Ipswich filed an action plan for interim compliance with the multifamily zoning requirements for MBTA communities. As of February 2, 2023, the Action Plan is under review by the Department of Housing and Community Development.
As a reminder, Ipswich must create a zoning district(s) that allows 971 multi-family units to be built by right with a minimum density of 15 units per acre. The Action Plan outlined two potential paths for reaching compliance:
Create an overlay district on the existing In-Town Residential, General Business, and Central Business zoning districts, all of which currently allow multi-family (by special permit) and most of which are located within a half mile of radius of the transit station
Alter one or more of the existing zoning districts (likely the In-Town Residential, General Business, and Central Business zoning districts) to conform to the required multi-family by-right and minimum 15 units per acre requirements
The Ipswich Planning Department projects that residents will vote to approve compliance to 3A at the 2024 Town Meeting. Updates will be posted on the NSR blog.
