Bill > H2237

This bill aims to address equal access to housing through local zoning. The key provisions are: 1. It requires municipalities to amend their zoning ordinances or by-laws within 3 years to provide at least one district where multi-family housing (3 or more units) is permitted as of right, with minimum gross density requirements of 8 units per acre in rural towns and 15 units per acre in other municipalities. These districts must be in eligible locations and accommodate a reasonable share of the regional need for multi-family housing. 2. It allows municipalities to obtain a determination from the Department of Housing and Community Development that their multi-family zoning provisions comply with the requirements, which can then be used to verify compliance when applying for certain state funding programs. 3. It provides that if a municipality fails to comply, the Attorney General or an aggrieved applicant can seek declaratory and injunctive relief in court. 4. It also specifies that if a municipality fails to meet the minimum requirements, a zoning ordinance or by-law consistent with them can be adopted by a simple majority vote of the town or city council, or town meeting.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H2237