Woburn City Council debates future of accessory dwelling unit ordinance amid regulatory concerns

In a recent Woburn City Council meeting held on May 20, 2025, discussions centered around the implementation of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in response to a new state statute. The council received a report from the Committee on Ordinance, Charter, and Rules, which recommended amendments to the existing zoning ordinance to accommodate ADUs. The amendments aimed to clarify definitions and ensure compliance with state guidelines, but they sparked significant debate among council members regarding the implications for the community.

Planning Director John Cashel raised concerns about the potential impact of the ADU ordinance, emphasizing that the state law allows for significant changes in residential density. He noted that the legislation could enable single-family homes to be converted into multi-family units, potentially doubling or tripling the number of dwelling units in certain areas. Cashel expressed apprehension about the lack of clarity in the state guidelines and the rush to adopt the ordinance without fully understanding its ramifications.

Council members echoed these concerns, particularly regarding the absence of an owner-occupancy requirement in the state law. This omission raised fears that the ordinance could lead to an influx of rental properties, further complicating Woburn's housing landscape, which already has a high percentage of rentals. Councilor Campbell highlighted the importance of ensuring that any ADU legislation includes provisions for owner occupancy to prevent exploitation by developers and maintain community integrity.

The council also discussed the need for further deliberation before finalizing the ordinance. Several members suggested postponing the vote to allow for additional input from state representatives and to seek clarity on the evolving guidelines. Mayor Concannon supported this approach, noting that unlike other recent mandates, such as the MBTA 3A Communities Act, there were no immediate penalties for delaying the ADU ordinance.

As the meeting concluded, it became clear that while there is a desire to comply with state law, there is also a strong commitment among council members to protect the character of Woburn and ensure that any changes to housing policy are made with careful consideration of their long-term effects. The council plans to continue discussions and seek further clarification from state officials before moving forward with the ADU ordinance.