By Sandy Quadros Bowles Editor

Natick is in compliance with requirements set by the state for cities and towns that are designated as MBTA communities, the town has been informed.

The MBTA Communities Act requires cities and towns in the MBTA service area to allow the creation of multi-family housing without needing special permits in designated districts near transit stops. The goal is to increase housing density and make it easier to build housing, including affordable housing.

The law sets minimum requirements for these zoning districts, which must have a minimum gross density of 15 units per acre and be located with a half mile of a transit stop.

Natick submitted an application for the town’s Center Gateway, Downtown Mixed Use and Residential General zoning districts. These were deemed by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities as meeting the law requirements.

The district met the requirements, according to a letter from Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Edward Augustus Jr. because of certain factors.

Approval was granted because the district comprises 266.2 acres; multi-family unit capacity is about 4,293 units; the gross density of the district is estimated at 19 units per acre and at least 75 percent of the land and housing unit capacity is within transit station areas.

Compliance allows Natick to apply for The MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund, which supports infrastructure projects related to housing.