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HD 6249

An Act relative to year-round housing occupancy restrictions and attainable housing restrictions in the town of Chatham

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Hadley Luddy

Chatham could implement year-round occupancy and affordability restrictions on land to keep housing affordable for households up to 250% AMI, with restrictions lasting perpetually

Referred to the committee on House Rules
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Bill Summary · HD 6249

Overview

This Massachusetts bill, HD 6249 from the 194th General Court (Session 2025-2026), proposes that the town of Chatham be allowed to establish and implement year-round housing occupancy restrictions and attainable housing restrictions. The changes would permit the town to acquire or convey restrictions on land to support housing used year-round by households with incomes at or below 250% of the area median income (AMI), with mechanisms to limit occupancy and preserve affordability. The bill explicitly states that the town could use restrictions in perpetuity or for a defined term and would not require review or approval from the state’s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for these actions.

Purpose and Intent

  • Authorize Chatham to create and enforce year-round occupancy restrictions and attainable housing restrictions on land and housing.
  • Support housing that remains affordable for households earning up to 250% AMI, through restrictions tied to occupancy, resale pricing, and ongoing use.
  • Facilitate creation or retention of rental and other housing intended for year-round occupancy by attainable-income residents.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: Local authority to acquire, convey, or otherwise manage land with embedded restrictions defined as Year-round Housing Occupancy Restrictions and Attainable Housing Restrictions (per 760 CMR 76.00, Seasonal Communities). These may be deployed via deeds, easements, covenants, or other instruments, and:
    • Limit land use to year-round occupancy by households up to 250% AMI (for rental or owner-occupied housing).
    • Restrict resale price to maintain affordability for future year-round or attainable-income purchasers.
    • Include terms that encourage or ensure the creation or retention of year-round and attainable-income housing.
    • Allow restrictions to be perpetual or for a specified term.
  • Section 2: The restrictions contemplated or executed under this act do not require approval or execution from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, which otherwise might be required under Section 32 of Chapter 184 of the General Laws.
  • Section 3: The act takes effect upon passage.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Town of Chatham: May adopt and implement year-round occupancy and attainable housing restrictions on land it acquires or redeploys.
  • Landowners and future buyers in Chatham: Any property subject to these restrictions would have occupancy and affordability commitments tied to 250% AMI limits and resale price controls.
  • Tenants and buyers seeking year-round housing: Potential beneficiaries through preserved affordability and eligibility for housing aligned with attainable-income thresholds.
  • State review processes: Reduced state oversight for these specific restrictions (Section 2).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill is currently in committee (as of the action history: referred to the House Rules on 2026-07-06). No substantive fiscal notes or effective date beyond “took effect upon passage” are indicated.
  • The act contemplates local approval and action, with jurisdictional authority retained by the Town of Chatham to create and manage the restrictions.

Potential Implications

  • Could enhance the supply of year-round, affordable housing in Chatham by enabling land and housing to be restricted in ways that preserve affordability over time.
  • Shifts limited oversight from state agencies to local implementation for these particular restrictions.
  • The 250% AMI threshold defines eligibility for occupancy, which would shape who qualifies for year-round, restricted housing.
  • Long-term affordability protections (perpetuity or term-limited) could influence property values, occupancy dynamics, and housing market flexibility in Chatham.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to existing local housing restrictions or to similar Massachusetts statutes (e.g., Chapter 184 provisions) to highlight how this bill would diverge or align with current practice.

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

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