Bill > S962

This bill aims to promote housing development and affordability by making several key changes to zoning and housing regulations in Massachusetts. It introduces new definitions for housing types like duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, and townhomes, and requires municipalities to allow these housing types "as of right" on residential lots, meaning without requiring special permits. The bill prohibits local zoning ordinances from imposing minimum parking requirements for residential developments and minimum lot size requirements. It also establishes a "Missing-Middle Housing Subdivision" process that makes it easier for property owners to subdivide land for smaller housing developments. Additionally, the bill mandates that developments near public transit (within 0.5 miles of a transit station) must allow higher-density housing with at least 15 units per acre, and requires that developments with ten or more units set aside a percentage of units for lower-income households. The legislation further requires state agencies to identify underutilized "greyfield" sites for potential housing development and instructs the state to consider using publicly owned land for low or moderate-income housing. The bill's overall goal is to streamline housing development, increase housing supply, and make housing more accessible and affordable across Massachusetts.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S962