An Act promoting housing opportunities and access
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to increase housing opportunities and access in Massachusetts by establishing clearer definitions of land types and zoning regulations. It focuses on identifying ‘calculable developable land’ for multi-family housing construction, particularly in cities and towns with low multi-family housing density. The bill also introduces provisions to streamline the approval process for open space residential developments and creates a commission to study area median income limits for affordable housing.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘Excluded Land,’ ‘Calculable developable land,’ and ‘Developable land area’ to guide housing development.
- Requires cities and towns with less than 10% multi-family housing to establish multifamily zoning districts.
- Sets a minimum density requirement (20 dwelling units per acre) for multifamily development in these districts.
- Permits open space residential development by right in residential zoning districts, subject to planning board approval.
- Modifies the process for zoning board approvals, requiring a majority vote instead of supermajority votes.
- Creates a commission to study reforms to area median income limits for affordable housing.
- Sets a deadline for cities and towns to determine their calculable developable land (December 1, 2026).
- Adjusts regulations regarding subdivision control for open space residential developments.
Who is affected
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
6 on record
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses
Cosponsors
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