This short video from the Massachusetts Housing Partnership introduces the state’s new transit oriented housing zoning requirement for places served by the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA).
The Multi-Family Zoning Requirement for MBTA Communities requires that each MBTA community have at least one zoning district of reasonable size where multi-family housing is permitted as of right, and meets these criteria: minimum gross density of 15 units per acre, located not more than a half-mile from transit facility (commuter rail, subway or bus station or ferry terminal), and no age restrictions and suitable for families with children. This measure was designed to help cities and towns zone for more housing near transit, increase economic opportunity, reduce sprawl, and lessen impacts on the environment.