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alohadave t1_j6jizb2 wrote

Reply to comment by BasilExposition75 in Maura Healey wants to solve the state’s housing crisis. Here’s step one. by _Hack_The_Planet_

> Zoning is designed to maximize the use of public utilities.

And to limit development, and to limit density, and keep out undesirable people.

In Quincy, with the current zoning, I could not build my house on my lot. I cannot add a floor to my house. I cannot add an accessory dwelling unit.

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BasilExposition75 t1_j6jqxb1 wrote

I am not arguing that zoning is never used irresponsibly. It surely is.

Does your lot have town water and sewage? Gas? If there is town sewage. I don't know about the infrastructure, but I imagine an accessory might not impact the infrastructure in you area. If everyone on your street did, it might require a major overhaul. That is a decision that needs to be made at the local level.

My section of town has wells. A newer subdivision installed 10 wells some years back and everyone else's wells went dry. Now, our zoning requires subdivisions to have on shared well with an impact study done prior. The state rules would allow developers to skip that.

I hear what you are saying, but zoning laws are often there for a reason and it isn't usually to keep people out.

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