Smart Growth Zoning Overlay District Act, Massachusetts, 2004
5 minutes Date Enacted: Jan 1, 2004
Summary
Encourages communities to create dense residential or mixed-use smart growth zoning districts, including a high percentage of affordable housing units, to be located near transit stations, in areas of concentrated development. Upon state review and approval of a local overlay district, communities become eligible for payments from a Smart Growth Housing Trust Fund, as well as other financial incentives. Citation: Chapter 40R
Key Definitions
"Smart Growth – means a principle of land development that furthers, on balance, the following goals set forth in M.G.L. c. 40R, § 1 and 760 CMR 59.00: (a) Increasing the availability of Affordable housing by creating a range of housing opportunities in neighborhoods; (b) Emphasizing mixing land uses; (c) Taking advantage of compact design; (d) Fostering distinctive and attractive communities; (e) Preserving open space, farmland, natural beauty and critical environmental areas; (f) Strengthening existing communities; (g) Providing a variety of transportation choices; (h) Making development decisions predictable, fair and cost effective; and (i) Encouraging community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions.