CPA Restrictions

Stow's Community Preservation Committee stands in a newly planted farm field around a sign that reads "Stow Community Preservation at work, another project made possible with YOUR community preservation funds"Restrictions are legal documents that place limitations on the use of a property. These restrictions apply to all future owners of the property, and can’t easily be changed or removed by subsequent owners.

Section 12a of the Community Preservation Act requires that a permanent restriction be placed on any "real property interest" acquired using CPA funds to ensure that the property continues to be used for the applicable CPA purpose. Given this statutory requirement, a CPA project involving acquisition of any real property interest is technically not complete until the restriction is approved by the appropriate state agency and filed at the Registry of Deeds.

These are the four types of restrictions that are commonly used in CPA projects:

For Open Space Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Projects:

For Community Housing Projects:

  • Affordable Housing Restrictions
  • Approved by the MA Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC)

For Open Space Agricultural Projects: 

For Historic Projects:


Westfield's "Our House". A bright white historic home that was converted to housing for homeless youth.Sample CPA Restrictions

Please note: These restrictions are provided as examples. They should not be used without consulting your Town Counsel or City Solicitor.

Affordable Housing Restrictions

Conservation Restrictions - Conservation Land

Conservation Restrictions - Recreation Land (Parks, Playgrounds, Athletic Fields, Trails)

Agricultural Preservation Restrictions

Historic Preservation Restrictions

Further Resources

Oct. 2023