Franklin Achieves Formal Compliance with MBTA Communities Law

The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce that it has achieved formal compliance with the Commonwealth’s MBTA Communities law, also known as Section 3A of the Zoning Act. As of June 2026, Franklin is the 157th municipality in Massachusetts to comply with the law.

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) recently completed its review of Franklin’s compliance application and confirmed that the Town’s designated General Residential V, Commercial I, Crossing Neighborhood and Downtown Commercial districts meet the requirements of Section 3A and the state’s implementing regulations.

Franklin is designated as a Commuter Rail community under the law. The Town’s compliance district includes approximately 103.6 acres and provides for an estimated 1,955 multifamily housing units, with at least 75% of the required land area and unit capacity located within one-half mile of a transit station.

EOHLC recognized the Town’s work to meet the requirements of the MBTA Communities law and formally determined that Franklin’s district satisfies the state’s compliance requirements.

“This is an important milestone for Franklin and reflects a great deal of work by Town staff, boards and committees,” said Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. “The Town has worked to meet the requirements of the MBTA Communities law while taking a thoughtful approach to planning for Franklin’s future and the housing needs of our community.”

Franklin’s formal compliance also makes the Town eligible to apply for funding through the MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund, part of the Commonwealth’s Community One Stop for Growth program.

The Town will continue to consider housing, infrastructure, sustainability and long-term planning as it works to support Franklin’s future.