0. FY 21 Grant application HCC 9-17-20_FINALHousing Choice Communities Capital Grant application Page 1
NOTE: application must be completed online, this version provided for planning purposes
Housing Choice Capital Grant Program
Supported by MassWorks
FY 2021
Introduction
The Housing Choice Initiative provides incentives, rewards, technical assistance and targeted
legislative reform to encourage and empower municipalities to plan and build the diverse
housing stock that the Commonwealth needs to continue to thrive. The Housing Choice
Community Capital Grant Program rewards municipalities that have produced a significant
number of housing units in the last five years and that have adopted or established Best
Practices that encourage housing production. For Fiscal Year 2021, $4 Million is available in
grants for qualifying municipalities.
Schedule
Applications open September 18, 2020
Written questions submitted by September 29, 2020
Applications submitted during period September 18, 2020 to 3:00 p.m. December 11, 2020
Awards expected to be announced in February 2021
Projects must be completed by June 30, 2022
Use this link to access the application: https://www.mass.gov/forms/housing-choice-capital-grant-
program-application
What’s New for FY 2021
Housing Choice program funds are being provided through MassWorks, the state’s well-known
capital program for public infrastructure that helps spur economic and housing development
and/or address roadway safety concerns.
The Housing Choice grant program will operate in accordance with the MassWorks stat ute
(M.G.L. c.23A§63), which states that the primary purpose of the program is: to issue grants to
municipalities and other public instrumentalities for design, construction, building, land
acquisition, rehabilitation, repair and other improvements to publicly-owned infrastructure
including, but not limited to, sewers, utility extensions, streets, roads, curb-cuts, parking, water
treatment systems, telecommunications systems, transit improvements, public parks and spaces
within urban renewal districts, and pedestrian and bicycle ways.
Housing Choice Communities Capital Grant application Page 2
NOTE: application must be completed online, this version provided for planning purposes
• Expenditures allowed under this statute may differ from what has been allowed in
prior Housing Choice guidelines. Carefully read the Eligible Applicants and Use of Funds
sections below for details.
• A proposed project must be for construction work on land and/or infrastructure that is
already publicly owned or will be acquired through public leasehold, right -of-way, or
easement. Municipal projects that use grants for public infrastructure provided by this
section shall be procured by the municipality in accordance with chapter 7, section 39M
of chapter 30, chapter 30B and chapter 149.
• Grant funded Projects must be completed no later than June 30, 2022.
• The grant application form has been reorganized.
• Two or more municipalities may apply jointly, with one municipality or another public
entity acting as fiscal agent.
• Regional Planning Agencies will be consulted about grant requests.
• Review criteria will consider the project’s support of the Commonwealth’s Sustainable
Development Principles and CAPITAL projects to respond to COVID-19.
Commonwealth’s Sustainable Development Principles
(See Appendix 1 below for full description of the principles.)
The Commonwealth shall care for the built and natural environment by promoting sustainable
development through integrated housing and economic development, energy and
environment, transportation and other policies, programs, investments, and regulations.
The Commonwealth will encourage the coordination and cooperation of all agencies, invest
public funds wisely in smart growth and equitable development, give priority to investments
that will deliver good jobs and good wages, transit access, housing, and open space.
Furthermore, the Commonwealth shall seek to advance these principles in partnership with
regional and municipal governments, non-profit organizations, business, and other
stakeholders.
Eligible Applicants: Only Massachusetts municipalities with the following attributes are eligible
for consideration of an FY 2021 Housing Choice Community capital grant:
• Designated as a Housing Choice Community through the Designation application
process. A Housing Choice Community designation lasts for 2 years.
• Must not have received an FY 2020 grant.
• Has conducted an ADA Self Evaluation or Transition Plan or is willing to commit to
conduct such planning by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with DHCD and
Mass Office of Disability.
• Certifies that no housing moratoria are in effect. If a community has housing restriction
bylaws (such as “growth limitations”) these must be submitted for case by case review.
