Housing (Zoning)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3391: An Act establishing a commission to study housing affordability and density reform

This bill creates a 10-member commission to study Massachusetts housing policies and recommend reforms. The commission will analyze zoning rules (like minimum lot sizes and multi-family bans), investigate exclusionary practices limiting affordable housing, and study successful approaches from other states, using data and AI models. It will report findings and recommendations to key legislative committees within one year, focusing on making housing more affordable and dense through zoning changes and simpler permitting. The commission includes housing experts, local government representatives, home builders, legal scholars, and advocates, but the bill itself does not change laws - only studies potential reforms.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly creates commission to study zoning reforms for housing affordability/density, aiming to remove barriers like minimum lot sizes to increase affordable housing supply.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Land Use Zoning

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1577: An Act relative to municipal housing requirements

This bill modifies Massachusetts municipal zoning rules for housing. It changes the threshold requiring towns to allow more housing units: municipalities where low/moderate income housing (per Chapter 40B) is below 10% of total units must now permit additional housing, removing a previous barrier. The bill also gives towns flexibility on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), allowing them to decide whether owner occupancy is required and how many extra parking spaces are needed for ADUs. These changes directly affect towns below the 10% housing threshold and their zoning regulations for new housing projects.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill lowers threshold for mandatory housing inclusion (below 10% low/moderate income units) and removes barriers to ADUs, directly increasing housing availability and affordability per legislative intent.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 1018: 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 ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill enables municipalities to restrict accessory dwelling units to owner occupancy, limiting rental housing supply and opposing affordable housing development.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 1002: An Act relative to accessory dwelling units on smaller lots

By Mr. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1002) of Edward J. Kennedy for legislation to require a municipal vote relative to tenant occupancy of accessory dwelling units on smaller lots. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates municipal votes for tenant occupancy of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on smaller lots, enabling increased housing supply and affordable housing development through ADU expansion.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights Zoning

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 15, 2026

S 176: 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 HousingBill explicitly encourages zoning for starter homes (affordable housing) via smart growth, directly advancing housing development and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development Zoning

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 2, 2025

SD 2904: An Act to protect small lot ADUs

By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Lydia Edwards for legislation to protect accessory dwelling units. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProtects ADUs (accessory dwelling units), enabling more housing units on small lots to advance affordable housing development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 11, 2025

S 962: An Act to promote Yes in My Back Yard

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 962) of Brendan P. Crighton, Manny Cruz, Mike Connolly, Sal N. DiDomenico and others for legislation to promote Yes in My Back Yard. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPromotes YIMBY (Yes In My Back Yard), a pro-housing development movement advancing affordable housing supply through increased development90% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 2255: An Act facilitating approval of inclusionary zoning for affordable housing

By Representative Connolly of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2255) of Mike Connolly relative to local approval of inclusionary zoning. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingFacilitates inclusionary zoning adoption, requiring affordable units in new developments to increase housing supply and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Sep 17, 2025

H 1572: An Act to promote Yes in My Back Yard

By Representatives Vargas of Haverhill and Honan of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1572) of Andres X. Vargas, Kevin G. Honan and others for legislation to increase housing development. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aims to increase housing development (YIMBY principle), directly advancing affordable housing supply through legislative action.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 11, 2025

S 989: 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 program for missing-middle starter homes, directly increasing affordable housing options through development and ownership initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Property Development Zoning

Track