Cal. Civ. Code § 127P
Land covered by subdivision plan; application of state environmental code
Operative Text
Section 127P. Whenever a person has submitted a subdivision plan, or a preliminary subdivision plan which is followed within seven months by a definitive plan, or a plan referred to in section eighty-one P of chapter forty-one, the land shown on such plan shall be governed by provisions of the state environmental code, or of the provisions of local board of health regulations which differ from said code, which are in effect at the time of first submission of said plan. Said provisions shall apply during the time such plan is being processed, including the time required to pursue or await the determination of an appeal relative to said plan. If such plan is approved, or if it is found such approval under the subdivision control law is not required, such provisions shall apply for a period of three years from the date of the endorsement of such approval or from the endorsement that approval under the subdivision control law is not required.
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 127P establishes a 'freeze' on the environmental and public health rules that apply to land covered by a subdivision plan. When a qualifying plan is first submitted, the version of the state environmental code—or differing local board of health regulations—in effect at that moment governs the land, rather than any later amendments. This frozen set of rules remains in place throughout the plan's review and appeal process, and, if the plan is approved or found not to require approval, continues to apply for three years from the date of the relevant endorsement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Developers and property owners working under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 127P generally document the exact date of first plan submission carefully, since that date determines which environmental code and local board of health regulations will govern the project. Compliant operators typically retain copies of the applicable code provisions as they existed on that submission date and track the three-year post-endorsement window during which those rules remain in effect. Awareness of whether a preliminary plan was followed by a definitive plan within seven months is also part of standard project recordkeeping, as that sequence affects whether the freeze applies.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 127P can affect the health and environmental standards that apply to land in a developing subdivision near a tenant's home or a prospective rental. Tenants or community members who believe a developer is relying on outdated or improperly frozen regulations may raise concerns with the local board of health, which administers these standards at the municipal level. Tenant-rights organizations and housing advocacy groups can help individuals understand how this provision interacts with local board of health regulations and what avenues exist for public participation or complaint.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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