The bill amends various sections of the General Laws to provide technical amendments to the chapters on subdivision of land and zoning ordinances for towns and cities. It enhances the powers and duties of local planning boards or commissions, including the authority to review development and subdivision applications or development plan reviews as directed by city or town zoning ordinances.

The bill introduces new definitions, including those for minor and major subdivisions, and establishes criteria for minor subdivisions, including oversized lot subdivisions. It allows for administrative review of minor subdivisions and specifies the requirements for pre-application meetings and the certification of completeness for applications.

Additionally, the bill modifies the process for major land development and subdivision review stages, including the requirements for legal documents and permits prior to approval of final plans. It clarifies that local regulations must ensure adequate physical access to public streets and outlines the appeals process for decisions made by the board of appeal or permitting authority.

The bill also includes provisions for zoning ordinances, such as allowing manufactured homes that comply with specific standards, and establishes inclusionary zoning requirements for affordable housing. It mandates that modifications to dimensional requirements for residential structures can be granted under certain conditions and introduces a transit-oriented development pilot program to encourage high-density residential development near transit hubs.

Overall, the bill aims to streamline the planning and zoning processes while promoting affordable housing and ensuring public participation in local development decisions. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
1086: 45-22-7, 45-22.2-8
1086  SUB A: 45-22-7, 45-22.2-8
1086  SUB A as amended: 45-22-7, 45-22.2-8