Planning board presents final draft ADU zoning language; ZBA opts to table for further review

Planning Department staff updated the Zoning Board of Appeals on a draft accessory dwelling unit (ADU) zoning article under consideration by the Planning Board and discussed several revisions intended to clarify design, parking and administrative review.

Adam, the planning director, summarized changes the Planning Board adopted after earlier review. Revisions emphasize that ADUs should be accessory to a primary single-family home, encourage design that is architecturally harmonious and add language to guide mimicking the primary structure. The draft also modifies parking language to require vehicle hardscape materials suitable for vehicular use and clarifies that an enclosed garage alone may not be counted as additional required parking because interior space use cannot be guaranteed.

Board members raised concerns that some of the design-focused language—particularly a clause calling for accessory structures to “appear to be accessory and be architecturally harmonious”—could conflict with Department of Housing and Community Development guidance or the attorney general’s standards for ADU bylaws. Members noted the planning board inserted those design expectations deliberately but acknowledged the attorney general’s review could strike such provisions.

After discussion, the ZBA voted to table its formal action pending additional review, noting the Planning Board may still advance a final article to town meeting and that the attorney general will make the final determination on any state-level conflicts. Planning staff said the changes are intended to preserve the town’s residential character while implementing ADU allowances required by state housing policy.