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Town planner reports ADU rule changes and interim building commissioner appointment
Summary
Town staff updated the ZBA on the town meeting outcome for accessory dwelling units (ADUs): state rules will govern by-right ADUs while other accessory apartments remain under the town bylaw. Staff also announced Gene Novak is serving as interim building commissioner.
Town planning staff told the Zoning Board of Appeals that voters at the recent town meeting approved implementation steps affecting accessory dwelling units (ADUs): ADUs that qualify under state "by-right" rules will be processed under state regulations, while accessory apartments that do not meet the state definition will continue to be considered under the town's existing bylaw.
Laura (staff member, Town of Southborough) said the change means many ADU applications will follow the state's streamlined process; those that do not qualify as "protected ADUs" will continue to use the town's accessory-apartment procedures. She also announced that Gene Novak will serve as the interim building commissioner; Laura said Novak is a part-time inspector who stepped into the interim role and that the town has two part-time local inspectors supporting building functions.
Board members briefly commented on turnover in the building department and on the busy permitting volume this spring; staff noted that the office has received nearly as many applications in April as the town received all of last year. No formal action was taken; the update was informational and staff said they would circulate additional details as needed.
