Massachusetts Question 7 Would Let Homes Rise on 5,000-Square-Foot Lots

Massachusetts voters will decide Question 7, one of nine measures on the fall 2026 ballot, which would rewrite the state zoning act to permit single-family houses on parcels as small as 5,000 square feet, WBUR reported.

The change to Chapter 40A would apply where there is public water and sewer service and at least 50 feet of street frontage. Communities could still set rules on height, parking, setbacks and short-term rentals. Boston, which operates under its own zoning code, would not be covered.

More than half of land zoned for single-family use in the state currently requires roughly an acre, and about a quarter requires two acres or more, according to a National Zoning Atlas report cited by WBUR.

Backing comes from housing groups and chambers of commerce in Greater Boston, Worcester and Plymouth. Andrew Mikula, chair of the campaign Legalize Starter Homes, said current rules push builders toward oversized houses to recoup land costs.

No opposing ballot committee has formed, but the Massachusetts Municipal Association objects. Executive director Adam Chapdelaine said the measure strips local judgment and would likely produce market-rate or luxury housing.

If approved, the law would take effect about a month after the election.

This story was first reported by WBUR.