State Promises New Regulations for Starter Home Zoning Districts
The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities has promised that the long-awaited draft regulations that will govern the adoption of starter home zoning districts will be available for review in the near future. These districts were authorized by the Legislature in 2016 and amended by the 2022 economic development bill signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker.
These districts allow for the construction of four single-family homes on one acre of land and limit the size of each home to 1,850 square feet. These limits can help provide more affordable housing options for first-time homeowners while also providing greater profit incentives to builders. Unlike the MBTA Communities Act, adoption of these districts is voluntary. The increase in density and the potential rise in the number of school-aged children in these units will be concerns for many communities when considering the adoption of these new districts.
Barnstable County Assembly Declares Housing Crisis on Cape Cod
The Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates has voted 14–1 to declare a “housing crisis” on Cape Cod due to the increase in home prices that have made it difficult for workers on the Cape to afford local housing units. Housing advocates argue that the loss of year-round housing has adversely impacted the economic vitality of Cape Cod communities.
The resolution urges the county administrator to convene a working group of municipal, nonprofit, and regional officials to develop housing policy recommendations. The median price of single-family homes in Barnstable County rose by 62% from 2019 to 2025. Barnstable County ranks seventh in the nation in the absolute number of seasonal homes and fifth in the ratio of seasonal homes to land area. Currently, 36% of the housing units on the Cape are seasonal, up from 32% in 2020.
Members of the Assembly have voiced support for several proposals aimed at stopping the decline in available housing opportunities. These include providing homeowners with incentives to place permanent deed restrictions on their property, creating a year-round housing trust fund, and establishing a revolving fund to provide financial support to homebuyers.
Delegates acknowledge that with limited amounts of land available for development, the construction of new homes will not solve the magnitude of the housing problem on Cape Cod. Eighty-six percent of the Cape’s land has already been developed, leaving little room for new construction growth.
MRLDA to Hold Annual Lobby Day
On Wednesday, June 4, MRLDA members and staff from the NRLA will participate in the MRLDA’s annual Lobby Day at the State House in Boston. Members will meet with their local state representatives and senators to discuss issues of importance to the association.
Participation by MRLDA members at this event enables the association to develop and nurture relationships with local legislators and to seek their support as allies in efforts to make our voice heard on Beacon Hill. Many of the legislators we’ve met during previous Lobby Days have accepted our invitations to visit members’ businesses, which has strengthened their support for our issues. We urge members to consider joining us for this informative and enjoyable day of meetings at the State House.