Bill > S2327

This bill aims to promote housing and sustainable development by implementing several key provisions. 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 the Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies (MARPA) and potentially contracting with the Massachusetts Citizen Planner Training Collaborative. A new municipal opt-in program will be created, allowing cities and towns to become "certified communities" by meeting specific criteria for economic growth, land conservation, greenhouse gas emission reductions, workforce housing, and mobility, which will then entitle them to certain privileges and priority consideration for state funding. The bill also introduces new definitions for terms like "by-right development" (development that can proceed without special permits), "affordable housing," and "inclusionary housing," and clarifies regulations for accessory dwelling units, open space residential design, and natural resource protection zoning. Furthermore, it streamlines permitting processes by establishing clearer guidelines for site plan review and development impact fees, while also promoting inclusionary zoning to require affordable housing units in new developments. The bill also revises rules for zoning variances, subdivision approvals, and master plan requirements, and establishes a special commission to study the zoning approval process for educational uses.