Bill > S2443

This bill aims to reform housing policies in Massachusetts. It includes the following key provisions: 1. Allows contiguous cities and towns to enter into agreements to share the costs and revenues associated with development, with approval from the Department of Revenue. 2. Defines various housing-related terms, such as "accessory dwelling unit," "as of right," "eligible locations," and "multi-family housing." 3. Reduces the voting threshold from two-thirds to a simple majority for certain zoning changes, such as allowing multi-family housing or accessory dwelling units in eligible locations. 4. Allows transfer of development rights and open space residential development to be permitted as of right, without the need for a special permit. 5. Requires MBTA communities to have at least one multi-family housing district of reasonable size, with a minimum gross density of 15 units per acre, located near public transportation. Failure to comply will make these communities ineligible for certain state funding. 6. Authorizes the court to require non-municipal plaintiffs in certain zoning appeals to post a surety or cash bond, up to $15,000, to secure the payment of costs if the court finds the appeal is causing harm that outweighs the burden on the plaintiffs.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Housing (J)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2443