Bill > H187

This bill aims to improve housing opportunities and the Massachusetts economy in several ways: 1. It requires cities and towns to allow multifamily development by-right in at least 1.5% of their developable land area, with a minimum density of 20 units per acre. This is intended to increase the supply of multifamily housing. 2. It modifies zoning laws to make it easier to develop cluster housing, by removing requirements for a standard subdivision plan as a prerequisite. 3. It requires zoning ordinances to classify accessory dwelling units as a use permitted by right in all single-family residential districts, and limits unreasonable regulations on their location, size, and design. 4. It establishes a framework for site plan review, allowing municipalities to require site plan approval for certain development projects without a special permit or variance. This is intended to provide a more streamlined process for certain types of development. 5. It places limitations on the ability of local authorities to impose certain exactions or monetary payments as a condition of granting permits or approvals. 6. It makes changes to the voting requirements for zoning decisions, requiring only a simple majority rather than a supermajority in some cases. Overall, the bill aims to remove barriers and promote the development of more housing, particularly multifamily and accessory units, as a way to improve housing affordability and economic opportunity in Massachusetts.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H187