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Planning Board forwards ADU bylaw draft to Select Board with notes; asks town counsel to clarify definitions
Summary
The Planning Board reviewed a draft accessory dwelling unit (ADU) bylaw, discussed retaining the older 'accessory family unit' definition, and voted to forward the draft to the Select Board for referral back to Planning for public hearing and further clarification from town counsel.
The Planning Board reviewed a proposed accessory dwelling unit (ADU) bylaw revision prepared by Town Counsel and discussed whether to retain the town’s existing “accessory family unit” definition alongside the new ADU language.
Planning members reported that the building commissioner had suggested preserving the accessory family unit definition (which limits occupancy to relatives by blood or marriage) in addition to adding the ADU definition. Board members agreed there is no harm in retaining both definitions and that having both could preserve options for homeowners who prefer in-law use while allowing ADUs permitted by state statutory guidance.
Members discussed several detailed points in the draft, including whether the ADU should be permitted only in residential zoning districts, parking standards (whether tandem parking is allowed), and a short-term rental prohibition tied to Chapter 64G. The board noted the draft references a short-term rental limitation and questioned whether the exclusive 30-day threshold in the draft would function as intended; one member said typical practice treats a month as 30 days and requested town counsel review the specific wording.
Town staff and the board also clarified that site-plan approval should be administered by the Planning Board for ADUs (rather than referred to the Zoning Board), and discussed allowing ADUs by special permit in nonresidential districts for preexisting single-family homes. The board asked staff to forward the draft to the Select Board with notes and to request a referral back to Planning for a public hearing with town counsel’s clarifications.
On a voice vote the board approved forwarding the document to the Select Board and requested that the Select Board refer the draft back to Planning for a public hearing; the board scheduled to revisit the draft on April 8.
