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The state’s affordable housing organizations have just released a new, updated Ch. 40B handbook that is designed to help ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS understand and manage the comprehensive permit process.

First published in 2005, the new handbook incorporates new regulations and guidelines issued by the state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in 2008, 2012, and 2014.

The new handbook was produced by the Massachusetts Housing Partnership in collaboration with DHCD, MassHousing and MassDevelopment.

The handbook covers::

  • Introduction to Chapter 40B and what a comprehensive permit includes.
  • The project eligibility process and local comment period.
  • The local hearing process – critical deadlines, public hearing, pro forma reviews and negotiations.
  • The Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI), components of a Housing Production Plan (HPP) and details about the Housing Appeals Committee (HAC) process.

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