Housing Choice Communities Capital Grant application Page 3
NOTE: application must be completed online, this version provided for planning purposes
Use of Funds: Grants can only fund capital projects - construction, modernization, or major
repair of physical infrastructure, acquisition of property or interests in property; long-lived
equipment; or feasibility, engineering or schematic designs for capital projects. A proposed
project must be for construction work on land and/or infrastructure that is already publicly
owned or will be acquired through public leasehold, right-of-way or easement. Projects that
use grants to municipalities, for public infrastructure provided by this section, shall be procured
by the municipality in accordance with chapter 7, section 39M of chapter 30, chapter 30B and
chapter 149. Program investments will be targeted to projects that require the infrastructure
improvements or expansion to support and/or facilitate new growth or address safety issues.
Housing Choice capital grants supported by MassWorks are disbursed on a cost-reimbursement
basis. Eligible costs may include any expenses related to an element(s) of the awarded public
infrastructure construction project as approved by a contract with DHCD. Program funds are for
the following types of projects that are located on publicly owned land, leasehold, easement
or right -of- way, or are for the purchase of public land:
• Pre-construction, survey, design and engineering
• Construction costs
• Project administration costs
• Feasibility studies for publicly owned land, related to future capital projects
• Public land acquisition
• Projects that create or support housing will score higher (see the scoring criteria below)
Funding will no longer be available for projects that are not on publicly owned/controlled
lands. For example,
• A sewer upgrade in a public right-of-way that would accommodate several multi-family,
mixed-use or smart growth development projects WOULD be eligible. However, an on-
site septic system for an affordable housing project owned by a non -profit entity would
NOT be eligible.
• Funding for a project to convert offices to public housing units at a local Housing
Authority-owned and operated building WOULD be eligible, but a similar conversion in a
privately owned and operated building would NOT be eligible. (Note: creation of new
public housing units remains subject to Federal and/or state limits as applicable.)
• Capital equipment purchases and improvements to municipal buildings are NOT eligible
unless here is a clear connection to economic development, housing rehabilitation or
production or local transportation options. For example, repaving a Town Hall parking
lot would NOT be eligible, but building a municipal parking garage near a transit station
to serve residents and businesses of a smart-growth district WOULD be eligible.
Maximum Award Amount: $250,000 is the maximum grant award. DHCD reserves the right to
reduce the amount of the award from the original request. Funding availability is subject to
approval of state budgets. The Housing Choice Small Town grant program will continue for
Massachusetts Towns with less than 7,000 population; approximately 20% of funding is set
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aside for those projects with a maximum award of $100,000. The application process for
Housing Choice Small Towns is separate from the Housing Choice Communities grant
application and review.
Timeline for Review: Questions relating to the grant application must be submitted
to chris.kluchman@mass.gov by September 29, 2020. DHCD will compile questions, provide
answers and share with eligible applicants. Applications will be received between September
18 and December 11, 2020. DHCD expects to announce awards in February 2021. Successful
applicants should be prepared to complete the contract with DHCD within 30 days. Grant
projects may begin as of the date of the grant award announcement and must be completed by
June 30, 2022.
Application Instructions: Use the link provided in the Program Director's email to access the
online application form. You may save your work and return to the form however; uploaded
files will not be saved; upload files only when you are ready to submit the application! In
addition to details about your proposed capital project, you must provide information about
the Housing Choice Best Practices that are described in detail below. If you have questions,
contact Housing Choice Program Director Chris Kluchman at chris.kluchman@mass.gov or cell
phone: 857-288-9141.
A complete application consists of the following:
1. Cover sheet
2. Completed Signature page
3. Grant Information Section:
Requested grant amount ($) and brief description of the proposed use of grant funds (“the
project”) – The narrative should contain enough detail to describe the capital project and
elements listed below but should be concise. You may upload files in support of your
application as specified below. Describe the positive outcomes expected as a result of the
requested assistance and, if applicable, the number of new housing units created or supported
by the project.
1. Need for the capital project: information about why the project is needed, what prior
planning and prioritization has occurred for this project?
2. Community readiness to proceed with the capital project, what has the community
done to prepare for project success and project schedule.
3. Proposed project cost (project budget based on a written cost estimates) and
description of community resources committed to the project.
4. Documentation of your community’s Housing Choice Best Practices.
BONUS POINTS: Upload files as needed to demonstrate implementation of Housing Choice Best
Practices. This will be used for a qualitative review of how your community is achieving the
Housing Choice Best Practices.
