Bill > S2835

This bill aims to accelerate housing production in Massachusetts through a comprehensive set of zoning, permitting, and regulatory reforms. The bill introduces several key changes, including establishing a preference modifier for municipalities that have consistent affordable housing requirements, modifying historical preservation review to be more housing-friendly, and creating a more streamlined site plan review process for development projects. It establishes new rules for special permits and variances that make it easier to approve housing developments, such as requiring shorter review periods and providing automatic approvals if authorities fail to act within specified timeframes. The bill also expands first-time homebuyer assistance, allowing residents earning up to $250,000 annually to access programs with up to $75,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. Additionally, the legislation includes provisions to make utility companies more responsive to new housing developments by requiring faster complaint investigations and service connection timelines. The bill's overall intent is to reduce bureaucratic barriers, speed up housing approvals, and create more flexible local zoning regulations to encourage residential development across Massachusetts.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Housing (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2835