Massachusetts Antiquated Zoning Encourages Sprawl

Planners and environmentalists have wasted no time telling Massachusetts smart growth-friendly Governor: overhaul the state's antiquated zoning law!

1 minute read

January 6, 2003, 9:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Critics say the current law virtually guarantees sprawl, handcuffs local government, and is ridden with builder-friendly loopholes. A group of reformers has filed a bill to rewrite it, after a similar bill failed in the last legislative session, and advocates say executive-branch muscle behind the bill may be its only chance for passage... The state zoning law includes a grandfather clause that allows developers to lock in projects under current zoning for eight years. Town planners say they are reluctant to propose changes in local development rules because builders will rush to submit their projects under the current rules."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Sunday, January 5, 2003 in The Boston Globe

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Yellow electric school bus with preteen students exiting.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses

The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

April 25 - Associated Press

City Hall building in Austin, Texas.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund

A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

April 25 - Spectrum Local News

Brick school building with mid-sized tree on front lawn.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards

Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.

April 25 - Governing