MBTA Communities Zoning Law

The City of Malden is exploring ways to comply with the new MBTA Communities Zoning Law (M.G.L. c. 40A, Section 3A), which requires communities to allow multifamily housing by right.    


The new law may be found here.

MBTA Communities Zoning Law (M.G.L. c.40A, Section 3A)


The Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (formerly known as the Department of Housing and Community Development) has issued the following guidelines. 

DHCD Compliance Guidelines (August 10, 2022) 

DHCD Compliance Guidelines with Appendices (Revised October 21, 2022)

DHCD Compliance Guidelines on Affordability (Revised October 21, 2022)


The Malden City Council has received the following presentations regarding the new law.

Presentation to City Council (April 26, 2022)

Presentation to City Council (February 14, 2023)

Presentation to City Council (April 4, 2023)

Presentation to City Council (June 7, 2023)

Presentation to City Council (September 12, 2023)


The City of Malden is one of the twelve rapid transit communities which must demonstrate zoning compliance with the new law no later than December 31, 2023.  The city has received a status of interim compliance as described in this notice.

DHCD Interim Compliance Approval (March 31, 2023)


Malden MBTA Communities Zoning Survey - Ended September 15, 2023

The City of Malden requested community input regarding potential zoning scenarios that would allow Malden to comply with the new law.  The survey is now closed and results will be posted as soon as available.  The survey may be seen at

Malden MBTA Communities Zoning Survey


The survey was available in:


Paper copies of the survey were available at the following locations: 

Malden City Hall (lobby front desk) 

Malden Public Library


The survey will be open until September 15, 2023.