Bill > H1085

This bill amends Chapter 40B of Massachusetts General Laws, often referred to as the "anti-snob zoning" law, which aims to increase the supply of low and moderate-income housing by allowing developers to bypass local zoning restrictions under certain conditions. Specifically, the bill clarifies the definition of "uneconomic," meaning a housing project is not financially viable, by stating that a project will not be considered uneconomic if zoning board conditions or regulations impose reasonable limitations on aspects like building size, yard space, parking, and coverage, or if they prevent development on a parcel that is unsuitable due to physical or environmental reasons for the proposed density. Additionally, the bill adds provisions that allow zoning boards to consider the regional need for affordable housing alongside these reasonable local limitations, and it prevents decisions to deny or condition a comprehensive permit from being overturned if they are based on these factors, such as building characteristics, lot suitability, or project density.