On Nov. 3, Massachusetts residents will decide whether to pass Question 7, a zoning initiative that would legalize single-family homes on small residential lots.
Under the initiative, the lots would need to measure at least one-ninth of an acre and already have access to public sewer and water services, as well as at least 50 feet of land bordering the street.
Proponents say the initiative would increase the Bay State’s supply of affordable housing, while opponents argue it would remove local control of zoning decisions and wouldn’t guarantee the new homes would be affordable.
Pitched as a pro-starter-home initiative, the policy would generate roughly 750 new homes per year, according to a study from Tufts University. Researchers identified 200,000 lots that could be eligible for new construction under the policy, many in Boston suburbs.
In a poll conducted by Beacon Research between Aug. 12-14, 67% of voters interviewed expressed support of Question 7, with 26% opposed.
Proponents laud the policy’s potential to make housing more accessible by allowing for the construction of entry-level homes.
“Massachusetts needs more housing options for people at different stages of life and at different price points,” said Eric Shupin, CEO of the Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association. “Question 7 would remove one barrier to creating more homes in communities that already have residential zoning and public infrastructure. Allowing single-family homes on smaller lots will make housing more affordable and help more people become homeowners, allow seniors to downsize, college kids to return to their hometowns and communities to become stronger.”
Those opposed see issues with the broad nature of the policy and its potential to give developers more power over local communities.
“[Question 7] is something that would have no affordability provisions whatsoever,” Massachusetts Municipal Association Legislative Director Dave Koffman recently said on The 351 podcast. “I think that’s the distinction that voters really need to look at. A smaller lot does not automatically mean a more affordable home.”
Massachusetts Municipal Association Policy Counsel Ali DiMatteo added, “Aside from regulations around setbacks and heights, Question 7 removes nearly all discretion for local officials and residents in zoning. By overriding local zoning authority with a one-size-fits-all mandate, communities lose the power to pace their own growth.”
Koffman believes programs like the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and the Commonwealth’s Move-In MA initiative offer similar outcomes to Question 7 while honoring the partnership of local municipalities.