Bill > H1843

This bill aims to promote "open space residential development," which is defined as a housing project where buildings are grouped together and separated by open land, allowing for flexible lot sizes, density, and use restrictions compared to standard zoning. The bill amends existing Massachusetts General Laws, specifically Chapter 40A, to prevent municipalities from enacting zoning ordinances or by-laws that unreasonably restrict or prohibit this type of development in areas zoned for residential use. It also clarifies the definition of open space residential development by replacing the term "cluster" with "open space residential" in relevant sections and specifies that the intervening open land must be at least equal in area to the land required for the total number of units, and this land can be conveyed to the town for park use, a conservation non-profit, or a trust owned by the lot owners, with restrictions to ensure it remains undeveloped.