Zoning Amendments - MBTA Communities

Multi-Family Zoning Requirements for MBTA Communities
A new law requires MBTA-served communities to have at least one zoning district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right and meets other criteria set forth in the state statute Section 3A of M.G.L. c. 40A:

• Minimum gross density of 15 units per acre;
• Located not more than 0.5 miles from a commuter rail station, subway, ferry or bus station, or close to public transportation based on smart growth principles; and
• No age restrictions and suitable for families with children

The State Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) issued final guidelines for communities to comply. More information on state's webpage. 

The Planning Board is working towards zoning compliance. Subscribe to the Planning Board's email notification system here.  The Planning Board will be holding public work sessions at each of their regularly scheduled meetings to develop a zoning proposal to bring to Town Meeting. The public is welcome and encouraged to participate.

On October 25, 2022, the Planning Board hosted a creative housing workshop. Participants were introduced to the law and asked to help map areas to zone to allow housing.  Thank you to LexMedia for filming view here.  The presentation and marked up maps from the workshop are below.  You can create and comment on a map here.  Map instructions here (PDF).

Resources:
DHCD's Informational Webinar 
Massachusetts Housing Partnership MBTA Zoning Compliance Assistance