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Malden council refers accessory-dwelling-unit zoning changes to joint planning and ordinance hearing after lengthy debate
Summary
City staff outlined how the state's Affordable Homes Act will require ADUs by right beginning Feb. 2, 2025; the council appended an alternative proposal, debated parking and neighborhood impacts, and referred the zoning paper to a joint ordinance and planning board hearing 9–2.
Staff from the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development presented the council with proposed zoning amendments to implement the state's new accessory dwelling unit (ADU) requirements, and the City Council voted to refer the mayor's proposed zoning changes and an appended alternative to a joint ordinance and planning board hearing.
Michelle Romero, city planner, summarized key dates and provisions: the Affordable Homes Act was signed Aug. 6, 2024; draft state guidelines were released Dec. 6, 2024; and the ADU regulatory provisions take effect Feb. 2, 2025. Romero and staff described the ADU in state law as a single additional dwelling unit allowed by right in zoning districts where single-family dwellings are permitted. The proposed local amendments (Paper 13-25) define ADUs, allow reasonable regulations such as dimensional controls and site plan review, prohibit owner-occupancy requirements, and…
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