Housing Choice Communities Capital Grant application Page 5
NOTE: application must be completed online, this version provided for planning purposes
NOTE: DHCD reserves the right to solicit additional information from applicants in order to
confirm or clarify factual or procedural responses to application requirements such as copies of
legal advertisements, minutes, survey instruments, letters, etc. Acceptance of these materials is
subject to DHCD’s satisfaction that the omitted material was in existence at the time of
application and submission of the requested documents is made within a specified timeframe.
Grant Distribution and Invoicing: At the option of the municipality, DHCD may provide 25% of
granted funds upon contract execution. The balance of granted funds will be disbursed on a
reimbursement basis. Reimbursement requests should be submitted at least quarterly. Only
work completed during the period of the executed contract will be eligible for reimbursement.
Upon receipt of all required deliverables the community will be reimbursed for the balance of
any outstanding grant funds.
Contract with DHCD and Award of Funds: Successful applicants must enter into a contract
with DHCD within 30 days after receiving contract documents. Funding is subject to approval of
the DHCD operating and capital budgets. Grant projects may begin as of the date of the grant
award announcement. If selected, the municipality will be required to submit the following
forms to complete a contract:
• Commonwealth Standard Contract Form, filled out and signed by the Respondent
• Commonwealth Scope and Budget Form (available from DHCD)
• Completed Contractor Authorized Signature Verification Form.
A link to these forms can be found here.
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Housing Choice Capital Grant Evaluation Criteria FY 2021
Summary of Housing Choice Capital Grant Evaluation Criteria FY 2021
Grant proposals will be scored as follows:
Base score Capital Project Criteria: Up to 80 points
Base score Best Practices: Up to 22 points
Base score total possible: 100 points
Bonus Points for implementing Best Practices: 65 points
Total possible score: 167 points
Base Scoring: Capital Project Criteria
Project Need, Project Readiness and Financial Feasibility.
Project Need (maximum total 30 points)
Project need is scored based on demonstration of one or more of the following:
1. Project results in net new increase in housing units, project directly supports an
approved housing project, or one built within the last 5 years, or ADA accessibility for
housing and addresses 5 or more of the Commonwealth's Sustainable Development
Principles (see below) and / or clearly relates to a COVID-19 capital need. (30 points)
2. Project is needed to respond to pressing local priorities such as CAPITAL projects that
address a need from COVID-19, or is included in an adopted capital improvements plan,
capital expenditures plan or ADA self-evaluation and transition plan or Project included
in strategic plan (housing, economic development, local transportation options) or other
adopted method of identifying the particular project as a priority for the applicant
community addresses fewer than 5 Sustainable Development Principles (25 Points)
3. Other municipally identified and documented capital projects related to your
community's increase in housing units/residents over the last 5 years and addresses
fewer than 2 Sustainable Development Principles (20 points)
4. Other municipally identified and documented capital projects supporting housing,
economic development, or local transportation options and does not clearly address
Sustainable Development Principles (15 points)
Project Readiness (maximum total 30 points)
Readiness will be scored based on demonstration of one or more of the following:
1. Project is eligible for feasibility, design and/or engineering services by a contractor
already under contract with the applicant, or for real estate acquisition, applicant has
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site control (an executed purchase and sale agreement, option, or right of first refusal)
(30 points)
2. Project will commence upon award using established purchasing consortia, municipal
material and equipment bid results or other immediately available sources for capital
items and the project has complete design and/or specifications and will proceed to
bid upon grant award (25 points)
3. Consultant selection RFP process will commence upon notice of grant award OR
property acquisition project where further action(s) are needed to secure site control
(20 points)
4. Project RFP has not been written but will proceed upon notice of grant award (15
points)
Financial Feasibility (maximum total 20 points)
Financial Feasibility will be scored based on demonstration of one or more of the following:
1. The project request fully funds the project or fills the last funding gap in an otherwise
fully funded project (15 points)
2. The project requests a portion of the funds necessary to complete the project and
evidence of other funding/grant applications and potential award schedule is provided
(10 points)
3. Project request includes an approved draft warrant article or recommended community
preservation funds request to pursue remaining funding with a funding award schedule,
with alternative sources identified, that allows for completion by June 30, 2022. (5
points)
4. The project includes more than 10% local match in funding (5 points)
Base Score: Best Practices Criteria (up to 22 points)
Best Practices scoring in the Base Score is based whether your community meet s Housing
Choice Best Practices. Best Practices related to Affordable Housing are worth 2 points and other
Best Practices are worth 1 point. This is Yes/No scoring (have achieved the Best Practice or not).
