Massachusetts Question 7 — Single-family homes on 5,000 sq ft lots

What it does

Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026? This proposed law would allow single-family homes to be built in a residentially zoned area as long as the land on which it is to be constructed is at least 5,000 square feet, has at least 50 feet of land bordering the street, road, or public way that it faces, and has access to public sewer and water services. The proposed law would allow cities and towns to reasonably regulate certain aspects of those single-family homes, including their height, distance from neighboring buildings, open space, parking requirements, and whether they can be rented out on a short-term basis. The proposed law would also allow the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to issue guidance or regulations to administer the proposed law.

A YES vote means

A YES VOTE would allow single-family homes to be built on lots of 5,000 square feet or more in residential areas, subject to reasonable local regulation of certain aspects of those homes.

A NO vote means

A NO VOTE would make no change to the law relative to building single-family homes.

Needed to pass

A simple majority

Put on the ballot by

citizen initiative

Official text: source

Also on Massachusetts ballots

• Question 1 — Public records law applied to the Legislature and Governor
• Question 2 — Collective bargaining for Committee for Public Counsel Services employees
• Question 3 — All-party (top-two) primary elections
• Question 4 — Election Day voter registration
• Question 5 — State revenue growth limit and taxpayer rebates
• Question 6 — Nature for All Fund from sporting-goods sales taxes
• Question 8 — Repeal of retail sale of adult-use marijuana
• Question 9 — Firearms law (Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024)

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Quick answers

What does a YES vote on Massachusetts Question 7 mean?

A YES VOTE would allow single-family homes to be built on lots of 5,000 square feet or more in residential areas, subject to reasonable local regulation of certain aspects of those homes.

What does a NO vote on Massachusetts Question 7 mean?

A NO VOTE would make no change to the law relative to building single-family homes.

How many votes does Massachusetts Question 7 need to pass?

A simple majority

Should I vote yes or no on Massachusetts Question 7?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.

When is the vote?

The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Early voting and mail-ballot deadlines vary by state; check your state or county election office.