Chapter 40B is a state statute, which enables local Zoning Boards of Appeals (ZBAs) to approve new housing under flexible rules if at least 20-25% of the units have long-term affordability restrictions. Also known as the Comprehensive Permit Law, Chapter 40B was enacted in 1969 to help address the shortage of affordable housing statewide by reducing unnecessary barriers created by local approval processes, local zoning, and other restrictions. Its goal is to encourage the production of affordable housing in all communities throughout the Commonwealth.

Sawyer Hill EcoVillage is a 40b project. 17 of our 68 units will be sold below market rate in keeping with state affordable housing guidelines. Here is some basic information about the process. For more details, please visit the website of Stockard Engler Brigham, our 40b lottery agent, or call them at 617.876.5919 ext 3.

• The lottery date has now passed, and units are available first come first served to those who are qualified.
   
• Check in with SEB for specifics of qualification. There are some exceptions based on age, recent displacement, and others. People generally do not qualify if they have over $75,000 in assets, if they have owned a house in the three years prior to application, or if they annually earn over:
   
  • $46,300 for a single person
  • $52,950 for a 2 person household
  • $59,550 for a 3 person household
  • $66,150 for a 4 person household
    
    (These are the 2007 income requirements and are subject to revision every year.)
     
• The prices of the homes have been set based on a formula from the state that calculates what sales price a family making 70% of Area Media Income can afford if they pay approximately 30% of their monthly income on housing expenses such as mortgage, condo fees and taxes. The formula presumes a down-payment of 5% for the mortgage, and the household must qualify for a mortgage for the remainder of the home price.
  • $138,000 for a 1 bedroom home
  • $154,470 for a 2 bedroom home
  • $173,000 for a 3 bedroom home
• Download:
  • Information Packet
  • Application

For questions about eligibility, please visit the website of Stockard Engler Brigham, our lottery agent, or call them at 617.876.5919 ext 3.

Mosaic Commons and Camelot Cohousing welcome the participation of households who qualify for 40b and plan to apply. Please come meet us!