Bill > H1080

This bill proposes to amend Chapter 40A of the General Laws by adding a new section that requires all local zoning ordinances and bylaws to establish districts where multifamily housing, defined as two or more attached dwelling units that are not age-restricted and are suitable for families, is a permitted use by right. These districts must accommodate a fair portion of the region's need for multifamily housing and be located as close as reasonably possible to essential services like schools, transportation, and public services, while still allowing for low-density zoning in areas where natural resources need protection. Alternatively, a city or town can meet this requirement by getting approval from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), which may work through a regional planning agency, confirming that their multifamily housing zoning rules align with published guidelines. The DHCD, when creating these guidelines, must consider the diverse needs of different regions, community sizes, and types, and aim to create reasonable opportunities for multifamily housing construction in every city and town by evaluating factors such as the size and suitability of land zoned for multifamily housing, its location, the types of housing permitted, and expected market demand.