Bill > S873

This bill aims to support attainable housing in seasonal communities in several ways: 1. It allows the Department of Housing and Economic Development to consider certain types of housing units, such as 1-bedroom units and units in high-cost municipalities, when calculating a municipality's subsidized housing inventory. 2. It permits municipalities to transfer unused Community Preservation Act funds to community housing, wastewater, or water infrastructure projects. 3. It defines "tiny houses" as detached dwelling units up to 600 square feet and allows municipalities to permit them as accessory dwelling units. 4. It enables municipalities to offer property tax exemptions for residential units rented at affordable rates to low- and moderate-income households. 5. It authorizes the Department of Housing and Community Development to enter into long-term financing agreements with school districts, municipalities, and developers to create affordable rental housing for municipal and school district employees. 6. It grants the Department of Housing and Community Development a right of first refusal to acquire tax-delinquent properties with 3 or fewer units. 7. It allows municipalities to impose a transfer fee of up to 2% on real estate sales, with the revenue dedicated to affordable housing initiatives. Overall, the bill aims to expand the availability of affordable and attainable housing options, particularly in seasonal communities, through a variety of policy changes and financial incentives.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S873