Housing (Property Development) in Massachusetts

in committee · Massachusetts · House Jun 4, 2026

H 4973: An Act relative to authorizing the conveyance of certain parcels of land in the city of Fall River

This bill transfers 21.55 acres of former highway land in Fall River (bounded by Davol Street, Brightman Street, Turner Street, and President Avenue) from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to the Fall River Redevelopment Authority. The land must be used for residential, commercial, or economic development without requiring an urban renewal plan. Compensation is set at $1 if the Commonwealth never paid for the land, or equal shares of future sale/lease proceeds over 10 years if the Commonwealth did pay. The Authority must cover all transfer costs, and the land reverts to DOT if not used for development within the specified purposes.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 11, 2025

S 2832: An Act establishing the missing-middle starter home development and home ownership program

Senate, December 11, 2025 -- The committee on Housing to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 989) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to establish the missing-middle starter home development and home ownership program, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2832).

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning

signed · Massachusetts · House Dec 10, 2025

H 4439: An Act providing a simplified procedure for the layout and acceptance of subdivision roads in the City of Marlborough

This bill (H 4439) would simplify the process for the City of Marlborough to approve new subdivision roads in housing developments. It directly affects Marlborough's city government, developers building new subdivisions, and residents in those areas. The key provision replaces the current multi-step procedure with a streamlined method for laying out and accepting road designs before construction begins. This aims to reduce administrative delays for new housing projects within Marlborough. The bill requires approval from Marlborough's mayor and city council to take effect.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Property Development

passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 19, 2025

H 309: An Act relative to updating and modernizing Chapter 40R

By Representatives Turco of Winthrop and Consalvo of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 309) of Jeffrey Rosario Turco for legislation to further regulate smart growth zoning districts. Community Development and Small Businesses.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development Zoning

passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 12, 2026

H 306: An Act to guarantee a commercial tenant’s first right of refusal

By Representative Ramos of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 306) of Orlando Ramos relative to a municipal option commercial tenant first right of refusal. Community Development and Small Businesses.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4875: An Act updating the linkage exaction program in the city of Medford

HD 4875 updates Medford's linkage exaction program, which requires developers to pay fees tied to new construction projects. The bill mandates that these fees be reviewed at least every 10 years, based on recommendations from the city's Office of Community Development and Mayor. Between reviews, the fees can be adjusted annually using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to account for inflation. This directly affects developers and property owners in Medford who pay these development fees.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2395: An Act regarding land use board training

HD 2395 requires all members of Massachusetts local planning boards, special permit authorities, and zoning boards of appeals to complete annual training on topics including special permits, fair housing, variances, and relevant laws. The training program, developed with input from planning associations and offered online or in-person statewide, must be completed within 60 days of joining a board and every two years thereafter. Boards must document completion for six years, with the state department overseeing program development at no cost to municipalities. This bill directly affects over 500 local boards across Massachusetts by mandating ongoing education for their members.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Land Use Property Development Zoning

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 837: An Act supporting climate progress through sustainably developed offshore wind

This bill establishes an advisory council of wildlife experts and tribal representatives to guide offshore wind development in Massachusetts, focusing on protecting species like North Atlantic right whales and coastal habitats. It creates new support programs for communities hosting offshore wind projects, giving them priority access to state funding for infrastructure, housing, and economic development. The bill also mandates a special commission to study the offshore wind supply chain, workforce needs, and economic opportunities, requiring recommendations on equity and environmental justice. Additionally, it amends existing laws to strengthen wildlife monitoring requirements and expand incentives for communities hosting clean energy facilities.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Wind Coastal & Flood Protection Environmental Justice Wildlife Property Development

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1150: An Act to build future-forward parking structures to promote EV equity and walkable downtowns

This bill establishes a state fund to provide matching grants for cities and towns to build or renovate municipal parking facilities with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. It directly affects Massachusetts municipalities by requiring projects to meet specific equity and urban design standards, such as reducing surface parking, providing affordable EV access in dense neighborhoods, supporting housing growth, and promoting walkable streets. The fund reimburses cities/towns based on their median income (30%-80%) for eligible projects, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Projects must include a local financing plan and be certified by the state before reimbursement. The law aims to advance EV infrastructure while aligning parking development with community-focused urban planning goals.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Housing ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Property Development Electric Vehicles

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2362: An Act facilitating site plan review

This bill clarifies and streamlines site plan review processes for municipal zoning. It defines key terms like "bulk and height of structures" (using architectural features such as offsets and setbacks) and prohibits zoning rules from regulating building aesthetics. The bill requires performance standards for site plans (e.g., traffic, safety, parking) to be objective, publicly available, and limited to zoning ordinance requirements. It sets a 90-day timeline for municipalities to approve or deny site plans and bans conditions exceeding zoning regulations or imposing off-site restrictions unrelated to direct project impacts. This directly affects municipalities, developers, and local planning boards managing land development projects.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

All housing bills