Planning board drafting ADU bylaw revisions ahead of fall town meeting, ZBA told

Members of the Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals on July 16 received an update that the Planning Board is working on revised accessory dwelling unit (ADU) bylaw language and plans to share draft text with the ZBA for feedback.

Laura, a town planning staff member, told the ZBA she had reviewed recent Planning Board activity and that planners “are actually working on revising the language for the bylaw for ADUs” and intended to send draft language to the ZBA. Laura said the Planning Board changed the date for fall town meeting to Oct. 27, and that the timeline creates a compressed schedule for review and public hearings.

Several ZBA members expressed interest in reviewing drafts and participating in planning-board hearings. Member Doris said she wants to continue participating and noted she previously proposed striking a single line in the current local language that refers to a 1979 benchmark; she indicated the provision appears dated and inconsistent with more recent ADU rules. Member Mike said he had not seen any draft text yet but wanted to “reignite that possibility.”

Laura said she would follow up with Planning Board staff (Karina) the following week to request a draft and promised to add the item to the ZBA’s Aug. 20 agenda if the planning board forwards language. Planners will be required to hold public hearings on any zoning amendment before it goes on the town meeting warrant.

Why it matters: ADU regulations affect local housing supply and how existing homes may be converted to accessory apartments. The ZBA’s review of Planning Board draft language could shape final warrant language that voters consider at town meeting.

What’s next: The ZBA will ask planning staff to circulate any draft language and will add the ADU update to the Aug. 20 meeting agenda if a draft is available.