Bill > H2298

This bill establishes comprehensive guidelines for site plan review in Massachusetts municipalities, introducing clear definitions and standardized processes for how local governments evaluate proposed land developments. The bill defines key terms like "bulk and height of structures" (which includes strategies like wall offsets and height variations) and "site plan review" (the process for evaluating a proposed development's layout, safety, and compliance with local zoning standards). It mandates that performance standards must be objective, reasonable, and publicly known, and prohibits municipalities from regulating the aesthetic appearance of structures. The bill specifies that site plan review can only impose conditions necessary to ensure compliance with zoning requirements, and can only deny applications if they fail to meet specific zoning criteria or lack required information. The review process must be completed within 90 days, with automatic approval if no action is taken, and includes provisions for public hearings, appeal processes, and a requirement that site plan approvals remain valid for at least three years if substantial construction has not begun. The legislation aims to streamline and standardize site plan review across Massachusetts, providing clearer guidelines for developers and local governments while preventing overly restrictive or subjective evaluation processes.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2298