Northampton, Massachusetts — The Northampton City Council on Sept. 18 referred a proposed zoning ordinance that would make it easier to convert qualifying historic accessory structures — carriage houses, barns and similar outbuildings — into residential units.

The ordinance, introduced by Councilor Marissa Elkins (sponsor absent at the meeting) and Council President Alex Jarrett, would permit residential conversion of accessory structures in several residential zoning districts when the structure meets historic‑scale criteria, preserves character‑defining features and complies with building and fire codes. The draft sets several guardrails: a qualifying accessory structure must be predominantly historic (70% built before 1976), changes must preserve defining features “to the extent feasible,” height and setback limitations apply and density and dimensional standards for each zoning district would remain in force. The draft waives additional parking requirements for accessory structures under 1,000 square feet but requires parking where units exceed that size.

Proponents said the policy aims to preserve historic buildings while adding housing opportunities through reuse rather than demolition. Council President Alex Jarrett said the measure is intended to encourage smaller, less‑disruptive infill housing and to reduce demolition‑related environmental impacts; the ordinance text estimates roughly 900 accessory structures in the affected zoning districts.

During discussion Councilor Moulton highlighted two guardrails she viewed as important: the subsection that establishes a cutoff date for allowable nonconforming footprints (to prevent later expansions that would materially enlarge a nonconforming structure) and a provision that the ordinance would not override existing dimensional and density rules for each district. Director Mish (planning/building staff) and Mayor Shera answered questions about short‑term‑rental enforcement and reminded the council that short‑term rental rules and local fee revenues are handled under separate procedures and that enforcement capacity affects how detailed any prohibition on rentals could be.

Council action: Councilor Jarrett moved and Councilor Maiori seconded referral of the draft ordinance to the Historical Commission, Northampton Housing Partnership, the Legislative Matters Committee and the Planning Board for review and public comment. The referral motion carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The council noted anticipated committee schedules: the Historical Commission will consider the proposal at its next meeting and the Housing Partnership is expected to take it up on Oct. 6; further public hearings will be scheduled as the committees provide recommended changes.

The council and staff stressed that any conversion proposal will also need to meet state and local building and fire codes; those codes and inspections may limit which accessory structures are physically feasible to convert. The sponsors and staff emphasized that the plan is a city‑level zoning tool — it does not automatically permit demolition or expansion beyond existing density limits — and that final changes would come back to the council after committee review.

Ending — next steps: The ordinance will be reviewed by the Historical Commission, the Housing Partnership, Legislative Matters and the Planning Board; the council encouraged public participation in those hearings and said committee recommendations will inform any subsequent council vote.