Key Ideas from the Commission on Unlocking Housing Production

Massachusetts lawmakers are taking another step toward addressing the state’s housing shortage, which has pushed costs to among the highest in the nation—especially in the Boston area. After passing what was called “the largest housing investment” in state history last year, Governor Maura Healey and state officials are pushing for further reforms to ensure a sustainable solution.

On February 25, 2025, the Commission on Unlocking Housing Production released a 108-page report detailing over 50 policy recommendations aimed at solving the state’s housing crisis. According to the commission’s estimate, Massachusetts will need 222,000 more housing units by 2035 to meet demand—a 7% increase from the current supply.

“Without significant zoning and regulatory reforms that maximize the impact of available state funding, housing production will remain slow, unpredictable, and insufficient to meet resident demand,” the commission wrote in the report.

Abolishing Single-Family Zoning: A Bold Step

One of the most sweeping recommendations in the report is to eliminate residential zoning laws that restrict housing to single-family homes. The commission proposed that two-family homes (duplexes) and four-unit buildings be allowed by right on all residential lots in Massachusetts, particularly those with access to municipal water and sewer systems.

This proposal would mark a significant shift in zoning practices in many municipalities where single-family zoning is common. The commission argues that eliminating zoning barriers would allow for more affordable housing options across the state.

“Importantly, this recommendation does not mandate multi-family construction but removes unnecessary zoning barriers, ensuring that two-, three- and four-unit dwellings can be built without requiring variances or discretionary review,” the commission emphasized.

Changing Parking and Lot Size Requirements

The commission also suggested scrapping parking minimums for new housing developments. These rules, which mandate a set number of off-street parking spaces, take up valuable space and increase construction costs—often by as much as $50,000 per unit. The commission argued that developers should have the freedom to determine parking needs based on actual demand, instead of adhering to arbitrary minimums.

Additionally, the commission proposed getting rid of minimum lot sizes, which are currently required for single-family homes in many Massachusetts towns. These size requirements have contributed to housing unaffordability and should be eliminated in most areas, except those with environmental sensitivities.

“There is no established health or safety justification for minimum lot sizes; other dimensional controls, such as setbacks, can ensure adequate separation between structures while maintaining public health and safety standards,” the commission stated.

Other Recommendations to Lower Housing Costs

The report goes beyond zoning and parking reforms to include a variety of policy changes aimed at reducing housing costs. These include:

• Incentivizing modular and factory-made housing
• Launching a PR campaign to encourage more people to enter the construction industry
• Tax credits for construction materials to reduce project costs
• Relaxing building codes such as the two-staircase requirement for buildings up to six stories

Learning from Other Cities

Massachusetts’ proposals take inspiration from successful reforms in cities like Minneapolis and Austin, Texas, which eliminated single-family zoning, reduced parking requirements, and saw an increase in multi-family housing development. In Austin, housing prices have even declined due to these reforms, particularly for renters.

However, whether Massachusetts will adopt these changes depends on the state lawmakers' willingness to pass new laws. Governor Maura Healey has expressed support for the commission’s work, but has yet to confirm her position on some of the more controversial proposals.

“There is definitely still more work to do, and Massachusetts isn’t kicking the can down the road when it comes to increasing housing production and lowering costs,” said Karissa Hand, a spokesperson for the governor.

The Road Ahead

As Massachusetts continues to grapple with its housing crisis, the commission’s proposals could be a critical step in the state’s efforts to build more affordable housing. However, local pushback on zoning reforms, especially from communities resistant to state intervention, may complicate the implementation of these ambitious proposals.

“If the Commonwealth and its municipalities fail to make sufficient progress in permitting new homes, further state-level intervention will be necessary to ensure Massachusetts does not fall further behind,” the commission warned in its report.

Originally reported by Nik DeCosta-Klipa in Wbur.