Comprehensive Planning

Zoning and Land Use Planning

SRPEDD's Comprehensive Planning Department can assist with crafting zoning language and regulations that are backed by community-driven preferences.

SRPEDD's Comprehensive Planning Department assists communities in developing zoning language, regulations, and guidelines to achieve their desired land use outcomes.

Zoning shapes the built and natural environment in numerous ways. It gives communities the authority to regulate the use of land, buildings, and structures – for example, it determines where and what type of housing is allowed and what its dimensional requirements are. Zoning also protects a community's natural resources, such as wetlands and aquifers, or incentivizes new and different growth patterns.

Zoning and Land Use Services

Subdivision Control and Other Rules and Regulations

Staff, in partnership with legal counsel, can assist with updating municipal Subdivision Rules and Regulations (R&R) and other regulatory documents, including Site Plan Review R&R and zoning-specific R&R.

Zoning Reviews

From a short review to a full recodification, staff and partnering legal counsel can assist with reviewing zoning language for clarity and consistency with State and Federal law.

Urban Design Guidelines

Staff can assist with the visioning and creation of urban design guidelines that help communities shape the built environment and create vibrant public spaces.

MBTA Communities/Multi-Family By-Right Zoning

Enacted as part of the economic development bill in January 2021, new Section 3A of M.G.L. c. 40A (the Zoning Act) requires that an MBTA community shall have at least one zoning district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right and that meets other criteria set forth in the statute.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), also called "accessory apartments," are small, secondary living spaces located on the same lot as a principal dwelling unit. ADUs can be attached to an existing home or detached on the same lot. As a part of the Affordable Homes Act, signed into law on August 6th, 2024, ADUs are now allowed by right in Massachusetts. The amendments to Chapter 40A Section 3 and regulations (760 CMR 71.00) became effective on February 2nd, 2025.

Chapter 40R and Chapter 40Y Zoning

Staff can assist with assessing eligibility and implementing the State's Chapter 40R and 40Y programs. These locally adopted districts allow higher-density residential development in areas around transit stations, in city and town centers, and in other highly suitable places. Upon review and approval from the State, communities that adopt 40R or 40Y districts are eligible for financial incentives.

Featured Project

Swansea Mixed-Use Zoning and Design Guidelines

Visit the project webpage