Welcome to the Town of Groveland's Zoning Study

The Town of Groveland has received a Community OneStop grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to explore the best options for complying with the Massachusetts General Law (M.G.L.) Chapter 40 A, Section 3A Act. Groveland is categorized as an "adjacent small town community" in the Section 3A Guidelines because of its proximity to Haverhill, which is serviced by the commuter rail, and a small town because of its year-round population of less than 7,000.

This Zoning Study aims to adapt Groveland's current regulations to align with the community's evolving housing needs and preferences. The Town is committed to ensuring that its zoning policies support sustainable growth while preserving Groveland's vibrant and balanced character. The goal is to provide housing opportunities that meet the recommendations of past plans and serve all residents, while adhering to State Zoning Laws.

Excluded Land

As the Town evaluates parcels for potential Section 3A compliance, it is important to note that land designated for recreation, open space, public purposes(such as cemeteries and natural habitats), public rights-of-way, and institutional uses are NOT eligible for multi-family development under Section 3A Guidelines.

To explore the remaining parcels under consideration, please click the button below to view an interactive map that highlights Excluded Land.

MBTA 3A Parcel Viewer open in new window

Context

The Town of Groveland's Comprehensive Plan and Housing Production Plan form the guideposts for the Zoning study, having identified two primary needs for the Town's housing. Groveland has a significantly higher percentage of single-family homes compared to the state average, resulting in a lack of diverse housing options.

To address these needs, the plans highlight two key goals:

1. Enabling older adults to age in their community by providing appropriate housing options, which are currently limited.

2. Supporting young people's ability to remain in Groveland, where they grew up, by increasing the availability of affordable starter homes.