Housing (Property Development)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3254: An Act requiring Safe Harbor exceptions to the MBTA Communities Act

This bill amends Massachusetts law to exempt certain communities from specific requirements of the MBTA Communities Act. Communities that already qualify for "safe harbor" status under the state's affordable housing law (M.G.L. c. 40B) will no longer need to meet additional housing requirements under M.G.L. c. 40A, Section 3A. The key change is a direct exemption for these communities from Section 3A’s housing development mandates, streamlining compliance for municipalities already meeting 40B standards. This affects local governments in Massachusetts that have met the safe harbor criteria under the 40B housing law.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts communities meeting 40B from redundant housing mandates, streamlining affordable housing compliance without reducing requirements.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3781: An Act relative to the housing development incentive program

This bill increases the annual credit cap for Massachusetts' housing development incentive program to $100 million (including carry-forwards from prior years) and sets a $5 million limit per project. It requires that qualifying housing development projects - located in gateway municipalities - must contain at least 75% market-rate units after rehabilitation (down from 80%). The bill also mandates that tax exemption agreements for such projects in approved zones be approved within 90 days. These changes directly affect developers of multi-unit housing projects and state agencies managing the program, with concrete policy shifts in credit allocation, project requirements, and approval timelines.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases tax credit cap ($100M) and modifies tax exemption agreements for housing projects, directly using tax policy to fund development.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingIncreases housing development funding cap to $100M, lowers market-rate unit requirement (75% vs 80%) to allow more affordable units, and expedites tax approvals for projects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2014: An Act relative to transformative development initiatives in rural communities

By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1009) of Paul W. Mark for legislation relative to transformative development initiatives in rural communities. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill title and summary reference 'transformative development initiatives in rural communities' with explicit 'Housing' designation, indicating support for housing development initiatives.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 10, 2025

SD 2343: An Act encouraging the adoption of smart growth and starter home zoning districts

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 176) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to encourage the adoption of smart growth and starter home zoning districts. Community Development and Small Businesses.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEncourages starter home zoning districts, promoting affordable housing development through smart growth policies.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development Zoning

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4088: An Act to promote the development of abandoned buildings

HD 4088 provides tax incentives for corporations and individuals renovating abandoned buildings into housing projects. It allows a 10% deduction of renovation costs when calculating taxable income for qualifying projects. For housing developments, the bill exempts either the sale profits or rental income from taxable income for five years if units are rented out. These provisions apply specifically to projects certified under Chapter 23A and defined as "abandoned buildings" under Chapter 200A.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax deductions (10% renovation cost) and income exemptions for housing projects, directly using tax policy to incentivize development and promote housing through fiscal relief.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides tax incentives for renovating abandoned buildings into housing, directly advancing affordable housing development through financial support for qualifying projects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2410: An Act reforming the housing development incentive program

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 971) of Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation relative to reforming the housing development incentive program. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingReforming housing development incentive program indicates strengthening support for housing construction and affordability through policy changes.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2368: An Act establishing the missing-middle starter home development and home ownership program

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 989) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to establish the missing-middle starter home development and home ownership program. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes missing-middle starter home program to increase affordable housing development and ownership opportunities, directly advancing affordable housing goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Property Development Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2104: An Act relative to the housing development incentive program

By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1946) of John J. Cronin, Vanna Howard, James K. Hawkins and John F. Keenan for legislation relative to the housing development incentive program. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill references 'Revenue' for housing development incentives, typically involving tax credits/relief to promote affordable housing, aligning with tax relief indicators.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes a housing development incentive program to promote new construction, directly supporting housing supply expansion and development goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3730: An Act allowing municipalities to appeal zoning provisions under the MBTA Communities Act

This bill (HD 3730) creates a new appeal process for municipalities facing challenges when implementing housing development rules under the MBTA Communities Act. It requires the Department of Housing and Community Development to establish regulations allowing towns to seek relief if they cannot meet specific infrastructure or environmental requirements, such as water supply, wastewater treatment, transportation capacity, environmental impacts, or historical property protection. The appeal would apply to zoning provisions mandating housing development near transit hubs. This directly affects municipalities seeking to build housing in MBTA communities while addressing practical local constraints.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnables municipalities to bypass infrastructure hurdles in housing development, facilitating MBTA Communities Act compliance and increasing housing supply.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3732: An Act relative to extending the requirements of the MBTA Communities Act to all cities and towns

This bill amends the definition of "MBTA community" in Massachusetts law to include every city and town in the Commonwealth. It extends the requirements of the MBTA Communities Act - currently applying to specific municipalities near transit - to all 351 cities and towns. The change is purely definitional, meaning all municipalities would now be subject to the Act's housing and development provisions. The bill does not alter the specific requirements themselves, only who they apply to. (1 sentence summary)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExtends MBTA housing development requirements to all 351 municipalities, advancing affordable housing access by mandating compliance with existing housing provisions across all cities/towns.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Property Development Zoning

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