Affordable Housing Land Use Variances Zoning

Christmas In August For Massachusetts Real Estate Developers Is Good News For Housing Production

August 14, 2024 / August 14, 2024 by Donald R. Pinto, Jr. | Leave a Comment

In its $5.2 billion Affordable Homes Act (AHA) signed by Gov. Maura Healey last week, the Massachusetts Legislature came down the chimney with some presents that have been on developers’ wish lists for decades. In addition to making accessory dwelling units (ADUs) up to 900 square feet a by-right use in residential zoning districts (see […]

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Variances Zoning

Safety Issue Can Be “Hardship” Justifying A Zoning Variance

March 16, 2017 / April 3, 2017 by Donald R. Pinto, Jr. | Leave a Comment

The Massachusetts standard for granting a zoning variance is notoriously difficult to meet.  In a nutshell it requires proof that: (1) due to circumstances concerning soil conditions, the shape of the lot, or the topography of the land; which (2) especially affect the land but not the zoning district generally; (3) literal enforcement of the zoning ordinance would cause a […]

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