Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 801 CMR - EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE › Title 801 CMR 51.00 - Generating New State Tax Revenues And Local Tax Revenues By Stimulating Sustainable Economic Development Through Infrastructure Improvements › Section 51.18 - Sustainable Development Principles

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall care for the built and
				natural environment by promoting sustainable development through integrated
				energy and environment, housing and economic development, 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, in accordance with the following sustainable development principles.
				Furthermore, the Commonwealth shall seek to advance these principles in
				partnership with regional and municipal governments, non-profit organizations,
				business, and other stakeholders.
(1)
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.
(2)
Advance
			 Equity
. Promote equitable sharing of the benefits and burdens of
			 development. Provide technical and strategic support for inclusive community
			 planning and decision making to ensure social, economic, and environmental
			 justice. Ensure that the interests of future generations are not compromised by
			 today's decisions.
(3)
Make Efficient Decisions
. Make regulatory and
			 permitting processes for development clear, predictable, coordinated, and
			 timely in accordance with smart growth and environmental stewardship.
(4)
Protect Land and
			 Ecosystems
. Protect and restore environmentally sensitive lands,
			 natural resources, agricultural lands, critical habitats, wetlands and water
			 resources, and cultural and historic landscapes. Increase the quantity, quality
			 and accessibility of open spaces and recreational opportunities.
(5)
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.
(6)
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.
(7)
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.
(8)
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.
(9)
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.
(10)
Plan
			 Regionally
. Support the development and implementation of local
			 and regional, state and interstate plans that have broad public support and are
			 consistent with these principles. Foster development projects, land and water
			 conservation, transportation and housing that have a regional or
			 multi-community benefit. Consider the long-term costs and benefits to the
			 Commonwealth.