business page on this website or contact John Festa at (781) 286-8194.
Where can I find out about available commercial real estate?
To find out about the stock of available commercial property or for assistance in selecting the right property, please contact Robert O’Brien at (617) 461-6730.
Does the City have a plan for long-term economic development?
Yes, the City is currently in the process of finishing its Next Stop Revere: Master Plan project, which will lay out the City’s vision for the coming years. For further information, please see the Next Stop Revere page.
What are the key industries in Revere?
Revere’s top industries by employment are educational services, health care, and social assistance (20.2%); arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services (16.2%); professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services (12.3%); and retail trade (10.4%). Historically, tourism and entertainment were Revere’s most important industries. However, the loss of Suffolk Downs, the Wonderland Greyhound Park, and the Necco factory heavily reduced Revere’s traditional industry base. The re-tenanting of Necco and the new developments of Suffolk Downs, Caddy Farms, and Wonderland are all pieces of Revere’s comprehensive plan to rebuild its industry base.
What are Opportunity Zones and how can my business best take advantage of those in Revere?
Opportunity Zones are designated geographic areas in which individuals can gain favorable tax treatment on their capital gains by investing those funds (via a privately created Opportunity Fund) into economic activities in the area. The federal program, which aims to provide incentives for investment in low income communities throughout the country, was established as part of the U.S. Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017. Revere has two such opportunity zones: Wonderland and Shirley Avenue. For more information on Revere’s Opportunity Zones, please contact the Office of Planning & Development.
Will the Mayor or other City officials participate in grand openings or other business celebrations and ceremonies?
Yes, the Mayor and City officials regularly participate in events important to its local businesses and residents as their schedule allows. For further information or requests, please contact the Mayor’s Office at (781) 286-8111.
Does Revere have any historic districts?
Yes, Revere Beach—the first public beach in the United States. There may be unique restrictions if you are looking to develop or improve a property within a historic district. Please contact the Office of Planning & Development for further information.
What happens if I encounter problems with the development of my property or business?
The Office of Planning & Development is committed to doing everything it can to help you with your project or business. For further assistance, please contact John Festa at (781) 286-8194.
What is the process for making improvements to my building or office/retail space?
Some improvements to residential and commercial space require additional permits, documentation, or notices. For example, any new construction project over 1,000 gross square feet of building area requires Site Plan Review approval, new planned uses deviant from the existing zoning of the property need a variance, additional space needs to be compliant with building codes, and certain signage and awning projects must be formally approved. For more information or guidance, please contact Frank Stringi at (781) 286-8183.
Who’s in charge of overseeing my street or public area?
While the City is responsible for the oversight of many of the streets and public places within its borders, there are some which fall outside of its jurisdiction. For example, Revere Beach is maintained by the State’s Department of Conservation & Recreation, and certain streets linked to the state highway system are under the purview of the Department of Transportation. For more information on which places fall under certain jurisdictions, please contact the Office of Planning & Development.
The economic development of the City is critical for the stimulation of its growth, accessibility, and stability. Not only does it involve the planning and production of residential, commercial, and industrial developments and the attraction of relocating businesses, but also enhancing existing market assets, boosting trade, increasing the competitiveness of its industries, and creating opportunities for workers and all residents. The City is currently in the process of revitalizing Revere’s local economy through redevelopment and reinvestment along the municipality’s underutilized but strategically positioned assets, such as the Suffolk Downs redevelopment, the Shirley Avenue business district, Waterfront Square, Wonderland Race Track, the former NECCO property, and Caddy Farms. Revere’s vision for economic development will continue to be informed by the Next Stop Revere Master Plan, about which information can be found below.