Lancaster

0.0% of permitted units are multifamily (5+ units)

Share of permitted housing units that are multifamily (5+ units), averaged over the most recent 3 years. Used as a revealed-preference measure of zoning permissiveness — towns that permit more multifamily in practice tend to have more permissive zoning codes. Low-permit towns (fewer than 10 total permits over 3 years) show N/A. This metric will be replaced with National Zoning Atlas data when available.

Interim action plan adopted

Whether the municipality has complied with the MBTA Communities Act, which requires towns served by the MBTA to zone for multifamily housing by right near transit. Non-compliant towns lose access to certain state grant programs.

3.93 permits per 1,000 residents

Annual residential building permits per 1,000 residents, averaged over recent years. Measures whether the town is actually building housing relative to its existing population.

48.4% of renters cost-burdened

Combines the share of renters paying more than 30% of income on rent and the median home value. High cost burden reflects a housing supply shortfall.

Track record of the town meeting or city council voting in favor of pro-housing zoning articles. Measures democratic accountability.

Voting record of the municipality's state legislators on pro-housing bills at the State House.