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Finance Committee recommends bylaw changes to allow accessory dwelling units consistent with state law
Summary
The committee recommended Article 30, which updates local zoning to reflect recent state rules on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and clarifies allowable basement conversions, while preserving typical local dimensional and safety standards.
The Finance Committee recommended Article 30, a zoning bylaw change to align the town's accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules with recent state law.
Committee members said the article mirrors state guidance that allows homeowners to create ADUs by right, subject to local dimensional and safety rules such as setbacks, parking and building‑code compliance. The article also includes a local provision clarifying that a basement conversion exceeding the standard 900‑square‑foot ADU cap may be permitted when the basement is the unit's location; the committee noted that the statute generally limits by‑right ADUs to 900 square feet, while towns may apply certain objective criteria.
Committee members said the change is primarily an administrative alignment with state law and is intended to reduce conflicts between town zoning and state statute. The Finance Committee voted in favor of recommending the article to Town Meeting.
