Planning Board approves ADU ordinance recommendation subject to state and city amendments

The Revere City Planning Board voted to recommend adoption of a revised accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance to the City Council, with the condition that the ordinance be updated as necessary to comply with final state regulations.

Planning staff explained that the city previously adopted an ADU ordinance but state changes to the law require amendments. The board's recommendation approves the draft local ordinance now while allowing the City Council and staff to make any further changes needed to match the state's final regulations when they are issued. Staff said a formal state notice was expected on March 11 and the Planning Board structured its recommendation to permit subsequent compliance edits.

Key provisions discussed include dimensional and siting controls for detached ADUs: a 20-foot rear setback, 10-foot side setbacks, and prohibition of ADUs in the front yard (between the house and the street). A detached ADU may not cover more than 25% of the rear yard area and may not exceed 900 square feet. ADUs located below the base 100-year flood elevation are not allowed; any structure in a flood zone would need First Floor elevation above the base flood elevation and would need Conservation Commission review where applicable.

Other requirements discussed: ADUs must meet state building code requirements (plans must be stamped by an engineer or architect as applicable); detached ADUs will require separate water, sewer and electric service and a certified plot plan by a registered land surveyor; if adding a unit converts a two-family to three units within the principal structure, state interpretation may require sprinklering of the entire building; detached ADUs separate from the principal structure would not automatically trigger sprinklers. The current draft also carries a parking standard: no parking required for ADUs within a half-mile of a T station or bus terminal, one parking space required beyond that radius. Staff noted the state may interpret bus stops to meet the transit-radius exemption, and final interpretation was pending.

Motion and vote: The board approved a motion to recommend the ADU ordinance "subject to city and state amendments for compliance." The motion was made by Ms. Simmons Hurling and seconded by Mr. Rivera. A roll call recorded votes in favor by Abrams, Costanza, Hoffman, Rivera, Simmons Hurling and Stamatopoulos; Sullivan was absent. The recommendation permits City Council and zoning subcommittee modifications when they take up the ordinance.

Next steps: The recommendation will go to the City Council for final consideration; staff warned that local practice and state interpretations (for parking and sprinkler requirements) could affect how many ADUs are feasible in Revere.