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**Massachusetts Fast-Tracks Environmental Review Process for Housing Projects**
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has introduced draft regulations aimed at expediting the environmental review process for certain housing developments. Under the new proposal, qualifying projects could bypass the comprehensive Environmental Impact Report and instead submit a simpler Environmental Notification Form, reducing the standard review period from up to a year to just 30 days.
“We are bringing urgency to addressing this housing crisis, and this is a game changer for the development of more housing in Massachusetts and bringing down housing costs for everyone,” said Governor Healey.
To be eligible for the streamlined review, housing projects must meet the following seven criteria:
– A minimum of 67% of the development must be dedicated to residential use
– The project must satisfy specific unit-per-acre thresholds, which vary based on housing type
– Land must be used efficiently
– The development must meet established energy efficiency standards
– Construction must occur outside of floodplains and high-risk hazard areas
– Projects must comply with utility access requirements
– The impact on traffic must be limited
This move is part of Massachusetts’ broader efforts to address the growing demand for affordable housing while maintaining environmental protections.
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