Signed by Governor Maura Healey

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that increases protections over the state economy and amends the commercial real estate market in Massachusetts.

Highlights:

• Increases protections over the state economy and amends the commercial real estate market in Massachusetts (Sec. 2-329).

• Establishes safeguards and prohibits special permits and site plan review approvals from being invalidated by subsequent zoning amendments (Sec. 2-329).

• Specifies developers will have up to 3 years after issuance to commence construction or use, and ensures that projects can move forward without risk of being derailed by regulatory changes (Sec. 2-329).

• Specifies that the so-called Permit Extension Act generally applies to any permit, certificate, order (excluding enforcement orders), license, certification, determination, exemption, variance, waiver, building permit, or other approval or determination of rights and certain environmental permits, issued by any municipal, regional or state governmental entity, concerning the use or development of real property (Sec. 280).

• Specifies that any such permits and approvals in effect between January 1, 2023, and January 1, 2025, will automatically be extended by 2 years beyond their expiration date. 

• Authorizes developers to weather economic uncertainties before continuing with construction (Sec. 2-329).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect January 1, 2026 (Sec. 330).

Full Bill Text