Chapter 137 of the Acts of 2026 made significant changes to the Massachusetts Zoning Act (M.G.L. c. 40A). This Appropriations Act is for the fiscal year 2027. As usual, it has several so-called outside sections. The Zoning Act changes are effective now.
In 2024, Governor Maura Healey signed the Affordable Homes Act. It authorized $5.16 billion in spending over the next five years to counter rising housing costs caused by high demand and limited supply.
Section 8 of the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act (Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024) amended Section 3 of the Massachusetts Zoning Act. This took effect on February 2, 2025, requiring municipalities to allow ADUs (900 or fewer square feet) as of right in most single-family residential zoning districts, with some important limitations.
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