Permit Extension Act Included in MA Final Economic Development Bill

The Massachusetts Legislature has formally released the final version of the pending economic development legislation, The Mass Leads Act. Notably included in this piece of legislation is the Permit Extension Act, proposed by NAIOP. This provision applies to any permit, certificate, order (excluding enforcement orders), license, certification, determination, exemption, variance, waiver, building permit or other approval or determination of rights from any municipal, regional or state governmental entity, concerning the use or development of real property, and any environmental permit, including certificates, licenses, certifications, determinations, exemptions, variances, waivers, building permits or other approvals or determinations of rights (with some exceptions) in effect or existence between January 1, 2023 and January 1, 2025, and extends those approvals for a period of two years in addition to the lawful term of the approval. This extension would give developers much-needed additional time to secure financing without the additional step of reapplying for permits on projects that have stalled due to tough market conditions.

The legislation is expected to be taken up on Thursday, November 14. Once passed by the House and Senate, the final legislation will go to the Governor for signature.