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MBTA 3A Multi Family Zoning

The public comment period for the MBTA 3A guidelines in Massachusetts was from December 15, 2021 to February 21, 2022. The comment period was held after the Department of Housing and Community Development (now EOHLC) released draft guidelines. 

What is the MBTA 3A Zoning Act?

Enacted as part of the economic development bill in January 2021, new Section 3A of M.G.L. c. 40A (the Zoning Act) requires that an MBTA community shall have at least one zoning district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right and meets other criteria set forth in the statute:

  • Minimum gross density of 15 units per acre
  • Not more than ½ miles from a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal or bus station, if applicable.
  • No age restrictions
  • Suitable for families with children.

For more information, please click the link below.
Multi-Family Zoning Requirement for MBTA Communities | Mass.gov

Here is a link to the draft guidelines released by DHCD:
DRAFT Compliance Guidelines for Multi-family Districts Under Section 3A of the Zoning Act | Mass.gov

To view the MBTA Communities Preliminary Information form we submitted please see below:

Public Comment Period for MBTA 3A Guidelines

The public comment period for the MBTA 3A guidelines in Massachusetts was open from December 15, 2021 to March 31, 2022. The comment period was held after the Department of Housing and Community Development (now EOHLC) released draft guidelines. 

The Town of Nahant on behalf of the Board of Selectmen, submitted comments on those guidelines.

Nahant MBTA Comments March 31, 2022

We also recently submitted a letter to Secretary Ed Augustus of EOHLC regarding the MBTA compliance regulations and Nahant’s plans to comply.

MBTA Communities Comment Letter