Overview
Housing is one of the most important aspects of an individual’s life and livelihood. CMRPC has decades of experience and a long track record of working with communities to produce desired housing and community development outcomes. We work with our member communities to produce market-rate and subsidized housing that meets local needs, is affordable to a variety of households and incomes, and complements each community’s natural and cultural setting.
Our Expertise
- Housing Production Plans (HPPs)
- Chapter 40R Smart Growth Zoning
- Chapter 40B Comprehensive Permits and Rules and Regulations for Zoning Boards of Appeal
- Chapter 40A Section 3A Multi-Family Zoning Requirement for MBTA Communities
- Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
- Inclusionary and Incentive Zoning Bylaws
- Open Space Residential Design (OSRD), Conservation Subdivision, or “Cluster” Bylaws
- Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP)
- Housing Choice Initiative (HCI)
Housing Production Plans (HPPs)
HPPs are a community’s proactive strategy for planning and developing affordable housing for its residents under M.G.L. Chapter 40B. These plans are developed in partnership with local officials and community members. By taking a proactive approach to housing production, towns are much more likely to achieve both their housing and community development goals, while also gaining more control over the 40B process.
Multi-Family Zoning for MBTA Communities
Enacted as part of the economic development bill in January 2021, new Section 3A of M.G.L. c. 40A (the Zoning Act) requires that an MBTA community shall have at least one zoning district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right and that meets other criteria set forth in the statute.
Zoning for Diverse Housing
Zoning is a regulatory tool that communities use to govern the allowable uses of land, including housing types, sizes, and locations. Amending existing zoning regulations can help increase the variety of housing options to enhance housing affordability, accommodate a greater diversity of needs, improve land use, and address inequities in our communities.
