Bill > H2301

This bill modifies Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A, Section 5 regarding zoning ordinance adoption and amendment procedures. Currently, zoning changes require a two-thirds vote by town councils, city councils, or town meetings. The bill introduces a new provision allowing municipalities to change their voting threshold from a two-thirds majority to a simple majority (more than 50%) through a vote by the existing voting body. However, this change would not take immediate effect; instead, it would only become operational six months after the vote is taken. This modification provides local governments more flexibility in adopting zoning ordinances by potentially lowering the voting requirement, while also building in a deliberative delay to allow for careful consideration of any threshold changes. The bill aims to give municipalities greater autonomy in their local zoning decision-making processes.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2301