Massachusetts Considers Eliminating Single-Family Zoning in a Bid To Boost Housing Supply

Lawmakers in Massachusetts are eyeing a change that could mean the end of single-family zoning in the state.Lawmakers inserted a provision into a major economic development bill, S.3178, that would allow two-family and residential duplexes in all residential districts that now allow single-family homes. The provision is aimed at addressing a shortage of housing, state Sen. Julian Cyr (D-Cape Cod) said."These two-family homes are not large apartment buildings," Cyr said. "They aren't large-scale developments. They're often built by small contractors. But we think they can make a big difference in making Massachusetts more affordable." Realtor.com® ranked Massachusetts the second-worst state for homebuilding and affordability this year. With a median listing price of $763,660 and a median household income of $99,357 in the Bay State, only New York is worse.Experts blame the poor affordability in Massachusetts on the state's strict energy efficiency codes, high affordability requirements, restrictive zoning bylaws, and labyrinthine local approvals process. The affordability crunch has consequences across the state. In Boston, there's a severe shortage of starter homes. In Worcester, t...