The Wenham Planning Board
is hosting its second
MBTA Communities Public Forum!
The forum will take place on:
Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 6:00PM
Buker Elementary School, 1 School Street, Wenham
MBTA COMMUNITIES FACT SHEET APRIL 2024
Contact Margaret Hoffman with questions and comments before the meeting at mhoffman@wenhamma.gov or (978)468-5520 x8
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The Planning Board hosted an informational Meeting on
Tuesday November 14, 2023 to present information about the
MBTA Communities Regulations to the Public.
Below are the presentation and a link to the HWCAM recording.
MBTA Communities Presentation
Link to HWCAM Recorded meeting
Have questions, feedback, or want to learn more?
Please contact Margaret Hoffman, Planning Coordinator, at 978-468-5520 x8 or mhoffman@wenhamma.gov
MBTA Communities Background
In 2020 Massachusetts amended its General Laws to add a new Section 3A to Chapter 40A, "MBTA Communities Zoning Law". This section requires that MBTA Communities have a zoning district where multi-family housing is allowed as-of-right. ("As-of-right" means development that may proceed under a zoning bylaw without the need for a special permit, variance, zoning amendment, waiver, or other discretionary zoning approval.)
Wenham is an MBTA Commuter Rail Community and is subject to this requirement. The deadline to adopt such a zoning district is December 31, 2024.
Helpful Links
The MBTA Communities Zoning Law
Mass.gov webpage on Multi-Family Zoning Requirement
Mass General Laws: Chapter 40A, Section 3A Updates
Mass General Laws: Chapter 40A, Section 3A Final Text
Chapter 358 of the Acts of 2020: Full Text
