Housing (Zoning)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2941: An Act relative to local option zoning voting thresholds

This bill changes voting requirements for local zoning decisions in Massachusetts towns and cities. It allows municipalities to lower the voting threshold from a two-thirds majority to a simple majority for adopting or changing zoning ordinances, by-laws, or amendments. However, any switch to a simple majority vote must be approved by the current voting body and cannot take effect for six months after the vote. This directly affects town councils, city councils, and town meetings that make zoning decisions.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingLowers voting threshold for zoning changes, enabling faster adoption of housing development policies by municipalities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2484: An Act relative to zoning

This bill amends Massachusetts zoning laws to streamline development processes and clarify local regulations. It allows construction under existing zoning rules for 24 months (or 3 years for special permits) if started within that timeframe, with specific rules for phased projects and site preparation. It also sets strict time limits for public hearings on permits (max 150 days) and requires automatic approval if authorities miss deadlines, while updating variance rules to prioritize housing production. The changes primarily affect developers, local zoning boards, and residents navigating land use approvals.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingStreamlines housing development via zoning reforms, prioritizes housing in variances, and enforces time limits for approvals to accelerate construction.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Property Development Zoning

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 31, 2025

SD 2616: An Act relative to providing alternative compliance for multi-family zoning requirement for MBTA communities

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bruce E. Tarr and Colleen M. Garry for legislation to provide alternative compliance for multi-family zoning requirement for MBTA communities. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill enables alternative compliance for multi-family zoning in MBTA communities, facilitating housing development and aligning with affordable housing goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1392: An Act to study single-stair residential buildings

This bill creates a special commission to study whether single-stair, multi-family residential buildings (up to six stories) should be legalized in Massachusetts. The commission, including fire safety experts, architects, building officials, and housing advocates, will develop building code amendments with safety measures, building on prior research. It allocates $250,000 from the General Fund to fund this study and produce recommendations. The bill itself does not change current laws but authorizes the study to inform future building code changes for this housing type.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds study to potentially legalize single-stair buildings, enabling more housing development and addressing supply constraints.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 2347: An Act to promote Yes in God's Back Yard

By Representatives Vargas of Haverhill and Hong of Lowell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2347) of Andres X. Vargas, Tara T. Hong and Vanna Howard relative to zoning ordinances and taxation of land owned by religious sects or denominations for multifamily housing. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill removes zoning/tax barriers for religious landowners to develop multifamily housing, directly promoting housing development and affordability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 27, 2025

S 969: An Act establishing an accessory dwelling unit trust fund

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 969) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Patricia D. Jehlen, Mike Connolly and Manny Cruz for legislation to establish an accessory dwelling unit trust fund. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes trust fund for accessory dwelling units, directly funding housing development to increase affordable housing supply.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 6, 2025

H 1482: An Act to establish an accessory dwelling unit trust fund

By Representatives Cruz of Salem and Ramos of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1482) of Manny Cruz, Orlando Ramos and others for legislation to establish an accessory dwelling unit trust fund. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes a trust fund for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), increasing housing supply and affordability through funding housing development programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Nov 6, 2025

H 4699: An Act to study single-stair residential buildings

H 4699 creates a special commission to study safety conditions for single-stair multi-family residential buildings (up to six stories) in Massachusetts, with the goal of developing a building code amendment to potentially legalize them. The commission, composed of housing officials, fire safety experts, architects, and community representatives, must produce a report by July 31, 2026, including fire safety measures like sprinklers and emergency exits, and build on existing research. This bill does not change current laws but directs a study to address safety concerns that may enable future code changes. It directly affects future housing development rules and building safety standards, not current building owners or occupants.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill aims to legalize single-stair residential buildings, enabling more housing development by addressing code barriers and potentially increasing affordable housing options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Property Development Zoning

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 987: An Act relative to updating and modernizing Chapter 40R.

HD 987 updates Massachusetts' Chapter 40R zoning incentives to encourage new housing development. It establishes tiered payments for cities/towns with approved "smart growth zoning districts" (based on percentage increase in new housing units, from $20,000 for up to 20% growth to $1.2 million for 501%+ growth) and separate $6,000 per-unit bonuses for new housing in both smart growth and "starter home zoning districts." The bill also requires the department to analyze these payments against housing cost trends using the Consumer Price Index. These enhanced incentives are temporary, reverting to original levels after 10 years from enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds via tiered payments ($20k-$1.2M) and $6k/unit bonuses to incentivize housing development, directly increasing government spending on housing programs.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingIncentivizes housing development via tiered payments and $6,000/unit bonuses for new housing in designated zones, directly advancing housing supply growth.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1591: An Act to further empower local climate action

This bill (SD 1591) amends Massachusetts' climate demonstration project rules to allow up to 20 cities and towns to participate (increasing the limit from 10). It requires participating cities/towns to first meet housing affordability standards - either by meeting a 10% affordable housing threshold under Chapter 40B or approving zoning that permits multi-family housing without age restrictions for families with children. Cities that already met the housing threshold by December 21, 2020, are exempt from this requirement. The Department of Energy Resources must issue implementing regulations by July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExpands climate demonstration project to 20 cities/towns, directly advancing climate action. Requires housing standards but core purpose strengthens environmental efforts through increased local climate initiatives.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires cities to meet 10% affordable housing threshold or approve multi-family zoning to join climate projects, directly advancing housing affordability standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

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