New Ch. 40B handbook issued for ZBAs

The state’s affordable housing organizations have released a new, updated Chapter 40B handbook designed to help municipal zoning boards of appeals understand and manage the comprehensive permit process.
 
The new handbook incorporates new regulations and guidelines issued by the Department of Housing and Community Development in 2008, 2012 and 2014. It was produced by the Massachusetts Housing Partnership in collaboration with DHCD, MassHousing and MassDevelopment.
 
The handbook, which was first published in 2005, covers the following topics:
 
• Introduction to Chapter 40B and what a comprehensive permit includes
 
• The project eligibility process and local comment period
 
• The local hearing process – critical deadlines, public hearing, pro forma reviews and negotiations
 
• The Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI), components of a Housing Production Plan (HPP) and details about the Housing Appeals Committee (HAC) process
 
To download the free handbook, visit www.mhp.net/writable/resources/documents/Ch.-40B-Handbook-for-Zoning-Boards-of-Appeal.pdf.
 
For more information, contact Laura Shufelt of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership at (857) 317-8582 or lshufelt@mhp.net.