Single-family homes can still be constructed in Cambridge, but structures as tall as six stories could be built on nearly any lot in the city
The Cambridge City Council recently passed a dramatic overhaul of the city’s land-use rules, eliminating single-family zoning citywide.
The new zoning rules allow buildings up to six stories in neighborhoods across the city. Single-family homes can still be constructed in Cambridge, but structures as tall as six stories could be built on nearly any lot in the city.
Under the new zoning plan, any lot can be redeveloped into a four-story apartment building without needing any special city approval. Developers can add an additional two stories by-right if 20% of the units are set aside for affordable units and the lot meets a minimum size requirement.
“While the zoning plan is controversial, particularly among residents of some of the less dense neighborhoods, it represents the most sweeping attempt by a city in Massachusetts to find a solution to the housing problem,” according to a report in the Boston Globe. The zoning update with the six-story policy may be the most far-reaching passed by a U.S. city, the Globe says.
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