Bill > H2255

This bill amends Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws to explicitly define and authorize inclusionary zoning, which is a local zoning approach designed to ensure the creation of affordable housing. Specifically, the bill allows municipalities to enact zoning ordinances or bylaws that require residential subdivisions or multi-unit residential projects to reserve a certain percentage of dwelling units or floor area for affordable housing. These affordable units must be permanently designated for households earning below a specified percentage of the area's median income, as determined by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The bill empowers the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to develop guidelines and regulations to implement these inclusionary zoning provisions, with a key stipulation that such regulations should not unnecessarily hinder housing production. By providing this explicit legal framework, the bill aims to give municipalities more tools to address housing affordability and ensure that new residential developments include housing options for lower-income residents.

Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2255