Bill > S2311

This bill aims to promote housing and sustainable development by introducing several changes to existing laws. It mandates the establishment of an annual education and training program for local planning and zoning board members, with the Department of Housing and Community Development consulting with regional planning agencies and potentially contracting with the Massachusetts Citizen Planner Training Collaborative. A key provision is the creation of a "municipal opt-in program" where cities and towns can apply to become "certified communities" by meeting specific guidelines for economic growth, land conservation, workforce housing, and mobility, which would grant them certain privileges and powers. The bill also defines terms like "affordable housing," "by-right development," and "inclusionary zoning," and introduces new regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), requiring multi-family housing to be a permitted use in at least one district, and promoting open space residential developments. It further establishes guidelines for site plan review, development impact fees (DIFs), and inclusionary zoning, and revises rules for variances and subdivision approvals, including a streamlined process for "minor subdivisions" (creating up to 6 lots). Finally, the bill updates requirements for master plans, clarifies the jurisdiction of the land court for real estate development disputes, and sets effective dates for various provisions.