Bill > S993

This bill aims to accelerate housing production by implementing several key reforms across multiple areas of Massachusetts law. The legislation introduces a preference modifier for grant programs that incentivizes municipalities to create affordable housing consistent with local needs, modifies historic district regulations to make residential development easier, and reforms the housing appeals process by creating a more robust review mechanism for housing project denials. The bill establishes a new housing appeals committee with five members appointed by the secretary and governor, which will have increased authority to review local board decisions that block housing projects. Additionally, the bill provides new protections for residential development in areas like wetlands protection, historic districts, and agricultural lands, making it easier to convert or develop properties for housing. The legislation also expands first-time homebuyer assistance by increasing the maximum income threshold to $250,000 and offering up to $75,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. Other provisions include requiring utility companies to improve service quality standards, streamline utility connections for new housing developments, and create faster complaint resolution processes for multi-family and affordable housing projects. Overall, the bill seeks to reduce barriers to housing development and increase housing availability across Massachusetts.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S993