Town Meeting 2024 Information and Updates Read more »

MBTA Multi-Family Zoning

MBTA CommunitiesThis new law requires that an MBTA community shall have at least one zoning district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right and meets other criteria set forth in the statute:

  • Minimum gross density of 15 units per acre
  • Located not more than 0.5 miles from a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal or bus station, if applicable
  • No age restrictions and suitable for families with children

On December 15, 2021, the Department of Housing and Community Development (now the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities - EOHLC) issued draft guidelines on how to comply with the law. After the release of the draft guidelines, the Baker-Polito Administration held a public comment period until March 31, 2022. During the public comment period, there were over 24 engagement sessions and DHCD received nearly 400 comments through an online portal. The public comment process served to inform the revised guidelines.

On August 10, 2022, DHCD (now EOHLC) issued the final guidelines to determine if an MBTA community is in compliance with Section 3A. Read the letter sent to each MBTA Community from Secretary Mike Kennealy and Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox. We encourage you to visit this page often as it will be updated from time to time. Continue to Mass.gov Multi-Family Zoning Requirement for MBTA Communities

Public Hearing

On March 18, 2024, the Hanover Planning Board will discuss the ramifications of the MBTA Communities Zoning Act for our town. This is your opportunity to learn about the potential impact of this zoning act on our town, share your thoughts, and express your concerns. 

Please join us at Hanover Town Hall, 550 Hanover Street, either in person or via Zoom, at 7:30 pm, in the second floor hearing room.

Remote Meeting Access

  • Meeting address: https://hanover-ma-gov.zoom.us/j/86585597553?pwd=Z0ptd1kvUTNkUDdVMDlkemoxUGJDZz09
  • Telephone: Dial one of the following phone numbers: 929-205-6099; 312-626-6799; 301-715- 8592; 346-248-7799; 669-900-6833; 253-215-8782
  • If you are a dial-in participant and would like to ask a question, please press *9 to enter the question queue.
  • If you are a dial-in participant and would like to mute/unmute, please press *6 to toggle.
  • Meeting ID: 865 8559 7553
  • Passcode: 02339