Multifamily Overlay District 

Purpose 

According to the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Massachusetts has among the highest, and fastest growing, home prices and rents of any state in the nation. Rising costs have dramatically increased financial pressures on low- and middle-income families, forcing them to sacrifice other priorities in order to pay housing costs. These high costs are a disadvantage as Massachusetts competes economically against peer states. The risk of future job growth moving outside Massachusetts is rising due to the high costs of living. 

The lack of zoning for multi-family housing is a barrier for new housing development in Massachusetts. By allowing multifamily housing near transit:

  • New housing can be created in walkable neighborhoods closer to transit, which means that more people will be more likely to walk or bike and have easier access to employment and amenities
  • Provides an avenue to create additional housing that is priced lower than new single-family dwellings
  • Provide more options for people who want to downsize in Andover, or to move to Andover

On Tuesday, April 30, 2024, Andover residents voted to approve the creation of a new multifamily housing district that supports the development of "missing middle housing," essential to providing housing options to those seeking housing near employment, transit, shopping...etc.

In August 2024, the Attorney General approved Andover's Zoning Bylaw and Zoning Map 

In September 2024, the EOHLC determined Andover's Multi-Family Overlay Districts in compliance with Sec. 3a of MGL

Multifamily Overlay District Zoning Bylaw and Zoning Map:

Previous Versions:

Additional Resources

Below is more information on the MBTA Communities Zoning law, the current requirements, and meeting recordings leading up to the Spring Town Meeting.

Andover Maps