Massachusetts Considers Ending Single-Family Zoning to Boost Housing

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a significant change to state zoning laws that would permit the construction of two-family homes and duplexes in all residential districts currently zoned exclusively for single-family dwellings. This provision, inserted into a major economic development bill (S.3178), aims to alleviate the state's critical housing shortage and improve affordability, according to state Sen. Julian Cyr. Cyr emphasized that these proposed two-family homes are not large apartment buildings or large-scale developments but rather smaller structures often built by local contractors, which he believes can significantly impact Massachusetts' affordability.

Massachusetts has been identified as the second-worst state for homebuilding and affordability by Realtor.com®, with a median listing price of $763,660 and a median household income of $99,357. Experts attribute this affordability crisis to a combination of factors, including stringent energy efficiency codes, high affordability requirements, restrictive local zoning bylaws, and a complex approval process. The consequences of this housing crunch are evident across the state, with a notable scarcity of starter homes in Boston and limited options for middle-income earners in Worcester.

The proposed zoning reform is part of a broader national trend of loosening zoning regulations to encourage more housing construction. The economic development bill S.3178, which includes the zoning provision, also allocates substantial funding to other sectors. It earmarks $100 million for defense industry jobs, $75 million for artificial intelligence development, and $45 million to support business districts and small businesses. This bill builds upon an earlier economic development package submitted by Gov. Maura Healey and passed by the state's House of Representatives, increasing its likelihood of becoming law.