Bill > S2836

This bill aims to promote housing development and affordability in Massachusetts by making several significant changes to zoning and land use regulations. The legislation introduces new definitions for housing types like duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes, and requires municipalities to allow these housing types on residential lots as of right, meaning without requiring special permits. The bill eliminates minimum parking requirements for residential developments near public transportation, removes barriers to multi-family housing construction, and allows religious organizations to develop housing on their land with certain affordability requirements. It also mandates that municipalities create housing production plans every five years to demonstrate how they will meet affordable housing needs, and establishes a by-right subdivision process to make it easier to divide land for residential development. Additionally, the bill limits local regulations that could discourage housing development, such as overly restrictive zoning ordinances, and requires a minimum percentage of affordable units in larger developments. The legislation seeks to address housing shortages by streamlining development processes, increasing housing density, and promoting more diverse housing options across Massachusetts municipalities.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Housing (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2836