HD 3838 expands how Massachusetts municipalities can designate "priority development sites" for streamlined permitting. It requires properties to be approved by town meetings or included in specific plans like community development plans (which must cover housing, infrastructure, climate resiliency, and economic development), or approved by planning boards. Municipalities seeking designation must submit formal proposals including property details and owner authorization, and may request technical assistance grants. The bill also creates a new 2-year technical assistance program for towns to develop required community plans, with funding available for municipalities that have already permitted one priority site. This directly affects cities and towns aiming to accelerate housing and economic development projects.
This bill updates Massachusetts' Chapter 40R to modernize housing incentives. It establishes tiered payments for cities/towns with approved "smart growth" or "starter home" zoning districts based on projected new housing units (e.g., $20,000 for up to 20% growth, $1.2 million for over 500% growth). It also adds a $6,000 per-unit bonus for new housing constructed in these districts. The bill requires the department to analyze these incentives against housing costs (using the Consumer Price Index) and mandates that increased incentives revert to original levels 10 years after enactment. The changes apply to tax years starting January 1, 2025.
HD 3790 establishes the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Trust Fund to help low- and moderate-income property owners (earning up to 110% of the area median income) build ADUs. The fund provides financial assistance in the form of grants, loans, or reimbursements for pre-development costs like permits, design fees, site preparation, and utility connections. Administered by the Executive Office of Housing or contracted agencies (such as MassHousing), the fund uses state appropriations, grants, and investment income, with unused funds carrying over annually. Assistance is limited to the minimum amount needed to make ADU projects feasible, directly supporting property owners seeking to add secondary housing units.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Patrick M. O'Connor and Colleen M. Garry for legislation to eliminate discrimination against municipalities who are unable to meet certain zoning requirements. Municipalities and Regional Government.
By Representative Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2348) of Andres X. Vargas that the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities be authorized to regulate exclusionary zoning. Municipalities and Regional Government.
This bill allows movable tiny houses (under 400 sq ft, excluding certain features) to be used as permanent primary residences or accessory dwelling units on single-family lots. It requires local towns to establish a registration system through the Registry of Motor Vehicles ($100 fee), with standards for safety, zoning (like septic systems), and building code compliance (with relaxed insulation requirements). After 180 days of residency, tiny houses must have a permanent address, utilities, and pass an inspection for a certificate of occupancy. Local governments can set stricter rules but cannot ban tiny houses outright, and may offer tax incentives for hosting them.
By Representative Lombardo of Billerica, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2308) of Marc T. Lombardo, Colleen M. Garry and John R. Gaskey relative to multi-family zoning in MBTA communities. Municipalities and Regional Government.
This bill provides financial incentives to Massachusetts cities and towns that adopt "smart growth zoning districts" or "starter home zoning districts." It establishes two payment systems: (1) a tiered payment based on projected new housing units (e.g., $20,000 for up to 20 units, $1.2 million for 500+ units), and (2) a $6,000 per-unit bonus paid upon issuance of building permits for new housing in these districts. The payments are funded by state appropriations and require department approval of the zoning districts. It directly affects local governments that implement these zoning policies to encourage new housing development.
This bill would authorize Massachusetts' Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to regulate exclusionary zoning. It requires the office to define exclusionary zoning, create a process for residents or developers to file complaints about suspected cases, and establish a review mechanism. If the office determines a municipality is using exclusionary zoning, it could take over that municipality's zoning authority for at least four years. After this period, the municipality could petition to regain control of its zoning. The bill directly affects Massachusetts municipalities whose zoning practices are found to exclude lower-income housing options.
HD 976 modifies Massachusetts housing laws to require zip code-level area median income (AMI) calculations in cities with over 100,000 residents for affordable housing programs. It amends multiple statutes (including Chapters 40R, 40T, 121B, and 62) to replace city-wide AMI standards with zip code-specific income thresholds for housing projects, developments, or households in large municipalities. This change directly affects affordable housing providers, developers, and residents in cities like Boston, Worcester, and Springfield by adjusting income eligibility criteria based on specific neighborhoods. The bill updates existing housing affordability rules without creating new programs or changing overall funding mechanisms.
