Land Use & Zoning
In Massachusetts, a municipality that wants to downzone property (increase the minimum lot size requirement) may do so by:
AA vote of the Planning Board alone
BTown Meeting (or City Council) vote following a Planning Board hearing✓ Correct
CAn emergency executive order from the mayor
DA petition signed by 20% of residents
Explanation
In Massachusetts, changes to zoning bylaws or ordinances require a two-thirds vote of Town Meeting (in towns) or City Council (in cities), preceded by a public hearing before the Planning Board. Downzoning follows the same process as all zoning amendments under Chapter 40A.
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