Bill > H1083

This bill, titled "Standardizing zoning appeals processes," aims to streamline the production and preservation of affordable housing by modifying Chapter 40B of the General Laws. Key provisions include replacing the "board of zoning appeals" with the "planning board established under section 70 of chapter 41" for certain housing development applications. It introduces a "comprehensive permit" process where developers of low or moderate-income housing would file a single application with the city or town clerk, which then goes to the planning board. The planning board is mandated to hold a public hearing within 65 days of the application filing, notify relevant local boards for recommendations, and has the authority to issue permits with conditions. The bill also establishes specific timelines for the planning board's decision (within 90 days), outlines procedures for appeals to various courts, and clarifies the definition of "parties in interest" for notification purposes. Furthermore, it specifies requirements for public notice of hearings, the content of comprehensive permits, and the process for recording these permits. Finally, it addresses the lapse of comprehensive permits if substantial use or construction hasn't begun within a specified period, and sets conditions for awarding costs in appeals.