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Planning board adopts ADU site-plan regulations, sets $250 application fee and forwards rules for Select Board review
Summary
The Planning Board unanimously accepted administrative regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) under section 7.7 of the zoning bylaws, set the application fee at $250 and agreed to forward the regulations to the Select Board and Town Council for review and possible inclusion on the annual town meeting warrant.
The Town of Middleborough Planning Board voted unanimously Wednesday to adopt administrative regulations for accessory dwelling units under section 7.7 of the town zoning bylaws and set the ADU application fee at $250.
Planning board member Leanne reported adding language requested by the director of Middleborough Gas and Electric that “All ADUs shall have a separate electric meter, which shall be located outside, and any upgrades to the electric panels to accommodate ADUs shall be the responsibility of the homeowner.” The board also discussed wording clarifications and utility- and building-code-related provisions identified by department heads.
The board voted to accept the administrative regulations as amended and to forward them to the Select Board and Town Council for review and possible inclusion in the spring annual town meeting warrant. Leanne also proposed an effective date for the regulations of Feb. 2, 2025; that date was discussed as part of drafting and distribution of the regulation text.
Key items discussed included whether ADUs are allowed by right, water service origin language (to accommodate wells as well as municipal water), restrictions on exterior stairs so they are not the primary means of access, and a waiver provision for curb-cut requirements in constrained lots. The board clarified that utility upgrades would be the homeowner’s responsibility and that the regulations should be updated as state rules for ADUs are issued.
Why it matters: The regulations set local administrative procedures for ADU approvals and site-plan review, identify permit submittal requirements and establish a local fee. ADUs are a state-authorized housing mechanism; the board noted the town’s regulations may need revision once state ADU rules are finalized.
Next steps: Planning staff will make the agreed edits, publish the final text for review at the Planning & Community Development office, and forward the article and regulations to the Select Board and Town Council for legal review and placement on the town meeting warrant if appropriate.
