MBTA Communities

In early 2021, Section 3A of MGL. c. 40A (MBTA Communities legislation) took effect. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). the agency tasked with implementing this new law, released their final guidelines in Fall 2022.

To remain compliant, the Town of Billerica held a public meeting with the Select Board and submitted an acknowledgement form in April 2022. The next step was to submit our Action Plan (attached) by January 30, 2023. The State will require new zoning in place by December 30, 2024.  The Action Plan includes a general timeline for accomplishing compliance on schedule. 

This work is being done in parallel to a zoning recodification (reorganization) exercise.  Learn more about Zoning Recodification

undefined Opens in new windowWatch this two-minute video about the new law prepared by the Mass Housing Partnership

 

MEETINGS

Click here to view MBTA Community discussions at past Planning Board Meetings. Click here to view full Planning Board meetings.

Planning Board - December 11, 2023

Link to Updated Draft Zoning Language

Link to Updated Station Neighborhood District

Link to Updated Treble Cove District

Link to Updated Mills District

Planning Board - November 13, 2023

Link to NMCOG MBTA Zoning Overview Presentation

Link to Draft Zoning Overview

Link to State Model Zoning

Link to Mills District Map

Link to Station District Map

Link to Treble Cover District Map

Planning Board - October 23, 2023

Link to Open House Recap Slides.

Open House - Oct 19, 2023

Link to Overview Slideshow (may take a few moments to load)
Printable .pdf of Overview Slideshow

Planning Board - Sep 18, 2023

MBTA Planning Update Presentation

Planning Board - Aug 21, 2023

NMCOG Presentation
Existing Density in Billerica

Planning Board - Jul 10, 2023

Slide Presentation

Planning Board - Jun 12, 2023 'Kick Off'

On June 12th, 2023, NMCOG staff presented to the Planning Board.
Slide Presentation


ACTION PLAN

Click here to view the Action Plan submitted on January 20, 2023.

PRINTABLE FACT SHEET

MBTA Communities Fact Sheet

Link to Fact Sheet

SCHEDULE 

The Town is working with NMCOG to assess alternatives and assist with public outreach around this issue.  We are also partnering with CHAPA to help with outreach for this effort.

TASKSTART DATEEND DATE

Zoning Audit

November 2022

March 2023

 

Evaluate existing conditions for MBTA Communities feasibility

November 2022

March 2023

 

Public Listening and Education Meetings 

January 2023

May 2023

 

Draft new Zoning and Map amendments

June 2023

December 2023

 

Public Meetings (prep for Town Meeting)

January 2024

April 2024

 

Annual Town Meeting  

May 2024

May 2024

 

Submit Compliance Application to DHCD

May 2024

May 2024 

 

If necessary Prep for Fall 2024 Town Meeting 

May 2024 

September 2024 

 


RESOURCES

MBTA zoning requirement resources

Interactive Maps

Housing Tool Box