The article, which was approved at Town Meeting, states that the zoning bylaw creating a Village Housing Overlay District will add "provisions which will define and regulate a new residential classification of housing especially designed to meet the needs and serve the interests of persons who have reached the age of 55 or more." According to Suzanne Fagan, of the town's planning board, the overlay district designation "is available to pertain to a parcel of land for village housing for 55 and over."

In order for a parcel to qualify for the zoning designation, it must be at least ten acres and 30% of the parcel has to be set aside as open space. At least 15% of the units have to be used for affordable housing.

For towns, the appeal of a 55-plus residential complex is that it presents no burden on the local school system but adds tax revenues. Senior housing is also relatively safe for developers as aging baby boomers look to scale down their living arrangements.