MA S967

Expands tools for designated seasonal communities to address year-round housing shortages, including authority to establish bifurcated property tax rates based on year-round vs. seasonal occupancy, increase local restaurant meal taxes to 1.5% for housing funds, and create housing contribution programs requiring developers of 10+ unit projects to set aside units or pay fees ($7,500-$15,000 per unit)

Grants seasonal communities right of first refusal to acquire tax liens on properties with 3 or fewer units at tax sale, and creates a right of first refusal program for properties in foreclosure

Requires seasonal communities to adopt zoning allowing small-scale year-round housing as of right in at least one district, and permits properties meeting state sanitary code minimums (including hotel/motel rooms) to be used as year-round housing regardless of local square footage requirements

Increases state zoning incentive payments for starter home districts to $10,000 per unit, with tiered payments ranging from $20,000 (up to 20 units) to $1,200,000 (501+ units)

Mandates seasonal communities spend at least 30% of Community Preservation Act annual revenues on community housing, and allows transfer of unspent open space/historic preservation funds to housing after 3 consecutive fiscal years