Cambridge Passes Zoning Reform

The Cambridge, Massachusetts city council voted 8-1 in favor of zoning reforms that could encourage more housing construction and higher density, lowering costs for residents.

According to an article by Mark Lannaman in Saporta Report, “Before last Monday’s changes, single-family zoning and other exclusionary zoning codes were in place throughout many parts of the historic city that has seen generations of students call home. Now, with the approved changes to the zoning code in Cambridge, up to four stories can be built anywhere in the city, and six stories on lots greater than 5,000 square feet.”

Prior to the changes, 85 percent of the city was made up of “nonconforming” buildings built prior to the current zoning code. “You couldn’t build anything in much of the city besides a large mansion, and I think there was a lot of distaste for the status quo,” said council member Burhan Azeem.

To allay fears of the city growing too quickly, the new regulations limit development to six stories citywide to encourage middle density that, ideally, will support a growing population at a reasonable pace of change. “The zoning changes are projected to add 1,195 new housing units by 2030, including 220 affordable units; that number rises to 3,590 new homes by 2040, including 660 affordable units, according to the Cambridge Development Department.”

The changes will also allow homeowners to divide larger homes, which was not allowed under prior rules.