Milford schedules housing forum and previews state ADU, manufactured housing bills

The Milford Planning Board announced a community housing forum set for Wednesday, May 28, 5–7 p.m., in the Town Hall auditorium as part of the master‑plan process and a special grant to study housing opportunities.

Chair Janet Langdell and Community Development staff said the open‑house forum will gather public input on existing housing and community goals for the next 10–15 years. The board encouraged residents to attend; Town staff mentioned raffle prizes donated by a community member to encourage participation.

Board members also discussed two state bills they are tracking. Town staff said draft language for House Bill 577 on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) would likely be enacted July 1 and will allow one ADU by right in residential zones, increase the maximum unit size to 950 square feet (up from 750), remove familial relationship restrictions and bedroom caps, and require septic verification from the state Department of Environmental Services when the property is on septic. Staff recommended the town begin drafting ordinance changes to align local rules with the state law once finalized.

Separately, House Bill 685, which would address manufactured housing in residential districts, was described as likely to pass and as broadening where certain factory‑built or modular homes may be sited. Board members asked staff to review the statute language and report back so the board can understand definitions and local regulatory impacts.

Planning staff said questions remain about how many ADUs currently exist in Town and recommended compiling those counts as part of the local ordinance update. The board directed staff to prepare draft zoning amendments to implement state ADU changes and to circulate the state language to members for review.