.png?itok=e498Jk4q){kind=logo}
.png?itok=yhtuTpjq)
Massachusetts is one of the states in the nation requiring local governments to make more space for multi-family housing. Not all local governments are willing to comply, however.
There are new penalties in Massachusetts failing to adhere to the MBTA Communities law, a statewide mandate for zoning that allows multi-family housing development by-right near transit stations.
“Municipalities that do not follow the MBTA Communities law […] will no longer be eligible for a new list of state funding opportunities until they are in compliance,” reports Tréa Lavery for Mass Live.
“The law was adopted in 2021 and requires cities and towns served by the transit agency have at least one zoning district “of reasonable size” where multi-family housing is allowed within a half-mile of a commuter rail, subway or bus station or ferry terminal, if applicable,” adds Lavery.
“Earlier this month, the town of Holden was sued by the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance for saying it would not follow the law,” according to Lavery.
The news reflects a trend visible in other states, perhaps most notably in California, where state preemption of local control of zoning codes still requires stiff penalties to get local governments working on zoning reform.
More details on the penalties attached to the MBTA Communities law are found in the source article below. Lavery also reports that the state has awarded $2 million to fund technical assistance to communities working to comply with the law.
FULL STORY: Mass. adds new penalties for towns not following MBTA Communities zoning law
Amendments Proposed for California's Landmark Pro-Housing Development Legislation
Amendments are circulating for one of the most-closely watched, and passionately debated, pieces of housing legislation in the country.
Arizona State Lawmakers Seek to Override Local Zoning to Spur Housing Development
The proposal would eliminate minimum lot sizes, setback requirements of more than five feet, minimum square footage, and “neighborhood character” requirements.
State-Level Land Use Reform Gains Strength
More state legislatures are considering stricter land use and zoning regulations as a solution to the housing crisis. Some local jurisdictions are pushing back.
New Florida Law Curbs HOA Power
The legislation seeks to cut down on ‘absurd’ citations for low-level violations.
New Tennessee Law Allows No-Cost Incentives for Affordable Housing
Local governments in the Volunteer State can now offer developers incentives like increased density, lower parking requirements, and priority permitting for affordable housing projects.
Planners’ Complicity in Excessive Traffic Deaths
Professor Wes Marshall’s provocatively-titled new book, "Killed by a Traffic Engineer," has stimulated fierce debates. Are his criticisms justified? Let’s examine the degree that traffic engineers contribute to avoidable traffic deaths.
Study: Housing Crisis is About Affordability, not Supply
New research shows that there is no overall shortage of housing units, but all U.S. metropolitan areas face a severe lack of affordable units for low-income renters.
Are Race-Based Lawsuits Affecting Community Lenders?
Shelterforce spoke with community lending leaders and experts about the current mood across the sector. What, if anything, are organizations doing to avoid becoming the next target of conservative activists?
New Park Promotes Community and Connectivity in Lewisville, Texas
The city of Lewisville just celebrated the opening of Glory Park/Parque la Gloria, helping to improve park access and the quality of life for residents.
City of Madera
City of Santa Clarita
Borough of Carlisle
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Colorado Energy Office
Pima County Community College District
City of Piedmont, CA
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