BONUS Points for Implementation of Housing Choice Best Practices (up to 65 points)
In addition to the Base Score, additional points will be awarded for implementation of 13 of the
Housing Choice Best Practices. This is qualitative scoring, with up to 5 points for each Best
Practice, for a total possible 65 points. The list of Best Practices is shown below.
Housing Choice Best Practices for FY 21 Grants - Affordable practices are shown in Italics
1. Have at least one zoning district that allows multifamily by right (in addition to 40R
districts) where there is capacity to add units and that allows for family housing that is
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not age restricted and does not restrict units with more than 2 bedrooms (or have a
pattern of approving such developments over the last 5 years)
2. Have Inclusionary Zoning that provides for reasonable density increases so that housing
is not unreasonably precluded
3. Have an approved 40R Smart Growth or Starter Homes district. Please note, that if your
community repealed its only 40R district, it no longer qualifies for this best practice.
4. Have zoning that allows mixed use or cluster / Open Space Residential development by
right that is not part of a 40R district (or have a pattern of approving such developments
over the last 5 years)
5. Have zoning that allows for accessory dwelling units by right (or have a pattern of
approving ADUs over the last 5 years)
6. Designated local resources for housing such as established an Affordable Housing Trust,
donated land, or spent substantial Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for
community housing over the last 5 years.
7. Reduced parking requirement for Multi-Family units within the last 5 years, or require
no more than 1 parking space per unit for multifamily units.
8. Education and training for a majority of members on a land use board (Planning Board,
Board of Appeals, Select Board and/or City Council) from Citizen Planner Training
Collaborative, Massachusetts Housing Partnership’s Housing Institute, Community
Development Partnership’s Lower Cape Housing Institute, or Urban Land Institute’s
(ULI’s) Urban Plan Public Leadership Institute over the last 5 years.
9. Have units currently eligible for inclusion in the Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) that
equal or exceed 10% of total year round housing stock according to the DHCD subsidized
housing inventory, where such 10% was not reached based on units for which local
comprehensive permit(s) were denied or conditioned and had the denial or condition
overturned by the Housing Appeals Court (HAC).
10. Have increased your community’s SHI by at least 2.5% points in the last 5 years where
such increase was not reached based on units for which local comprehensive permit(s)
were denied or conditioned and had the denial or conditions overturned by HAC.
11. Selected a housing best practice as part of a Community Compact
12. Participate in the Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP), have adopted an
Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing district, approved District Improvement
Financing (DIF) related to housing, have adopted an Urban Renewal Plan that includes a
significant Housing element.
13. Have adopted local option property tax relief programs for income eligible seniors either
as provided for by statute (MGL c. 59 section 5) or through a home rule petition; OR have
adopted a Community Impact Fee for short term rentals (MGL c. 64G, section 3D) where
your community has committed in writing to using a portion of such revenues for
affordable housing.
14. Have a CERTIFIED Housing Production Plan which means that you have an DHCD
approved Housing Production Plan and have subsequently seen an increase of 0.5% or
1% in your year round housing units (see https://www.mass.gov/service-details/chapter-
40-b-housing-production-plan for more information)
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APPENDIX 1: MASSACHUSETTS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES
Concentrate Development and Mix Uses – Support the revitalization of city and town centers
and neighborhoods by promoting development that is compact, conserves land, protects
historic resources, and integrates uses. Encourage remediation and reuse of existing sites,
structures, and infrastructure rather than new construction in undeveloped areas. Create
pedestrian friendly districts and neighborhoods that mix commercial, civic, cultural,
educational, and recreational activities with open spaces and homes.
Advance Equity – Promote equitable sharing of the benefits and burdens of development.
Provide technical and strategic support for inclusive community planning and de cision making
to ensure social, economic, and environmental justice. Ensure that the interests of future
generations are not compromised by today's decisions.
Make Efficient Decisions – Make regulatory and permitting processes for development clear,
predictable, coordinated, and timely in accordance with smart growth and environmental
stewardship.
