Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey recently signed far-reaching legislation to boost housing production and address the high cost of housing in the Bay State.
The Affordable Homes Act aims to build or save 65,000 homes through $5.1 billion in spending and 49 policy initiatives. The legislation allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) statewide, supports commercial-to-housing conversions, and provides incentives for affordable housing construction.
The act is “an unprecedented investment in modernizing the state’s public housing system,” according to a news release from the governor’s office. It also boosts programs that support first-time homebuyers and homeownership, provides incentives to build more housing for low to moderate-income residents, and supports sustainable and green housing initiatives.
ADUs under 900 sf will be allowed by right on single-family lots. This new policy replaces a patchwork of zoning regulations across the state with a uniform law that allows homeowners on single-family lots to add these small units without needing a special permit or variance unless they want to add more than one.
Related Stories
Modular Building | Oct 11, 2023
Development startup brings modular solution to hospitality industry
The company's approach extends to various types of accommodations, from landscape hotels and cozy bed and breakfasts to compact micro hotels and food and wine-themed properties.
MFPRO+ News | Oct 6, 2023
Announcing MultifamilyPro+
BD+C has served the multifamily design and construction sector for more than 60 years, and now we're introducing a central hub within BDCnetwork.com for all things multifamily.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 24, 2023
Average size of new apartments dropped sharply in 2022
The average size of new apartments in 2022 dropped sharply in 2022, as tracked by RentCafe. Across the U.S., the average new apartment size was 887 sf, down 30 sf from 2021, which was the largest year-over-year decrease.
Self-Storage Facilities | Dec 16, 2022
Self-storage development booms in high multifamily construction areas
A 2022 RentCafe analysis finds that self-storage units swelled in conjunction with metros’ growth in apartment complexes.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 30, 2021
A post-pandemic ‘new normal’ for apartment buildings
Grimm + Parker’s vision foresees buildings with rentable offices and refrigerated package storage.
