Bill > H1131

This bill amends Chapter 40B of the General Laws by updating the definitions used in sections related to low and moderate-income housing. It clarifies that "low or moderate income housing" refers to any housing supported by federal or state government programs. The bill also defines "uneconomic" as a situation where financial losses prevent public agencies, non-profit organizations, or limited dividend organizations from building or operating such housing while still meeting government subsidy limitations and maintaining reasonable rental rates and unit sizes. Furthermore, "consistent with local needs" is defined as requirements that are reasonable considering the regional need for affordable housing, the number of low-income residents, and the need to protect health, safety, design, and open spaces, and are applied equally to subsidized and unsubsidized housing; it also outlines specific conditions under which zoning board requirements are considered consistent with local needs, such as when a town already has a significant amount of affordable housing or when a new development meets certain size thresholds. Finally, "Local Board" is defined to encompass various city and town boards and officials responsible for zoning, building, and planning.