Protect Land and Ecosystems – Protect and restore environmentally sensitive lands, natural
resources, agricultural lands, critical habitats, wetlands and w ater resources, and cultural and
historic landscapes. Increase the quantity, quality, and accessibility of open spaces and
recreational opportunities.
Use Natural Resources Wisely – Construct and promote developments, buildings, and
infrastructure that conserve natural resources by reducing waste and pollution through
efficient use of land, energy, water, and materials.
Expand Housing Opportunities – Support the construction and rehabilitation of homes to meet
the needs of people of all abilities, income levels, and household types. Build homes near jobs,
transit, and where services are available. Foster the development of housing, particularly
multifamily and smaller single-family homes, in a way that is compatible with a community's
character and vision and with providing new housing choices for people of all means.
Provide Transportation Choice – Maintain and expand transportation options that maximize
mobility, reduce congestion, conserve fuel, and improve air quality. Prioritize rail, bus, boat,
rapid and surface transit, shared-vehicle and shared-ride services, bicycling, and walking. Invest
strategically in existing and new passenger and freight transportation infrastructure that
supports sound economic development consistent with smart growth objectives.
Increase Job and Business Opportunities – Attract businesses and jobs to locations near
housing, infrastructure, and transportation options. Promote economic development in
industry clusters. Expand access to education, training, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Support the growth of local businesses, including sustainable natural resource -based
businesses, such as agriculture, forestry, clean energy technology, and fisheries.
Promote Clean Energy – Maximize energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities.
Support energy conservation strategies, local clean power generation, distributed generation
technologies, and innovative industries. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and consumption of
fossil fuels.
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Housing Choice Cover/Signature Sheet
This is the Cover Page for the FY 2021 Housing Choice Capital Grant Application. Please fill it out
completely. The signature of the Chief Executive Officer for your community must sign the
application. Please print out this page, have signed, scan and upload page.
1. Current Housing Choice Communities [drop down list]*
2. Application Contact Name (name of the person filling out the application) *
First Name* Last Name*
3. Application Contact Mailing Address*
Address Line 1
Address Line 2
City
State
ZIP Code
4. Application Contact Email*
5. Application Contact Phone*
5.a. List any other contact name(s) and provide email or phone *
6. Chief Executive Officer Name*
First Name* Last Name*
7. Chief Executive Officer Email*
8. Title of Executive Officer*
9. Chief Executive Phone
10. Chief Executive Officer Mailing Address (if different from Contact Address)
Address Line 1
Address Line 2
City
State
ZIP Code
11. Chief Executive Officer Signature*
__________________________________________________________________________
12. Upload Cover Page with Signature Here*
[Print this completed form, get signature, scan and upload]
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Housing Choice Community Grant Information
13.a. Does your community have an ACTIVE housing moratorium or any type of restriction of
new housing?*
Yes No
An ACTIVE Zoning Moratoria will make your community INELIGIBLE for the Housing Choice
Capital Grants. Housing restriction bylaws or ordinances will be reviewed on a case be case
basis.
13.b. Has your community completed an ADA Self Evaluation Plan and/or Transition Plan*
Yes No
This is a requirement in order to be eligible for the Housing Choice capital grants. For more
information, see ADA FAQ sheet on Housing Choice web page
14. Description of the proposed capital project*
Please provide a succinct description (500 character maximum). You can upload longer
description below
14.a. Amount of Grant Request in $ (enter numbers only, no $ or ,)*
Project budget estimates or cost proposals can be uploaded here in item 14. or below
under item 17.a. below.
14.b. Total Budget for Project in $ (enter numbers only, no $ or ,)*
Project budget estimates or cost proposals can be uploaded here in item 14. or below
under item 17.a. below.
14.c. Housing Production*
Project creates new housing units Project supports new housing units (for example,
constructs sidewalks near new units, units with local approvals or units built within the last 5
years)Project supports preservation of existing affordable units Project analyzes the
feasibility of new housing on a site/area Project does not create nor support new housing
units
14.d. Number of new units created by the project
Enter the number of new units created by the project
14.e. Number of new units supported or preserved by project
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Enter the number of new units supported or preserved by the project (see example in question
11.b. for an example of "support")
14.f. Upload additional project description file here
Note: You can only upload one file
15. Provide description of the Project Need here*
Describe why the project has community and leadership support and what progress has been
made to date.
