Question 7, Limit on Required Lot Size for Single-Family Homes Initiative
Massachusetts Ballot Measure - Question 7
Election: Nov. 3, 2026 (General)
Outcome: Pending
Categories:
Housing and PropertySummary
Question 7 would require cities and towns to allow single-family homes on residentially zoned lots that meet minimum standards of at least 5,000 square feet in area, at least 50 feet of frontage on a street or public way, and access to public sewer and water services.
According to Massachusetts' Comprehensive Housing Plan for 2025-2029, "Much of Massachusetts is covered by zoning districts that are quite simple: single-family homes with a minimum lot area of one-half to two acres." In effect, Question 7 would preempt local zoning rules that require lots for single-family homes to be larger than 5,000 square feet, which is about 0.12 acres, as long as the other conditions are met.
Measure Text
Be it enacted by the People, and by their authority:
SECTION 1. Section 3 of chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph:No zoning ordinance or by-law shall prohibit, unreasonably restrict or require a special permit or other discretionary zoning approval for the use of land or structures for a single-family residence in a zoning district that allows residential uses; provided, that the single-family residence is fully contained within a lot measuring equal to or greater than five thousand square feet in area and with equal to or greater than fifty feet of frontage and which has access to public sewer service and public water service; and provided further, that the use of land or structures for such a single-family residence under this paragraph may be subject to reasonable regulations, including, but not limited to, regulations concerning dimensional setbacks and the bulk and height of structures and may be subject to restrictions and prohibitions on short-term rental. The Executive Office of Housing an Livable Communities may issue guidelines or promulgate regulations to administer this paragraph.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect as provided in Article 48 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution, as amended.
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