Bill > H2329

This bill amends Section 53G of chapter 44 of Massachusetts General Laws to establish more structured and equitable guidelines for municipalities' use of third-party consultants in land use permit reviews. The amendment requires cities and towns to maintain a certified list of qualified outside consultants with at least three experts in each relevant professional field, which local permitting boards can use when reviewing development applications. The bill gives applicants the right to select consultants from this certified list, request proposals from multiple consultants, and ensures that applicants are not responsible for consultants' travel expenses. Additionally, the bill mandates that when a project requires review by multiple local boards or commissions, these entities must coordinate their use of outside consultants to prevent redundant work and unnecessary costs. This provision aims to create a more transparent, fair, and efficient process for land use determinations by providing clear guidelines for the selection and compensation of external expert reviewers.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2329