Resources

On Friday December 20, 2019, the state Dept. of Housing and Community Development issued a so-called "1.5 percent ruling" concerning an application by a developer for a Ch. 40B comprehensive land use permit in Watertown. DHCD found that Watertown is in compliance with the requirement that 1.5 percent of the town's land that is zoned for residential, commercial or industrial use is being used for affordable housing. Thus, the town has achieved "safe harbor" from having to accept Ch. 40B permit applications. This is the first community to achieve the 1.5 percent since new regulations went into effect in 2008. Prior to this, towns that have achieved "safe harbor" have done so by having 10 percent of its housing affordable.

Requirements for initial lease up and subsequent annual income re-certifications for Ch. 40B properties.

This presentation covers the municipalities role in Chapter 40B and includes recent 40B activity in the state, community’s role in the Project Eligibility process, what’s a “Friendly 40B,” examples and proactive planning for multifamily development.

The Public Hearing Protocol poster is designed to be printed on large poster board and placed outside public hearings for the general public. This board covers general information on public hearings as well as the sequence of events during a hearing.

The Public Hearing Guidance for Board Chairs document is a resource for ZBA chairs conducting a hearing on Chapter 40B.

On Dec. 19, 2017, MHP Executive Director Clark Ziegler testified before the Joint Committee on Housing regarding various legislative proposals to amend Ch. 40B. Ziegler testified that "the need for zoning mechanism like Chapter 40B is greater than ever" and urged the committee to reject legislation that would weaken its effectiveness.