State Sen. Marc Pacheco is calling for an overhaul of the state Chapter 40B affordable housing program to provide more accountability.

Pacheco, chairman of the Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee, said a study by his panel found a lack of oversight in the program, which allows developers to exceed local zoning limits when building affordable housing.

"This program is long overdue for an overhaul," Pacheco said.

"For too long, there has been a lack of accountability in this program. Over many decades and administrations, no one has gotten a handle on it. Everyone was willing to ignore problems because of a desire to get affordable housing built."

Pacheco said developers are allowed to get around zoning requirements by including a percentage of affordable homes in their projects. In return, however, there are supposed to be limits on how much of a profit developers can make, and excess income is supposed to be returned to the town where the project is located.

Pacheco said his study found no one has been auditing the housing projects to make sure the terms are being followed.

"The history of the 40B cost certification program is outrageous," Pacheco said.

"At the very least, municipalities should be assured that there is accountability in the cost certification process, and the opportunity for legitimate input, since 40B takes control from local government."

He said there should be more oversight of 40B projects and that guidelines for the developments should be turned into binding regulations.

Pacheco said the good news is that the administration of Gov. Deval Patrick has already begun to try to address the problem.