15.a. Upload additional Project Need information here
Note: You can only upload one file
16. Provide description of the Project Readiness here*
Provide a schedule of key project tasks funded by this grant request and the entire project time
line
16.a. Upload additional project schedule and timeline information here
Note: You can only upload one file
17. Provide description of the Project Financial Feasibility here*
Provide information about the project budget here
17.a. Please provide budget information in the following format.
Spending Category
Funds
Requested
Optional Match
/ Other Funds
Total Project
Budget
Source of Match /
Other Funds
Design / Engineering
Other Professional Services
Permitting
Construction
Contingency
Construction Admin.
Equipment purchase
Other / Miscellaneous
Totals
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17.b. Upload project budget information in the requested template here
Note: You can only upload one file
18. Housing Choice AFFORDABLE Best Practices - check all that apply (2 points each)
Designated local resources for housing such as established an Affordable Housing Trust,
donated land, or spent substantial Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for community
housing over the last 5 years.Have Inclusionary Zoning that provides for reasonable density
increases so that housing is not unreasonably precluded Have an approved 40R Smart
Growth or Starter Homes district. Please note, that if your community repealed its only 40R
district, it no longer qualifies for this best practice Have units currently eligible for inclusion
in the Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) that equal or exceed 10% of total year round housing
stock according to the DHCD subsidized housing inventory, where such 10% was not reached
based on units for which local comprehensive permit(s) were denied or conditioned and had
the denial or condition overturned by the Housing Appeals Court (HAC).Have increased
your community’s SHI by at least 2.5% points in the last 5 years where such increase was not
reached based on units for which local comprehensive permit(s) were denied or conditioned
and had the denial or conditions overturned by HAC.Participate in the Housing
Development Incentive Program (HDIP), have adopted an Urban Center Housing Tax Increment
Financing district, approved District Improvement Financing (DIF) related to housing, have
adopted an Urban Renewal Plan that includes a significant Housing element.Have adopted
local option property tax relief programs for income eligible seniors either as provided for by
statute (MGL c. 59 section 5) or through a home rule petition; OR have adopted a Community
Impact Fee for short term rentals (MGL c. 64G, section 3D) where your community has
committed in writing to using a portion of such revenues for affordable housing.Have a
CERTIFIED Housing Production Plan which means that you have an DHCD approved Housing
Production Plan and have subsequently seen an increase of 0.5% or 1% in your year round
housing units (see https://www.mass.gov/service-details/chapter-40-b-housing-production-
plan for more information)
19. Housing Choice Best Practices - check all that apply (1 point each)
Have at least one zoning district that allows multifamily by right (in addition to 40R
districts) where there is capacity to add units and that allows for family housing that is not age
restricted and does not restrict units with more than 2 bedrooms (or have a pattern of
approving such developments over the last 5 years)Reduced parking requirement for Multi-
Family units within the last 5 years, or require no more than 1 parking space per unit for
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multifamily units.Education and training for a majority of members on a land use board
(Planning Board, Board of Appeals, Select Board and/or City Counc il) from Citizen Planner
Training Collaborative, Massachusetts Housing Partnership’s Housing Institute, Community
Development Partnership’s Lower Cape Housing Institute, or Urban Land Institute’s (ULI’s)
Urban Plan Public Leadership Institute over the last 5 years.Have zoning that allows mixed
use or cluster / Open Space Residential development by right that is not part of a 40R district
(or have a pattern of approving such developments over the last 5 years)Have zoning that
allows for accessory dwelling units by right (or have a pattern of approving ADUs over the last 5
years)Selected a housing best practice as part of a Community Compact
BONUS POINTS for implementation of Housing Choice Best Practices
Bonus points are available for demonstration of your community's implementation of Housing
Choice Best Practices. Please provide detailed information about what your City or Town has
done to implement these practices. Up to 5 bonus points are available for ten (10) Best
Practices for a total of 50 possible points. Please provide a brief narrative and/or upload
information about each of your jurisdiction's Best Practice including a description about how
each Best Practice has increased Housing Units in your community.
