Bill > H384

This bill exempts cities and towns that establish a housing linkage program from certain provisions of chapter 40B, a state law that governs affordable housing development. A housing linkage program requires developers of large commercial, retail, hotel, or institutional buildings (over 25,000 square feet) seeking zoning exceptions to pay a fee to help fund affordable housing. Alternatively, residential developers building more than twenty units can pay this fee or dedicate at least ten percent of the units as affordable housing, either on-site or off-site. The fee, determined by local officials, will range from $1 to $7 per square foot for construction exceeding 25,000 square feet, with developers having the option to pay it all at once or over a period of up to twelve years. The funds collected will be managed by a seven-member board, including a representative from the local housing authority, and will be used for affordable housing for families eligible for Section 8 housing assistance and individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI).