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Braintree council adopts bylaw changes to implement state ADU law after lengthy debate
Summary
After an hour-long public discussion and two council amendments, the Braintree Town Council voted 5–3 to adopt exhibit B changes to local zoning that add accessory dwelling units (ADUs) into the town's accessory-use rules consistent with the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act.
The Town of Braintree Town Council voted 5–3 on Sept. 16 to adopt revised zoning text (Exhibit B) that adds accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, to the town's accessory-use rules to comply with the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act.
The vote followed a public hearing, staff presentations and more than an hour of council debate about setbacks, height limits, parking and how ADUs should be treated relative to other detached accessory structures.
Council President Ryan opened the public hearing and noted the item had been continued from a prior meeting; town staff circulated a legal memo from Town Solicitor Rossetti and the Planning Board had recommended changes, including an 8-foot side/rear setback. Planning Director Maciek, Building Inspector Clark and compliance official Russell Forsberg answered council questions on existing setbacks, parking rules and how the state law interacts with local standards.
Councilors pressed several technical points: the town's current…
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