Bill > H2356

This bill amends Massachusetts state law to provide guidelines for local inclusionary zoning policies, which are regulations that require developers to include a certain percentage of affordable housing units in new residential developments. Specifically, the bill allows municipalities to create zoning ordinances that mandate up to 13 percent of units in a new housing development be affordable housing. The bill includes two important provisos: first, the inclusionary zoning policy must not unreasonably limit housing production in the area, and second, such ordinances must include a density bonus, which typically means developers can build more total units in exchange for creating affordable housing units. The executive office of housing and livable communities is authorized to issue guidelines or regulations to implement this policy. This legislation aims to encourage the creation of more affordable housing while giving local governments flexibility in how they approach inclusionary zoning.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2356