An Act granting the city of Somerville the authority to require the adoption of institutional master plans subject to the review and approval by the municipality

This bill (HD 4487) grants the City of Somerville the authority to require hospitals, healthcare institutions, colleges, universities, and non-profit educational organizations to adopt institutional master plans for their properties. These plans must outline long-term development and land use strategies across multiple phases, ensuring community input on growth impacts. The city can mandate this requirement through local ordinances, overriding certain existing land-use laws (G.L. c. 40A, § 3), and must review all submitted plans before approval. The law takes effect immediately upon passage, directly affecting institutions owning or leasing land in Somerville.