Cambridge, a high priced area neighboring Boston, has just passed some of the most aggressive zoning reform seen in the state, and possibly the country. Summary of the changes are:

Elimination of Single-Family Zoning: The amendment removes zoning districts that previously permitted only single-family or two-family residences. All residential zones now allow multifamily and townhouse residences by-right.

Zoning District Consolidation: Former "Residence A-1, A-2, B, and C" districts have been reclassified under "Residence C-1," which permits multifamily housing.

Increased Housing Density: The amendment removes minimum lot area requirements, minimum lot area per dwelling unit, and lot width restrictions, allowing for denser residential development.

Reduced Yard Setback Requirements: The minimum required setbacks (front, side, and rear yards) for residential properties have been reduced, allowing for more buildable area on lots.

Elimination of Parking Requirements: The amendment removes all minimum parking requirements, reducing the obligation for single-family homeowners to provide off-street parking.

Subdivision Flexibility: The definition of "subdivided lot" has been updated, making it easier for homeowners to subdivide their land for townhouse or multifamily development.

Height and Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Changes: Floor area ratio (FAR) limitations for residential properties have been removed, and height limits have been increased to permit:

Up to four stories in Residence C-1 districts.

Up to six stories for inclusionary housing projects on larger lots.

Anyone who's familiar with Cambridge knows that this is one of the most prestigious, elite, expensive, restrictive areas in the whole state, and for zoning of this magnitude to be passed is truly historic. There will be some massive development pushes in this area which will undoubtedly change the character of some neighborhoods, but also provide much needed housing inventory. My opinion is that these builds will be super high end and expensive, but with affordability guidelines will bring online many income restricted units to add to the mix.

Overall, I think the message is now resonating with public officials that we need SUPPLY over any other approach to address our housing crisis. This was an extremely unpopular measure with the current residents of Cambridge, but change like this is necessary to address the affordability issues that plague our state. If Cambridge can pass this, I'd hope and expect that other Boston-area cities use them as an example and start to adopt similar changes.