NOTE: in the online application, each time you select a best practice, detailed instructions,
space for a narrative explanation, and an upload option will appear for each of these.
Bonus 1. Multi-Family Zoning
1. Have at least one zoning district that allows multifamily by right (in addition to 40R
districts) where there is capacity to add units and that allows for family housing that is not age
restricted and does not restrict units with more than 2 bedrooms (or have a pattern of
approving such developments over the last 5 years)
Bonus 2. Have Inclusionary Zoning
Have inclusionary zoning that provides for reasonable density increases so that housing is
not unreasonably precluded.
Bonus 3. Have approved 40R zoning district
Have an approved 40R Smart Growth Overlay district or a Starter Home District
Bonus 4. Have Zoning that allows mixed use or cluster developments
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Have zoning that allows for mixed use, or cluster developments by right (or can
demonstrate a consistent pattern over the last 5 years of approving such developments)
Bonus 5. Allow Accessory Dwelling Units
Have zoning that allows for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by right (or can demonstrate a
consistent pattern over the last 5 years of approving ADUs)
Bonus 6. Designate local resources for housing
Designated local resources for housing such as established an Affordable Housing Trust,
donated land, or spent substantial Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for community
housing over the last 5 years.
Bonus 7. Reduction in parking requirements for multi-family housing
Reduced parking requirement for multi-family units within the last 5 years, or require no
more than 1 parking space per unit for multi-family units
Bonus 8. Training for Land Use Boards
Can provide evidence a majority of land use board members attended training over the last
5 years
Bonus 9. Achieved at least 10% or more in the Subsidized Housing Inventory
Have units currently eligible for inclusion in the Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) that
equal or exceed 10% of total year round housing stock according to the DHCD subsidized
housing inventory, where such 10% was not reached based on units for which local
comprehensive permit(s) were denied or conditioned and had the denial or condition
overturned by the Housing Appeals Court (HAC).
Bonus 9. Instructions. If you believe there are additional units eligible for inclusion on the SHI,
but not reflected on the SHI, documentation of those units must meet the standards applied by
DHCD under its regulations and guidelines in determinin g whether units are SHI-eligible. Please
note: The 10% threshold cannot be reached based on units for which local comprehensive
permit(s) were denied or conditioned and had the denial or condition overturned by the
Housing Appeals Court (HAC). Upload a file with such documentation below.
Bonus 9. Upload file here
Only one file can be uploaded here
Bonus 10. Increase in SHI % by at least 2.5% over the last 5 years
Housing Choice Communities Capital Grant application Page 16
NOTE: application must be completed online, this version provided for planning purposes
Have increased your community’s SHI by at least 2.5% points in the last 5 years where such
increase was not reached based on units for which local comprehensive permit(s) were denied
or conditioned and had the denial or conditions overturned by HAC
Bonus 10. Instructions. Provide evidence of at leat a 2.5% increase in your community's
Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) over the last 5 years. Please note: The 2.5% increase
cannot be achieved based on units for which local comprehensive permit(s) were denied or
conditioned and had the denial or condition overturned by the Housing Appeals Court (HAC).
Upload a file with such documentation below.
Bonus 10. Upload file here - Copy
Only one file can be uploaded here
Bonus 11. Community Compact with Housing Best Practice
Have applied for or received a Community Compact with a Housing best practice
Bonus 12. Participate in certain tax programs to encourage more housing
Participate in the Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP), have adopted an Urban
Center Housing Tax Increment Financing district, approved District Improvement Financing (DIF)
related to housing, have adopted an Urban Renewal Plan that includes a significant Housing
element.
Bonus 13. Participate in tax programs to provide property tax relief to seniors
Have adopted local option property tax relief programs for income eligible seniors either as
provided for by statute (MGL c. 59 section 5) or through a home rule petition; OR have adopted
a Community Impact Fee for short term rentals (MGL c. 64G, section 3D ) where your
community has committed in writing to using a portion of such revenues for affordable housing
Bonus 14. Have a CERTIFIED Housing Production Plan
Have a CERTIFIED Housing Production Plan which means that you have an DHCD approved
Housing Production Plan and have subsequently seen an increase of 0.5% or 1% in your year
round housing units (see https://www.mass.gov/service-details/chapter-40-b-housing-
production-plan for more information)