Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Millis to align ADU rules with state guidance after Attorney General feedback
Summary
Article 13 would amend Millis zoning bylaws for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to conform to Massachusetts law and Attorney General guidance; Finance Committee recommended approval 8–0. Officials noted building‑code, utility and septic requirements remain applicable.
The Finance Committee presented Article 13 on Nov. 5, a proposal to amend Section 5 (use regulations) of the Millis zoning bylaws regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to conform to current Massachusetts law and the Attorney General’s guidance.
Heidi Gilmore, presenting the motion, said the town adopted an ADU amendment at the May 2025 town meeting but the Attorney General’s office later advised that Millis’ language was too restrictive. The proposed change follows the state‑recommended language to expand housing options and reduce barriers for homeowners who want to add ADUs.
Officials and staff discussed implementation logistics: building‑code compliance, connections to municipal water and sewer or private septic systems, and review by the building commissioner and DPW as needed. Town Administrator Mike Kosinski said the building commissioner would provide exact counts of active ADUs; a tentative count during the meeting placed existing ADUs around three to four.
The Finance Committee recommended approval 8–0. The article requires a majority vote at town meeting; proponents said the change preserves standard safety, health and utility requirements while loosening restrictive local limits that the AG had flagged.
Provenance: Motion and discussion recorded at the Article 13 block of the Nov. 5 FINCOM meeting.
