MBTA Communities

In January 2021, Governor Charlie Baker signed Section 3A of MGL. c. 40A (MBTA Communities legislation) into law requiring by-right multifamily districts in 177 communities with MBTA access. The legislation tasked the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) with implementing this new law. EHOLC released their final guidelines in August 2023.

• Mass.gov MBTA Communities zoning web page
• Final guidelines
• CHAPA breaks down what’s in the guidelines

Mass Housing Partnership

• Mass Housing Partnership MBTA 
• Two-minute video about the law
• Common Myths

Interactive Maps

• Billerica Interactive GIS Map (turn layers on to view zoning)
• Residensity
• Compliance Status

Housing Information

• Housing Tool Box
• Communities Tools

Data

• DataTown
• Transit-Oriented Development Explorer

Story Map 

Learn more about how the Planning Board, working with staff and NMCOG, established the proposed districts with our Story Map.