Massachusetts Senate Bill S860

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Refer: 3/18/24
• Report Pass: 4/12/24
• Refer: 4/16/24

Caption

Relative to attainable housing in seasonal communities

Impact

If enacted, S860 would significantly modify existing laws to create pathways for a broader range of affordable housing options. Localities would be encouraged to consider their housing inventory requirements more comprehensively, including smaller units that are not traditionally valued in such assessments. Additionally, the bill allows for the reassignment of unused preservation funds towards community housing, thus enabling municipalities to pivot their resources towards more pressing housing challenges, such as wastewater infrastructure, enhancing community welfare.

Summary

Senate Bill S860, titled 'An Act relative to attainable housing in seasonal communities', aims to improve the availability of affordable and accessory housing units in Massachusetts, particularly in areas characterized by seasonal occupancy. The bill mandates that municipal and housing development departments take into account various types of housing projects when assessing community housing needs. This includes one-bedroom units and developments in municipalities where the average home price exceeds the statewide median. The bill also highlights the treatment of tiny houses as acceptable forms of accessory dwelling units under specific regulations.

Contention

Among the notable points of contention surrounding S860 is the tension between local regulatory control and state-level initiatives for housing development. Some stakeholders may argue that by introducing more flexibility in housing definitions and allowing for tiny houses, the bill could lead to potential overreach or misalignment with local zoning objectives. Opponents could also express concerns that such measures might strain local resources or complicate housing implementations, particularly in areas with distinct seasonal patterns and community needs.