MBTA 3A Zoning

The MBTA Communities Multi-family Zoning Act was approved by both houses of the state legislature in 2020 and signed by Gov. Charlie Baker in 2021.

This legislation was passed for three reasons:

1. Massachusetts has among the highest, and fastest growing, home prices and rents of any state in the nation.

2. Rising costs have dramatically increased financial pressures on low- and middle-income families, forcing them to sacrifice other priorities (e.g., food, savings) in order to pay housing costs. High housing costs and restrictive zoning drivers of homelessness.

3. These high costs are a disadvantage as we compete economically against peer states. The risk of future job growth moving outside Massachusetts is rising due to the high costs of living.

This law encourages development of multi-family housing by requiring communities served by public transit (e.g., Commuter Rail, T, etc.) to adopt zoning districts where it is allowed under the zoning bylaw “by right” (without a special permit) and meets other requirements set forth in the statute.

After months of discussion and public input, the Planning Board’s proposal—developed with zoning and design consultants—was approved by Town Meeting and accepted by the state. See the full plan here.

The 3-part presentation below, which was presented as the project was in the planning/approval stages, provides an overview of the MBTA Communities law, how the law's requirements apply to Winchester, and the planning board's proposal.