2024 Marshfield MBTA Communities Zoning and Housing Update
Planning department staff have begun the process of updating the Housing Section of the Master Plan and have started the process of draft zoning articles to address the MBTA Communities Requirements, under Chapter 40A, Section 3A.
The state law codified as Section 3A of MGL c. 40A states:
(a) (1) An MBTA community shall have a zoning ordinance or by-law that provides for at least 1 district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right; provided, however, that such multi-family housing shall be without age restrictions and shall be suitable for families with children. For the purposes of this section, a district of reasonable size shall: (i) have a minimum gross density of 15 units per acre, subject to any further limitations imposed by section 40 of chapter 131 and title 5 of the state environmental code established pursuant to section 13 of chapter 21A; and (ii) be located not more than 0.5 miles from a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal or bus station, if applicable.
(b) An MBTA community that fails to comply with this section shall not be eligible for funds from: (i) the Housing Choice Initiative as described by the governor in a message to the general court dated December 11, 2017; (ii) the Local Capital Projects Fund established in section 2EEEE of chapter 29; (iii) the MassWorks infrastructure program established in section 63 of chapter 23A, or (iv) the HousingWorks infrastructure program established in section 27 of chapter 23B.
(c) The executive office of housing and livable communities, in consultation with the executive office of economic development, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, shall promulgate guidelines to determine if an MBTA community is in compliance with this section.
The Industrial/PMUD/B-2 Highway District (west of Furnace Street) and the Downtown Area Community Workshop was held on February 15, 2023 at the Marshfield Senior Center.
A public workshop was held on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at the Ventress Memorial Library.
- Community Workshop Presentation - September 20, 2023
- Map of Excluded or Sensitive Areas
- Video recording of September 20, 2023 Workshop
Map of Possible MBTA Communities Overlay Zoning District.
Map of Possible MBTA Communities Overlay Zoning District with Orthophoto
A public workshop was held on December 20, 2023 at 5pm in the Select Board Chambers in Town Hall. See Meeting Flyer.
- December 20, 2023 Presentation
- Draft Accessory Apartment Bylaw Changes 11-29-2023 (not proposed for April 22, 2024 Annual Town Meeting)
- Draft MBTA Zoning Bylaw 11-28-2023 (included in April 22, 2024 Annual Town Meeting warrant)
Proposed Amendments to Zoning Bylaws - April 22, 2024 Annual Town Meeting
The public hearing on the proposed amendments to the Zoning Bylaws was held on March 18, 2024. The written record for comments is open until April 1, 2024 at noon.