An area surrounding Swampscott’s commuter rail station could soon be established as a Smart Growth zoning district through Massachusetts’ Chapter 40R program.

Smart Growth overlay districts encourage housing and mixed-use development, expands housing choice, and promote community-focused planning, according to the state.

Municipalities establish their own design standards for Smart Growth District, allowing each district to be tailored to the characteristics of a community.

Communities that form a Smart Growth district also receive a one-time payment up to $600,000 based on the number of housing units located within the zone. For each additional housing unit built after the district is established, the state awards $3,000 to the municipality.

A pre-application public hearing was held in July, and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council is currently analyzing the proposed location for the district before formally submitting an application. The council will also help the town establish design standards within the district. A second public hearing is being planned for early September.

The Planning Department has attempted to notify residents who currently live in the proposed area.

Senior Town Planner Christa McGaha outlined the proposal at a meeting of the Select Board on August 4.

Select Board member Mary Ellen Fletcher said she has concerns about overdevelopment in the railroad area.

“I think there’s many people in town that will want to start giving their opinion on how much growth we’re actually doing, especially in that area,” said Fletcher.

McGaha said adopting a Smart Growth district aligns with the town’s Master Plan.

“Focusing on the commuter rail for this district actually directly implements the goals of the recently adopted Swampscott Master Plan,” said McGaha. “The Master Plan identifies the commuter rail station and Vinnin Square as the town’s primary transformation nodes, so this is where growth should be focused.”

The Master Plan recommends concentrating housing development where transit utilities, sidewalks and infrastructure already exist, McGaha explained.

“This 40R district can provide the town with an opportunity to proactively plan for future transit oriented housing growth while allowing the town to establish the design standards and expectations for the development,” said McGaha.

Two properties of the Swampscott Housing Authority lie within the proposed district range, which could lead to modernization of the properties.

“A 40R district could create framework that allows these properties to be redeveloped over time while preserving affordability and improving accessibility and creating additional housing opportunities,” said McGaha.

Boundaries for the district are not final and will continue to evolve throughout the planning process.

“As of now we are currently on schedule with this effort for consideration at the December 7 Town Meeting,” said McGaha.