An Act providing for safe subdivision ways

This bill amends Massachusetts subdivision laws to allow for dead-end streets in residential developments, provided they meet specific safety standards. The key provision requires these streets to have a minimum pavement width of 20 feet and include a turnaround, while limiting their length to no more than 1,200 feet or the maximum allowed by state fire codes, whichever is shorter. Municipalities and regional planning boards must update their existing rules to comply with these new requirements by January 31, 2023, unless a waiver is granted. The legislation directly affects local governments responsible for approving subdivision plans and developers building new housing subdivisions.