Newton's new zoning, the Village Center Overlay District (VCOD), was passed by the City Council on December 4, 2023. The VCOD allows for by-right housing and commercial opportunities near transit, amenities, and gathering spaces. 

The new zoning consists of three distinct districts:

• Village Center 3 (VC3) for commercial cores
• Village Center 2 (VC2) for smaller commercial areas
• Multi-Residence Transit (MRT) to gently transition to existing residential area

As an overlay district, the new zoning allows property owners the option to either build based off the existing zoning or the new VCOD. The new zoning does NOT require new buildings to be built, rather it expands development rights for property owners.

VCOD Resources: