Cities Change Rules To Encourage Higher Density

In Massachusetts, some cities are changing their zoning rules and restrictions, encouraging more developers to building higher density "cluster" developments in traditionally low-density areas.

1 minute read

January 2, 2007, 7:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

"Cluster developments, long pushed by environmentalists and smart-growth advocates, are finally catching on with builders who previously did not want the aggravation of pursuing special permits, and with once-wary municipal officials who feared too-dense developments."

"The builder of The Preserve at Oak Hill received special town permission to closely space 62 new large homes on lots that are significantly smaller than standard Wrentham zoning allows. Meantime, the company will donate the undeveloped land, worth roughly $2 million, to the town."

"Mashpee, for example, eliminated minimum lot sizes altogether from its zoning rules in October and made cluster design the default development option; builders now will need special permits for conventional subdivisions."

FULL STORY: Backyard greenery

Sunday, December 24, 2006 in The Boston Globe

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