Streamlining Local Permitting

Streamlining Local Permitting

While the topic of streamlining local permitting covers a wide range of municipal responsibilities, MARPA members and communities have emphasized the need for clear, predictable and simple permitting for development and redevelopment.

On August 2, 2006, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney signed into law significant new land use legislation, entitled “An Act Relative to Streamlining and Expediting the Permitting Process in the Commonwealth—HB 4968” (the “Act”). Historically, the real estate development permitting process in Massachusetts has been frustratingly complex and often fraught with lengthy delays and appeals.  The Act was intended to reduce delays in the permitting process while providing incentives for cities and towns to participate in the recently created expedited permitting process.

(source: http://www.nixonpeabody.com/117681)

The Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies (MARPA) published a Best Practices Model to Streamlined Local Permitting in 2007. To create this guide, MARPA conducted a statewide municipal survey, hosted 14 permitting focus groups, conducted extensive research, and utilized the expertise of the Regional Planning Agencies throughout Massachusetts.  The Best Practices were designed to make permitting more predictable, equitable, cost effective, and efficient while reinforcing local jurisdiction, encouraging community-supported projects, preserving local resources, and maintaining the standard of review.

(source: http://www.mass.gov/hed/economic/eohed/pro/tools/best-practices-model-for-streamlined-local.html)

The Best Practices Model Outline is available on a separate sub-page of this website.