Question 7

Single-Family Housing Zoning

5 questions · pick the answer closest to your view

1 / 5

Should single-family homes be allowed on lots of 5,000 square feet or more in residential areas with public water and sewer, even where local zoning requires bigger lots?

Yes. Allow homes on smaller lots, with towns still able to set reasonable rules on height, setbacks, parking and short-term rentals.

No. Keep minimum lot sizes up to each city and town.

2 / 5

Who should decide minimum lot sizes?

Local officials, who answer to residents and know their water, sewer, traffic and schools.

The state should set a floor so every community allows starter homes.

3 / 5

What do you think of large minimum lot sizes?

They make homes expensive and lock out young families and seniors who want to downsize.

They fit each neighborhood's layout, infrastructure and environment, which a statewide rule would ignore.

4 / 5

Is the proposal clear enough to work well?

Yes. It builds on an existing state law for 5,000-square-foot lots, and towns can still set their own standards, as they did for backyard apartments.

No. A legislative committee found it vague on home size and on how "adequate" infrastructure would be judged.

5 / 5

Which matters more to you?

Keeping local control over how neighborhoods grow in all 351 cities and towns.

Keeping young people and families from leaving Massachusetts because they can't afford a home.

Every answer is based on the official Information for Voters guide: the summary, the Legislature's reports and the arguments for and against.

Question 7

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