1. What is a Local Initiative Program (LIP)
A 40B project involves a developer who is seeking to bypass local zoning restrictions and seek a comprehensive permit before a ZBA.
In order to be eligible to apply to the ZBA for a comprehensive permit under Chapter 40B, the program must receive a Project Eligibility Determination from a Subsidizing Agency. A Subsidizing Agency may be a state or federal financing agency, or DHCD through the LIP Program.
LIP is a state program for communities and developers who are working together to create affordable housing opportunities.
A LIP Application is a joint application from the Town and the Developer to DHCD and must be approved by the Board of Selectmen.

2. Local Initiative Program Application for comprehensive Permit Projects
The LIP Application must contain:
Letter of Support and approval of LIP Application signed by the Chief Elected Officer of the Town
Documentation of developer's interest in the site (ownership, option purchase, etc.)
Description of current site conditions
Site plan
Sample floor plans of the proposed units, units identified by size, type and proposed cost
A financial pro forma of the project
Appraisal of the site

3. Project Eligibility
LIP staff review the application, conduct a site visit and evaluate the application. If the project as proposed is approved, DHCD will issue a Site Eligibility Letter which is required before the developer may apply to the local Zoning Board of Appeals for a Comprehensive Permit.
After a project has been determined to be eligible and has received a Site Eligibility Letter, the developer can submit an application for a comprehensive permit to the local Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). The ZBA is empowered to grant all local approvals necessary for the project after consulting with other relevant boards
State regulations, such as the Wetlands Protection Act, Title 5, and all building codes, remain fully in effect under the comprehensive permit. Therefore, the local Conservation Commission will review the project regarding compliance with the state’s Wetlands Protection Act

4. Examples of local lip’s in Andover
168 Haverhill Street - ACT
8 Lupine Road – 6 Units ACT

5. Questions