

The Multi-Family Overlay District Plan
(MFOD)
​The Process and the Plan
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After extensive mapping and testing of design scenarios, draft planning, public input and deliberation, Gloucester's Planning Board, staff, and consultants presented a modest final Multi-Family Overlay District (MFOD) plan to comply with the MBTA/3A zoning law.
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The City Council thoroughly reviewed the final plan, and on October 1, 2024, unanimously approved it 7-0 (with 2 recusals) .
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Key Benefits of the Approved Plan
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Modest changes that preserve neighborhood character
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Developed through extensive public consultation
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Judiciously created sub-zones, mostly near train stations
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Avoids historic district development
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Generally restricts development to three units on 4,000+ sq ft lots
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Two small sub-zones allow up to 6 units
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Creates opportunities for deed-restricted affordable units
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Allows homeowners in designated zones to expand to 2-3 units
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Maintains parking, public health, and height restrictions
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Supports Gloucester Housing Authority's access to state funds
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Preserves eligibility for various state grants
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Read: Housing4All Gloucester member, Sunny Robinson's Letter to Editor in support of plan.​​​
Read: Housing4All Gloucester member, Sunny Robinson's Letter to Editor in support of plan.
Watch: The October 14th Good Morning Gloucester Podcast where Shawn Henry and Jason Grow Talk About 3A Zoning and Short Term Rentals with Joey Ciaramitaro
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Read the Ordnance: The Approved Gloucester Zoning Ordinance Section 5.30 Multi-Family Overlay District
Read: The Presented details on Gloucester's Final Zoning Plan for S3A
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​Watch: The recorded final City Council meeting where the zoning ordinance was voted and approved held October 1, 2024 City Council Meeting Recording​
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Watch: The recorded second joint public hearing of the City Council and Planning Board held
September 26, 2024 Joint Public Hearing of the City Council and Planning Board meeting Recording
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Watch: The recorded first joint public hearing of the City Council and Planning Board held
September 11, 2024 Joint Public Hearing of the City Council and Planning Board Meeting Recording Meeting Presentation
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Reports and recordings of the entire 3A planning process is available on the City's website.