About the SHAB

The State Housing Appeals Board (“SHAB”) was created as part of the state’s Low and Moderate Income Housing Act. This statute was enacted to address municipal zoning barriers that may impede the development of long-term affordable homes statewide. The Act created a streamlined “comprehensive permit” process for local review of affordable housing proposals. It also established the SHAB as an appeals body to review unfavorable comprehensive permit decisions. SHAB has the authority to issue comprehensive permits and direct municipal boards to approve affordable housing proposals, subject to necessary state agency-issued health, safety and environmental permits.