Bill > H1448

This bill aims to increase housing production in Massachusetts. Key provisions include: 1. Allowing inclusionary zoning ordinances or bylaws, which require a certain percentage of affordable housing units in new developments. 2. Establishing a statewide goal of producing 427,000 new housing units by 2040, with at least 85,400 of those units being affordable to households earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), and at least 8,500 units for households earning less than 30% AMI. The Secretary of Housing and Economic Development must report annually on progress towards these goals. 3. Requiring municipalities to allow, as-of-right and with no minimum parking requirements, mixed-use development or multifamily housing with a minimum density of 15 units per acre within 0.5 miles of public transportation hubs, or multifamily housing with the same density within 0.25 miles of other eligible locations. These developments must set aside a minimum of 15% of units for households at or below 80% AMI, or 10% for households at or below 50% AMI. 4. Allowing accessory dwelling units in single-family residential zones without requiring a special permit, subject to reasonable regulations. 5. Requiring the state to identify "greyfield" sites (underutilized or vacant commercial, residential, or industrial properties) and explore options for their redevelopment, including for housing. 6. Allowing the state to prioritize the use of publicly-owned land for the development of low- or moderate-income housing. 7. Allowing the conversion of vacant commercial properties to mixed-use developments with at least 20% affordable housing units.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H1448