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HD 5203

An Act granting the city of Worcester the authority to require the adoption of institutional master plans

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim O'Day

Worcester could require institutions to prepare and adopt Institutional Master Plans to guide land use and approve development through local ordinances and public review.

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Bill Summary · HD 5203

Summary: HD 5203 — An Act granting the city of Worcester the authority to require the adoption of institutional master plans

Overview

HD 5203 is a proposed Massachusetts bill that would authorize the City of Worcester to adopt local general or zoning ordinances to guide and regulate the development of large-scale institutional facilities within the city. The core tool proposed is the requirement that institutions prepare and adopt Institutional Master Plans (IMPs) to address land use, growth, and development impacts. The measure emphasizes public review and planning integration to ensure that institutional expansion aligns with community needs.

Key Provisions

  • Adoption of Institutional Master Plans (IMPs): Worcester could require IMPs for land owned, leased, or otherwise used by institutions, including hospitals, health care facilities, colleges, universities, and non-profit educational corporations. An IMP is defined as a land-use and development plan that identifies current and future growth and development for the institution and enables the community to review and address associated impacts.

  • Local Ordinances to Regulate Institutional Development: The bill allows Worcester to enact general or zoning ordinances that impose IMP review and govern the use of land or structures occupied by qualifying institutions. This provides a formal mechanism for planning and public oversight of institutional projects.

  • Special Permits and 10-Year Renewal: If the city uses special permits for institutional development, those permits could expire and be renewed after 10 years. The ordinance could require that institutions existing at the time of adoption apply for these special permits within 120 days of the local ordinance’s adoption.

  • Overlap with Existing Laws: The bill states that, notwithstanding other general or special laws (including specific provisions cited in the act), Worcester may implement these IMP-related authorities.

  • Effective Date: The act would take effect upon passage.

Affected Parties and Scope

  • Primary Local Government Entity: City of Worcester (planning and zoning authorities would administer IMP reviews and related permits).
  • Institutions Affected: Hospitals, health care facilities, colleges, universities, and non-profit educational corporations operating within Worcester (both existing entities and those established in the future).
  • Community Impact: Residents and property owners in Worcester would engage in IMP-related public review processes intended to address development impacts from institutional growth.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status and Introduction: Filed on September 29, 2025; introduced in the 2025-2026 session (House Docket No. 5203). The docket indicates “Local Approval Received.”
  • Implementation Timing: If enacted, the IMP framework would be implemented via local ordinances; existing institutions would have a 120-day window from adoption to apply for required special permits (if such permits are used).
  • Enforcement and Administration: The bill delegates authority to Worcester’s local government to adopt and enforce the IMP framework, subject to the act’s provisions.

Notes

  • The bill emphasizes local control over institutional land use and aims to balance growth with community planning and review.
  • As a proposed measure, its fate depends on passage by the General Court and any potential amendments or local adoption processes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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