Section 4. (a) Upon application by a city or town, the department shall make a preliminary determination, before the city or town votes on a proposed smart growth or starter home zoning ordinance or bylaw, whether the district would be eligible for the financial incentives and the priorities for state expenditures set forth in section 9. The department's determination shall be communicated to the city or town in a letter of eligibility. If the department denies the application, it shall inform the applicant of the deficiencies in its submission. A city or town may re-apply for approval after addressing any deficiencies in a prior application. If the department does not act upon a complete and approvable application within 60 days of receipt, the application shall be deemed approved.
(b) After issuance of a letter of eligibility and upon application of the town with proof of adoption of the smart growth zoning district or starter home zoning district ordinance or by-law included in the application for a letter of eligibility, along with any amendment required by the department in the letter of eligibility, the department shall confirm its approval within 30 days of receipt of the application.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part I - Administration of the Government
Title VII - Cities, Towns and Districts
Chapter 40r - Smart Growth Zoning and Housing Production
Section 3 - Smart Growth Zoning Districts and Starter Home Zoning Districts
Section 4 - Letter of Eligibility
Section 5 - Information in Application for Determination of Eligibility
Section 6 - Minimum Requirements for Smart Growth Zoning District or Starter Home Zoning District
Section 7 - Certificate of Compliance
Section 8 - Comprehensive Housing Plan
Section 10 - Adoption of Design Standards
Section 12 - Administration, Review, and Reporting