Massachusetts voters will decide next month on Ballot Question 7, a measure that would override local zoning rules to permit single-family homes on smaller lots across much of the state.

The proposal sets a statewide minimum lot size of 5,000 square feet for single-family homes in residential zones, provided the lots have at least 50 feet of frontage on a street or public way and access to public water and sewer service. Boston remains exempt due to its separate zoning authority.

Current local rules often require much larger minimum lot sizes, with more than half of single-family zoned properties needing at least 40,000 square feet. Supporters argue the change would unlock land for more starter homes and increase overall housing supply in a state facing high costs and shortages.

The Legalize Starter Homes campaign estimates the measure could generate thousands of additional buildable lots and hundreds of new homes annually. Analyses from groups like the Tufts Center for State Policy Analysis project more modest gains, in the range of several hundred units per year.

Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll have endorsed the measure. Municipal organizations have raised concerns about the loss of local control over development.

The question appears on the November 3 ballot alongside other measures. A separate rent stabilization proposal was removed from the ballot earlier by the state Supreme Judicial Court.

If approved, the law would prohibit cities and towns from imposing higher minimum lot sizes or special permit requirements for qualifying single-family homes, while allowing communities to retain authority over other aspects such as design standards.