Bill > H2212

This bill authorizes cities and towns in Massachusetts to establish ridgeline and hillside protection district review boards. The key provisions include: 1. Defining a "ridgeline and hillside protection district" as areas with slopes greater than 15% or elevations over 600 feet, which would be designated by the city/town and mapped. 2. Allowing certain uses in the district without review, such as agriculture, recreation, maintenance, and limited tree cutting. 3. Requiring review and approval by the review board for new construction, significant exterior alterations, commercial/industrial uses, and subdivisions within the district, with specific design standards to minimize visual impact and environmental damage. 4. Establishing a process for landowners to submit applications for review, with timelines for the board to provide recommendations. 5. Allowing landowners to appeal the board's decisions to the local zoning board of appeals. 6. Authorizing the review board to adopt rules to implement the law. The bill aims to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of cities and towns that choose to adopt it by protecting natural resources and preserving the scenic character of ridgelines and hillsides.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H2212