Plymouth Introduces New Zoning Bylaws for Multifamily Housing

Construction of new multifamily housing units in Plymouth to meet community needs.

News Summary

Plymouth’s Planning Board has enacted new zoning bylaws to facilitate the construction of multifamily housing units by streamlining the permitting process. Builders meeting specific criteria can now bypass lengthy special permit applications, expediting home creation. The regulations support community standards while restricting short-term rentals to maintain stability. Plymouth aims to create at least 2,807 multifamily units by the end of 2024 in compliance with the MBTA Communities Act, despite challenges such as water supply issues.

Plymouth’s New Zoning Bylaws: A Step Toward Multifamily Housing

Plymouth is stepping up its game when it comes to housing! The local Planning Board has just rolled out a brand new zoning bylaw that’s set to make it a whole lot easier for builders to create multifamily housing units. With a little help from the town, it’s hoped that this will provide more options for people looking for new homes.

How It Works

So, what’s the scoop with this new bylaw? Well, if builders can meet certain requirements, they’ll be able to skip the usual lengthy process of obtaining special permits. Instead, they can head straight to the Building Department for their permits. This change aims to cut through bureaucratic tape and make it simpler and faster for the construction of new homes.

But, there are some boxes that need to be checked first! The new bylaw requires builders to comply with existing zoning regulations. This means they’ll need to meet specific criteria like side set-backs, front space, septic guidelines, and parking rules to keep everything in line with what the community expects.

Building Up

If you’re wondering about the specs, structures under this new bylaw can be built up to a maximum size of 900 square feet. That’s pretty cozy! Builder Kevin Hood has estimated that the price tag for these one and two-bedroom units is likely to fall somewhere between $315,000 and $450,000, depending on the finishes selected. This gives potential homeowners a range of options when it comes to their living space.

No Short Stays, Please

For those with an eye on rental opportunities, it’s important to note that the new regulations put some limits in place for short-term rentals. Platforms such as Airbnb or Vrbo will not be allowed for those wanting to rent out for just a night or even two. The goal is to maintain a stable community atmosphere rather than a revolving door of temporary guests.

Deadline Approaching: Are We Ready?

Looking ahead, it’s essential to recognize that Massachusetts municipalities have a deadline of the end of 2024 to get their new zoning rules in place. This is all part of the MBTA Communities Act, which is pushing communities to develop housing near public transportation. Compliance has become crucial, especially since towns that don’t meet these requirements might find themselves missing out on important state grant programs.

As of mid-May 2024, it’s been a mixed bag for neighboring towns. A dozen municipalities on the South Shore have nodded their heads in agreement to zoning changes, while four others have either said no or asked for more time to think things over. There’s even been talk of legal action, as seen in Milton, where the town was sued by the state after rejecting proposed changes, leading to a loss of state grant access.

Plymouth’s Target

For Plymouth, things are getting serious! The town will need to zone for at least 2,807 multifamily units, which represents about 10% of its total housing stock of 28,704 units. Given the complexity of these requirements, local officials are eyeing the possibility of hiring a consultant at roughly $80,000 to help navigate these new waters and ensure compliance.

Current Challenges

But it’s not all sunshine and roses. Plymouth faces its own challenges, with certain areas struggling with water supply that could complicate potential development zones, particularly in the North and West parts of the town. The pressure is higher than ever for compliance, as local officials are also worried about losing out on valuable state funding that has historically been a financial lifeline for the town.

As Plymouth moves forward with its ambitious plans for multifamily housing, residents and builders alike are eager to see how these changes will unfold. The hope is that these new regulations will not just develop more homes, but also foster vibrant communities that everyone can be proud of!