There are many local barriers to increasing housing production. These barriers include lack of understanding about the need for and beneficiaries of affordable housing. Other barriers include development requirements, local fees, and tax rules that can strain a local developer’s ability to successfully permit an affordable housing development. “A Best Practices Model for Streamlined Local Permitting,” developed by the Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies (MARPA), provided municipalities and developers with techniques to streamline permitting for commercial and industrial developments. A similar guidebook should assist local housing developers and communities with this process in the housing field, providing model rules, guidelines, and showcasing best practices.
12.a MAPC and allied organizations should develop a “best practices” model for streamlined permitting of housing developments