Section 1. As used in this chapter, the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:—

''Growth district'', a district designated from time to time by the secretary of housing and economic development, with the approval of the secretary of energy and environmental affairs, to participate in the growth district initiative.

''Growth district initiative'', a program established by the executive office of housing and economic development and section 2C of chapter 303 of the acts of 2008 to provide for commercial and residential transportation and infrastructure development, improvements and various capital investment projects.

''Issuing authority'', a state agency, commission, department or other state entity that is responsible for issuing permits, granting approvals or otherwise involved in land use development including redevelopment of existing buildings and structures.

''Permit'', a permit, formal determination, order of conditions, license, certificate, authorization, registration or other approval or determination with respect to the use or development of land, buildings or structures required by an issuing authority. ''Permit'' shall not include the decision of an agency to dispose of property under its management or control or permits granted by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority or permits or approvals issued by the department of public utilities or the Energy Facilities Siting Board under chapter 40A and chapter 164 or requests for variances or waivers from state laws or regulations.

''Priority development site'', priority development site as defined in section 2 of chapter 43D.

''Project'', project as defined in section 62 of chapter 30.

''Site'', a privately or publicly owned property that is zoned for commercial or industrial use.