A zoning amendment designed to encourage transit-oriented development in downtown Framingham has been approved by Attorney General Maura Healey.

Framingham officials want to encourage developers to build multifamily housing in mixed-use projects and help revitalize the blocks surrounding the MBTA commuter rail station.

The new zoning reduces special permit requirements, allows mixed uses including residential units above ground-floor commercial space, reduces parking requirements and sets timelines for site plan reviews. It allows buildings up to six stories.

Framingham’s economic development department worked with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council on the changes. An MAPC analysis estimates the town can gain $1 million in additional property taxes annually from development of three large downtown parcels: a block of 13 properties off Pearl Street, nine parcels on Howard Street and 18 parcels off Hollis Court.

A special town meeting approved the changes Oct. 21.

“Downtown Framingham is poised to reclaim its title as an important walkable, urban center for economic development in MetroWest and Greater Boston,” Charlie Sisitsky, chairman of the board of selectmen, said in a statement.

The new zoning applies to properties within a 10-minute walk of the commuter rail station. It allows smaller projects to be built by right with only a minor site plan review. New design standards will provide developers with greater predictability and encourage pedestrian-friendly uses, town officials said.