New Transit-Oriented Development Requirements for Boston-Area Transit Stations

Cities with commuter rail stops will have to accommodate higher-density housing or risk losing access to state resources and housing grants.

2 minute read

January 26, 2021, 5:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Commuter Rail

Thirty-eight cities and towns served by MBTA trains have no high-density zoning near stations. | THONGCHAI.S / Shutterstock

Massachusetts' latest economic development bill includes a rule that requires municipalities served by Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter trains to permit denser housing in at least one district within a half mile of a station. The measure is meant to create more housing near transit stations and alleviate greater Boston's growing housing crisis, according to an article Tim Logan. "The biggest barrier to building in Massachusetts is zoning and the lack of zoning for multifamily housing. People want walkable neighborhoods, and this will help us produce them," said Rachel Heller, CEO of the advocacy group Citizens Housing and Planning Association, in the article.

Some cities along the MBTA's rail lines with little or no land zoned for higher density protested the measure, insisting that local zoning decisions should stay in local hands. "Mandates from Beacon Hill are no way to build," said Massachusetts Municipal Association executive director Geoff Beckwith, adding: "New laws won’t work if they strip average citizens of their role and voice." State Senator Joe Boncore argues that the rule is a fair trade for access to state infrastructure and grants: "Suburban towns benefit from being on the regional transportation network, he said, so they should contribute to tackling the regional housing shortage."

The new rule is part of a package that includes "Housing Choice," another proposal aimed at reducing barriers to building denser housing by reducing the percent of votes needed to pass zoning changes.

Monday, January 11, 2021 in The Boston Globe

Aerial view of Eugene, Oregon at dusk with mountains in background.

Eugene Ends Parking Minimums

In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.

December 3, 2023 - NBC 16

Green Paris Texas city limit sign with population.

How Paris, Texas Became a ‘Unicorn’ for Rural Transit

A robust coalition of advocates in the town of 25,000 brought together the funding and resources to launch a popular bus service that some residents see as a mobility lifeline—and a social club.

November 30, 2023 - Texas Monthly

SMall backyard cottage ADU in San Diego, California.

San Diegans at Odds Over ‘Granny Towers’

A provision in the city’s ADU ordinance allows developers to build an essentially unlimited number of units on single-family lots.

November 29, 2023 - CALmatters

Aerial view of Newton, Massachusetts.

Newton Passes Upzoning to Comply With MBTA Communities Act

The Massachusetts city will permit multifamily housing in some of its ‘village centers’ to comply with state law.

10 minutes ago - Mass Live

Aerial view of downtown Salt Lake City, Utah with snow-capped mountains in background.

How Salt Lake City Maintained a Vibrant Downtown

Unlike other major cities, the Utah capital’s downtown has seen a steady stream of visitors even as demand for office space diminishes.

December 8 - Governing

White modular home being installed on a lot.

Modular Homes Make Housing More Affordable in Chicago

Cheaper and faster to construct, modular homes provide an affordable alternative to traditional new construction for low- and moderate-income residents on Chicago’s South Side.

December 8 - WTTW

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

"Rethinking Commuter Rail" podcast & Intercity Bus E-News

Chaddick Institute at DePaul University

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.