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ARTICLE · 19 NOVEMBER 2024

Massachusetts Legislature Finalizes Permit Extension Language – Get Those Permits Now!

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In some good news for the development community, the Massachusetts legislature has finalized language that would extend the validity of most municipal and state permits related to land...

United StatesEnvironment
Kathleen Brill
Kathleen Brill
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In some good news for the development community, the Massachusetts legislature has finalized language that would extend the validity of most municipal and state permits related to land development or the environment for a period of two years. The proposed language in H.5100 s.280 is similar to that of Massachusetts' prior "permit extensions acts" implemented during economically challenging cycles (the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic).

The specific authorizations covered by the bill include most municipal or state issued permits and authorizations related to land or the environment, including conservation commission wetlands approvals, building permits and zoning authorizations, MassDOT access permits, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species authorizations, Ch. 91 Licenses, and MEPA Certificates. For any of the covered approvals that were in effect during the period January 1, 2023 through January 1, 2025, the term of the approval would be automatically

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