Resources and Links

Resources and related information about Chapter 40B.

Chapter 40B Design Principles handbook The Chapter 40B Design Principles Handbook was created to provide information and guidance for the design review process undertaken by the agencies subsidizing Chapter 40B affordable housing projects in Massachusetts. The handbook provides some suggestions for applying new program standards and goals in the early stages of the design process.

Chapter 40B: DHCD Guidelines The DHCD Guidelines detail program requirements including Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plans, Housing Production Plans, the role of the Subsidizing Agency, housing funding programs and the Local Initiative Program.

Chapter 40B: DHCD Regulations The full Chapter 40B Regulations (760 CMR 56.00). These describe the standards and procedures to govern the course of project review, from an initial determination of eligibility by the federal or state agency that is providing a subsidy (the "Subsidizing Agency"), through local permitting review by the Board, to issuance or denial of a Comprehensive Permit, potential appeals to the HAC, and post-permitting procedures. 760 CMR 56.00 also addresses the Subsidized Housing Inventory , which is maintained by the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Chapter 40B: MHP Local Review & Decision Guidelines (November 2005) In 2005, MHP developed Local 40B review guidelines to help zoning boards of appeal review applications for comprehensive permits. Although the DHCD guidelines and regulations take legal precedence over the MHP guidelines, the appendix can still be instructive in the 40B process. The guidelines include formulas and benchmarks approved by DHCD, MHP, MassHousing, and MassDevelopment that can be used by ZBA's and developers to determine whether permit conditions make a 40B project economically feasible.

MHP Program: Ch. 40B technical assistance guidelines Information on MHP's 40B technical assistance program, which helps local zoning boards of appeal review applications for comprehensive permits pursuant to state law known as Ch. 40B.

Testimony: MHP speaks to legislature about Ch. 40B. BOSTON--- In testimony before a state legislative committee on Oct. 11, MHP Executive Director Clark Ziegler said the state's comprehensive permit law known as Ch. 40B is doing an effective job but said the larger issue is that the state needs to overhaul its zoning laws.

Web site: CHAPA 40B information The Citizens' Housing and Planning Association maintains a comprehensive, up-to-date web site with materials and links to current information regarding Chapter 40B.