The bill proposes comprehensive amendments to Chapter 45-24, "Zoning Ordinances," of the General Laws, with a focus on promoting smart growth, affordable housing, and the preservation of undeveloped land. It introduces new purposes for zoning ordinances, including respecting the right to housing for all income levels and promoting safety from wildfires. The bill also restricts local authorities from adopting new zoning provisions related to wetland buffers and setbacks, deferring to future state regulations on these matters. Additionally, it provides a range of new definitions for terms such as "accessory dwelling unit (ADU)," "adaptive reuse," and "architectural form," aiming to standardize the language across local ordinances.

Significant changes include the expansion of the definition of "Development" to encompass "façade redesign" and the clarification of "Mixed use" as "traditional development." The bill also addresses nonconformance in zoning ordinances, distinguishing between nonconforming by use and by dimension, and setting conditions for their establishment. It introduces new zoning concepts like "Zoning use and form district," and mandates that zoning ordinances be consistent with the city or town's comprehensive plan. The bill emphasizes redevelopment, design standards, energy conservation, and transportation access in new developments. It also includes provisions for adaptive reuse projects, nonconforming development, and the continuation of nonconforming uses. Furthermore, the bill introduces "inclusionary zoning," requiring a percentage of affordable housing units in new developments, and outlines incentives and reporting requirements for affordable housing provisions. The bill is set to take effect upon passage, with certain provisions effective January 1, 2024.