Zoning Changes for Multifamily Property Purchase Consultation

Recent zoning changes permitting multifamily development in certain municipalities have created a need for consulting on a significant property purchase that previously held a single-story use. There are concerns regarding the current control of local zoning by state authorities, as the existing structure allows for complexity and delays. The planning boards, which function with quasi-zoning authority, are seen as a potential barrier to efficient review processes, often leading to long timelines—sometimes taking up to two years for subdivisions or a year for even single-family home reviews. A call for reform emphasizes the need to rein in these planning boards and bring them under a more standardized regulatory framework, such as Mass General Law 48, to streamline the approval process for multifamily developments and enhance efficacy in local zoning practices.