Housing Production Plans

Even without a master plan, communities can strategize to create a variety of housing, including low- or moderate-income housing, by preparing a housing plan. Though not directly within the ZBA’s purview, a housing plan can go a long way toward helping communities reach one of the statutory minima and gain more local control over comprehensive permits. Since Chapter 40B’s purpose is create housing for low- or moderate-income people, a housing plan that is aligned with the statute’s mission can help to accomplish three objectives:

1. To communicate the community’s goals to developers and housing subsidy programs;
2. To create a policy framework for the ZBA’s review of comprehensive permit applications and for

town boards and commissions that provide comments to the ZBA;

3. To educate residents, business owners, and others about local and regional housing needs and the community’s part in helping to meet those needs.