Bill > H1798

This bill establishes commonsense permitting reforms for businesses and landowners. It amends existing laws to provide specific requirements and limitations for zoning variances, site plan reviews, and exactions (mandatory payments or property transfers) by municipalities and regional governments. The key provisions include: 1. Clarifying the criteria for granting zoning variances, such as considering the benefit to the applicant versus the detriment to the neighborhood, and prohibiting variances that would authorize a use not otherwise permitted in the district. 2. Establishing a site plan review process for developments that do not require a special permit or variance, with specific time limits and grounds for approval or denial by the planning board. 3. Requiring explicit findings of fact and federal constitutional compliance for any exactions (monetary payments or property transfers) imposed as a condition of a zoning, subdivision, or wetlands permit decision. The bill aims to provide more predictable and transparent permitting processes for businesses and landowners, while balancing local governments' authority to regulate land use and development.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H1798