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Planning board approves waiver to allow 4‑lot subdivision on unusually shaped Fairview Ave parcel
Summary
The board granted a waiver from the lot‑shape standard so the applicant can submit a 4‑lot minor subdivision on Fairview Avenue; the waiver allows submission but does not constitute final subdivision approval.
Hopkinton Planning Board on July 2 approved a waiver from section 17.3 (lot configuration depth‑to‑width ratio) of the subdivision regulations so the applicant may submit a 4‑lot minor subdivision application for a parcel on Fairview Avenue.
Surveyor Alfred Diorio, representing Jill Mattson and Bruce Bridal, told the board the parent parcel’s irregular shape makes it infeasible to create four conventionally shaped lots that meet the 2.5:1 depth‑to‑width standard. Diorio said soils testing and setback requirements show each proposed lot can accommodate a dwelling, private well and sewage disposal system.
Planning staff and board members discussed whether the proposal would increase the town’s housing denominator for state affordability targets; staff noted the town has no current inclusionary zoning requirement that would change the procedural handling of this small subdivision. Board members also noted that because the proposed lots have modest frontage, any future subdivision of those new lots would require additional dimensional relief.
The board approved the waiver to allow the application to be submitted and processed administratively as a 4‑lot minor subdivision. Approval of the waiver does not itself grant building permits or final subdivision approval; the applicant must still supply required plan details and satisfy administrative review.
