Housing (Zoning) in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 292: An Act relative to the state’s requirements for calculating the municipal land area for subsidized housing inventory (SHI)

This bill amends Massachusetts' Chapter 40B housing law to change how municipalities calculate land area for subsidized housing requirements. It excludes five specific land categories from the 1.5% residential/commercial/industrial land threshold: conservation land (M.G.L. c. 61A), agricultural land (c. 61B), farmland with permanent restrictions, private cemeteries, and utility areas (gas lines, etc.). Municipalities must now exclude these lands when determining if they meet the 40B subsidized housing inventory (SHI) requirement. The change directly affects towns and cities subject to Chapter 40B's housing obligations.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Land Use Zoning

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 114: An Act establishing housing training program for elected members of municipal boards

SD 114 requires the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to create a mandatory training program for elected or appointed municipal board members who handle land-use decisions. The training covers fair housing law, zoning authority, and municipal land-use laws, developed with input from planning and housing organizations. Members must complete the training within six months of starting their term or every four years thereafter, with membership terminating if they fail to comply. Municipalities may hold annual or biannual trainings to meet this requirement. This bill directly affects local planning boards, zoning commissions, and similar bodies across Massachusetts.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Zoning

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1806: An Act establishing an accessory dwelling unit trust fund

This bill creates a state trust fund to help low- and moderate-income homeowners build secondary housing units (like backyard cottages or basement apartments) on their properties. It targets property owners with incomes up to 110% of the local median income (as defined by federal housing standards). The fund will provide financial assistance for pre-construction costs - such as design fees, permits, utility connections, and site preparation - but only the minimum amount needed to make the project feasible. Administered by the state housing office or designated agencies, the fund will accept state appropriations, private donations, and other sources, with unspent funds remaining in the fund rather than reverting to the general state budget.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Zoning

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1422: An Act allow all towns and cities to use Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as an incentive for housing (residential rehab or commercial conversion)

HD 1422 would allow all Massachusetts towns and cities to use Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to incentivize housing projects, specifically targeting residential rehabilitation and commercial building conversions. The bill requires the Economic Assistance and Community Capital (EACC) to designate eligible areas based on criteria like job creation, business growth, or rehabilitating neglected buildings. Municipalities must get EACC approval for TIF agreements before they can take effect, ensuring projects align with state goals of boosting housing supply and economic resilience. This change removes previous restrictions, making TIF available statewide for qualifying housing and commercial conversion projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Housing Finance Zoning

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 10, 2025

SD 2343: An Act encouraging the adoption of smart growth and starter home zoning districts

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 176) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to encourage the adoption of smart growth and starter home zoning districts. Community Development and Small Businesses.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development Zoning

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1275: An Act for Chapter 40B reform and improvement

By Mr. Lewis (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1005) of Vincent Dixon, for legislation for Chapter 40B reform and improvement. Housing.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2368: An Act establishing the missing-middle starter home development and home ownership program

By Mr. Feeney, a 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. Housing.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Homeownership Property Development Zoning

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2242: An Act relative to housing in seasonal communities

This bill (SD 2242) creates new requirements for seasonal communities (like coastal towns) to increase year-round housing options. It requires developers building 10+ units to set aside 3 units as affordable housing or pay fees ($7,500-$15,000/unit), funds the "year-round housing trust fund" via a 1.5% restaurant meal tax surcharge, and changes zoning rules to allow smaller year-round housing units. Municipalities must adopt zoning that permits year-round housing as a right and adjust property taxes based on occupancy. These changes directly affect seasonal communities, developers, school districts, and year-round residents seeking affordable housing.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Affordable Housing Housing Finance Zoning

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3812: An Act providing for retroactive housing compliance under the MBTA Communities Act

This bill amends Massachusetts housing law to allow MBTA communities to count housing units built within the past three years toward their compliance with the MBTA Communities Act. It requires state housing guidelines to include criteria for considering these recently completed units when determining if a community meets its housing requirements. The change directly affects municipalities located near MBTA transit lines that must comply with state housing mandates. This provision retroactively includes qualifying housing construction completed up to three years before the law's effective date in compliance calculations.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3730: An Act allowing municipalities to appeal zoning provisions under the MBTA Communities Act

This bill (HD 3730) creates a new appeal process for municipalities facing challenges when implementing housing development rules under the MBTA Communities Act. It requires the Department of Housing and Community Development to establish regulations allowing towns to seek relief if they cannot meet specific infrastructure or environmental requirements, such as water supply, wastewater treatment, transportation capacity, environmental impacts, or historical property protection. The appeal would apply to zoning provisions mandating housing development near transit hubs. This directly affects municipalities seeking to build housing in MBTA communities while addressing practical local constraints.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning

All housing bills