Bill > H4021

This bill modifies municipal housing zoning requirements by making two key changes to existing Massachusetts law. First, the bill alters language related to municipalities with less than 10% low or moderate income housing, which appears to set the stage for allowing more housing development in communities with limited affordable housing options. Second, the bill gives municipalities more flexibility in regulating accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are secondary residential units on a property, by allowing local governments to decide whether owner occupancy is required for either the accessory or principal dwelling unit, and to determine the number of parking spaces needed for such units. These provisions aim to provide local governments with greater discretion in housing policy while potentially encouraging the development of additional housing units, particularly in communities with limited affordable housing stock. The bill specifically amends section 3 of chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws, which governs zoning regulations, and builds upon previous legislative changes related to housing development.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4021