Housing (Zoning)

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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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 292: An Act relative to the state’s requirements for calculating the municipal land area for subsidized housing inventory (SHI)

This bill amends Massachusetts' Chapter 40B housing law to change how municipalities calculate land area for subsidized housing requirements. It excludes five specific land categories from the 1.5% residential/commercial/industrial land threshold: conservation land (M.G.L. c. 61A), agricultural land (c. 61B), farmland with permanent restrictions, private cemeteries, and utility areas (gas lines, etc.). Municipalities must now exclude these lands when determining if they meet the 40B subsidized housing inventory (SHI) requirement. The change directly affects towns and cities subject to Chapter 40B's housing obligations.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill amends 40B to exclude non-residential land from calculation, easing municipal compliance for subsidized housing requirements and facilitating more affordable housing development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Land Use Zoning

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 114: An Act establishing housing training program for elected members of municipal boards

SD 114 requires the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to create a mandatory training program for elected or appointed municipal board members who handle land-use decisions. The training covers fair housing law, zoning authority, and municipal land-use laws, developed with input from planning and housing organizations. Members must complete the training within six months of starting their term or every four years thereafter, with membership terminating if they fail to comply. Municipalities may hold annual or biannual trainings to meet this requirement. This bill directly affects local planning boards, zoning commissions, and similar bodies across Massachusetts.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates training on fair housing law for land-use decision-makers to prevent discrimination, aligning with anti-discrimination housing protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1806: An Act establishing an accessory dwelling unit trust fund

This bill creates a state trust fund to help low- and moderate-income homeowners build secondary housing units (like backyard cottages or basement apartments) on their properties. It targets property owners with incomes up to 110% of the local median income (as defined by federal housing standards). The fund will provide financial assistance for pre-construction costs - such as design fees, permits, utility connections, and site preparation - but only the minimum amount needed to make the project feasible. Administered by the state housing office or designated agencies, the fund will accept state appropriations, private donations, and other sources, with unspent funds remaining in the fund rather than reverting to the general state budget.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates state trust fund for housing assistance costs, funding essential program for low-income homeowners through fiscal allocation.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates a trust fund to help low/moderate-income homeowners build accessory dwelling units (ADUs), directly increasing affordable housing supply through financial assistance for development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Zoning

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