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Southborough ZBA discusses ADU bylaw language ahead of Oct. 27 town meeting
Summary
ZBA members reviewed language on accessory dwelling unit (ADU) updates on the fall town-meeting warrant and reaffirmed that special-permit authority remains with the ZBA under the printed warrant language; the board agreed to keep the topic on its agenda for further discussion.
At its Oct. 15 meeting the Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed proposed changes to the town zoning bylaw related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and related warrant articles scheduled for the Oct. 27 town meeting.
Board staff reported that the final printed warrant preserves the ZBA as the special-permit granting authority for ADUs where special-permit review applies, and that the article on the warrant primarily updates definitions to align with state definitions and removes an existing 5% cap from the local code. Board members discussed two related issues: the 25% versus 35% ADU calculation for certain historic homes, and whether the wider bylaw changes could unintentionally shift permitting authority for some ADU applications to the Planning Board. Staff said the version that went to the printer did not change the special-permit granting authority from the ZBA.
Board members agreed to keep the issue on future agendas for follow-up after the town meeting and to consider whether a spring warrant article should address the 25% calculation and other longer-term ADU policy questions.
No formal vote was taken by the ZBA; the item was discussed as an informational update and the board asked staff to circulate the final printed warrant language to members.
