Bill > H1102

This bill proposes changes to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40B, which governs affordable housing initiatives. Specifically, it amends Section 20 to allow for an additional condition under which a municipality might be granted an exemption from certain zoning requirements for affordable housing projects: if the number of housing units sold or transferred in a prior calendar year to individuals meeting the definition of low or moderate income (meaning their income is below a certain percentage of the area median income, as determined by the Department of Housing and Community Development) exceeds 12% of all housing units sold or transferred during that same period. Furthermore, the bill inserts a new Section 23A, mandating that the Department of Housing and Community Development create rules and regulations to guide the application of Chapter 40B's provisions, which will include details on maximum density, minimum percentages of subsidized affordable units required for projects to qualify, how municipalities can receive credit for units used in rental voucher programs, and a method for assessing local housing needs while considering regional needs, the number of low-income residents, and the importance of public health, safety, and good design.