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

This bill amends state law to provide financial incentives to Massachusetts cities and towns that adopt specific zoning districts designed to encourage new housing construction. Under the new provisions, local governments would receive a lump-sum payment based on the total number of projected housing units in their approved smart growth or starter home districts. Additionally, developers or municipalities would earn a separate payment of $6,000 for each individual housing unit built within these designated areas, provided a building permit is issued. The funding for these payments comes from state trust funds or general appropriations, and the actual disbursement depends on approval by the state department and proof of construction activity.