| Date: | 09/18/2026 |
|---|---|
| Organization: | Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities |
This advisory explains important 2026 changes to G.L. c. 40A, §§ 5, 6, 10, and 11. The amendments affect zoning notice procedures, protections from later zoning changes, certain nonconforming properties and lots, and the standards and time periods for variances.
The Full-Text Redline of 2026 Amendments to M.G.L. c. 40A compares the amended text of §§ 5, 6, 10, and 11 with the 2024 Official Edition of Chapter 40A. It shows the statutory language added or removed by Sections 40 through 49 of Chapter 137 of the Acts of 2026. This advisory presents those changes by topic and explains the principal amendments in a format intended to help readers understand what changed in each section. Readers should use it together with the current text of Chapter 40A.
Original text is based on the 2024 Official Edition of the General Laws. Amendments are based on Outside Sections 40 through 49 of Chapter 137 of the Acts of 2026. Those are the only provisions of Chapter 137 that amend M.G.L. c. 40A.
