Chapter 40B

For more than 20 years, MHP has encouraged suburban communities to take a more active role on affordable housing. Part of this effort has involved working to strengthen the hand of local officials in reviewing applications for Chapter 40B comprehensive permits.

MHP's 40B technical assistance program, which provides consultants to local zoning boards of appeal to help review comprehensive permits, is one example. To read more about this program, click here.

Local 40B Review & Decision Guidelines (November 2005)

These guidelines were developed by MHP to help zoning boards of appeal review applications for comprehensive permits. In 2008, DHCD updated the Chapter 40B regulations and then issued accompanying guidelines. These updates take legal precedence over the MHP guidelines.

The appendix in the MHP guidelines 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 economic.

Chapter 40B informational web site

The Citizen's Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) maintain up-to-date information on all aspects of Chapter 40B. To visit that site, click here.

For more information about MHP, please email MHP or call 617-330-9944 x227.