Massachusetts is taking a significant step toward accelerating residential development with proposed amendments to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) regulations. These changes are designed to streamline the review process for certain housing projects, ecological restoration efforts, and Urban Renewal Plans, reflecting the state's commitment to fostering sustainable growth while maintaining environmental integrity.
At VHB, our environmental and land development teams are closely monitoring and analyzing the implications of these proposed amendments. We are dedicated to understanding how these changes will impact our projects and the broader community.
VHB’s Stephanie Kruel, Senior Regulatory and Resilience Advisor - Environmental Planning, has shared her insights on these developments in a LinkedIn article, providing a detailed analysis of the proposed regulatory changes. Her article offers valuable perspectives on how these amendments could shape the future of residential development in Massachusetts.
Key Highlights of the Proposed Amendments:
- Residential Focus: Projects must allocate at least 67 percent of their gross floor area to residential uses, with the remainder for commercial activities.
- Density Requirements: Projects meeting specific density targets, such as at least eight units per acre for single-family homes and 15 units per acre for multi-family housing, qualify for expedited review.
- Land Alteration Limits: Redevelopment is encouraged by limiting the alteration of previously undeveloped land.
- Hazard Area Considerations: New developments in floodplains are discouraged, while redevelopment projects in these areas can be expedited if they comply with flood-related building codes and are outside the highest hazard areas.
- Energy Standards: Compliance with the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code is required.
- Trip Generation: Projects near transit can generate more trips.
For a deeper dive into Stephanie's analysis, read her full article on LinkedIn: Massachusetts Proposes Changes to Accelerate Housing.
