Housing (Zoning)

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1484: An Act to increase housing production in the city of Lowell

This bill amends zoning thresholds in Lowell to potentially increase housing production. It reduces specific numerical limits in existing law: changing "45" to "40" (Section 1), "180" to "187" (Section 2), and "81" to "75" (Section 3). These changes adjust development requirements for housing projects in Lowell, directly affecting developers and city planners. The bill modifies technical thresholds without specifying new policy outcomes, focusing solely on adjusting existing numerical parameters in zoning regulations.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aims to increase housing production in Lowell through zoning adjustments, directly advancing housing development goals without restricting development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2085: An Act allowing municipalities to preserve owner occupancy

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1018) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to allow municipalities to preserve owner occupancy in accessory dwelling units. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAllows municipalities to preserve owner occupancy in accessory dwelling units (ADUs), increasing housing supply and affordability options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Zoning

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3782: An Act reforming the MBTA Communities Act

This bill amends Massachusetts' MBTA Communities Act to update housing requirements for municipalities near transit. It requires MBTA communities to either adopt zoning allowing 10% more multifamily units than their latest census count, build 5% of census-based housing units, or implement an approved housing plan to maintain funding eligibility. Communities must also meet a 25% threshold of multifamily housing units in their latest census data to comply. The bill uses the previous census data for the first four years after new census results are released. These changes directly affect all Massachusetts cities and towns classified as MBTA communities.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates 10% more multifamily units in MBTA communities, directly advancing housing development and affordable housing goals per bill's requirements.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires MBTA communities to increase housing near transit, promoting transit-oriented development and ridership to strengthen public transit infrastructure access.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 11, 2025

S 1021: An Act relative to updating and modernizing Chapter 40R

By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1021) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to update and modernize appropriations to smart growth zoning and housing production. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill modernizes zoning to boost housing production, directly advancing affordable housing development through updated appropriations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 13, 2026

H 4163: An Act relative to accessory dwelling units inclusion in the subsidized housing inventory

By Representative Kassner of Hamilton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4163) of Kristin E. Kassner relative to including accessory dwelling units in subsidized housing inventory. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly includes accessory dwelling units in subsidized housing inventory, expanding affordable housing supply without restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SD 3240: An Act to add multi-family housing constructed in compliance with the state’s transit-oriented development statute to the list of facilities exempted from the single-parcel rule

By Mr. Barrett, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michael J. Barrett for legislation to add multi-family housing constructed in compliance with the state’s transit-oriented development statute to the list of facilities exempted from the single-parcel rule. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts transit-oriented multi-family housing from single-parcel rule, enabling denser development and increasing housing supply per bill's intent to promote transit-oriented housing.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enables transit-oriented housing developments by exempting them from single-parcel rule, promoting public transit accessibility and sustainable transportation infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · House Sep 22, 2025

H 2356: An Act incentivizing inclusionary zoning

By Representative Worrell of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2356) of Christopher J. Worrell relative to local approval of inclusionary zoning. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill incentivizes inclusionary zoning, requiring affordable housing units in new developments, directly advancing affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 12, 2026

H 4074: An Act relative to the development of single family and multi-family housing for veterans

By Representative Flanagan of Dennis, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4074) of Christopher Richard Flanagan relative to zoning for single family and multi-family housing for veterans. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill enables zoning for veteran housing development, directly advancing housing access and development for a specific group.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly targets housing development for veterans through zoning changes, directly advancing housing benefits as a core veteran service.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning Veteran Housing

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Nov 19, 2025

H 4759: An Act relative to modernizing Chapter 40R

H 4759 modernizes Massachusetts' housing incentive program under Chapter 40R by creating new payment structures for cities and towns that adopt specific zoning districts. It establishes tiered payments based on projected new housing units (e.g., $20,000 for up to 20% growth, $1.2 million for 501%+ growth) for "smart growth" and "starter home" zoning districts, plus $6,000 per new unit for completed housing in those districts. The bill also requires the state department to analyze these payments against housing costs (using the Consumer Price Index) to ensure consistency. These changes apply to tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and directly affect municipalities with approved zoning districts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates state payments ($20k-$1.2M) for cities adopting housing zones, directly funding public housing incentives through state budget allocations.92% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill funds municipalities with tiered payments based on new housing units in designated 'smart growth' and 'starter home' zones, directly incentivizing affordable housing development under Chapter 40R.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 19, 2025

H 313: An Act encouraging smart growth and starter home zoning adoption

By Representative Vieira of Falmouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 313) of David T. Vieira relative to smart growth and starter home zoning adoption. Community Development and Small Businesses.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill encourages smart growth and starter home zoning adoption, directly advancing affordable housing development through zoning reforms.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development Zoning

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