Charlton voters approve most zoning bylaw changes, reject one major tabled rewrite

CHARLTON, Mass. — Voters at the Town of Charlton’s annual meeting on May 19 approved a series of zoning bylaw changes proposed by the Planning Board, including new definitions and rules for flea markets and accessory dwelling units, revised village‑district pedestrian requirements and several procedural changes to site‑plan review. One larger rewrite of the use‑regulation table failed to get the two‑thirds majority required under state law.

The package of zoning articles was presented by the Planning Board and was considered in a set of appendices included with the warrant. Planning Board members and residents debated several provisions before votes were taken.

The most detailed debate centered on Article 15, which replaces the term “accessory apartment” with “accessory dwelling unit (ADU)” and establishes minimum standards and size limits. The ADU language states that ADUs must comply with applicable state building, electrical, plumbing, gas and energy codes and may not be sold separately from the principal dwelling. When attached to a principal dwelling an ADU is capped at 1,250 square feet of gross floor area and must “maintain the appearance of a single‑family residence.” When created in an accessory structure the ADU is limited to 900 square feet or one‑half the living area of the principal dwelling, whichever is less. The article…