Bill > H2290

This bill proposes an amendment to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A that would allow municipalities to petition the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for an exemption from state-imposed housing mandates. Specifically, a municipality can request an exemption by submitting a petition that provides evidence demonstrating one of three potential grounds for exemption: (1) the housing mandate would impose an undue financial or administrative burden on the municipality, (2) the mandate would exceed the municipality's capacity for housing, infrastructure, or services, or (3) the mandate would conflict with existing local priorities or zoning regulations. The bill requires the Department of Housing and Community Development to create regulations that outline the process for reviewing and approving such exemption petitions, including establishing specific timelines and criteria for evaluating municipal requests. This proposed legislation aims to provide local governments with more flexibility in responding to state housing requirements by allowing them to seek relief when mandates would place significant strain on their resources or contradict local planning objectives.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2290