Planning board recommends against proposed R‑1 zoning amendment that would lower lot‑size minimums and allow 3‑family by special permit

The Chelsea Planning Board voted to recommend against a proposed zoning amendment that would lower minimum lot sizes in the R‑1 district from 7,500 to 5,000 square feet, reduce minimum lot area per unit, and allow three‑family dwellings by special permit.

Planning staff presented parcel‑level data showing 1,908 parcels in the R‑1 district and noted that roughly 1,006 of them fall below 5,000 sq ft, leaving 519 in the 5,000–7,500 range and 383 at or above 7,500. Staff said open space and lot coverage requirements would remain unchanged under the proposal.

The board and members of the public questioned the proposal’s interaction with parking, open space and other dimensional regulations. A public commenter said the measure appeared to have been proposed 'in bad faith' by a councilor and urged the board to recommend against it; board members raised concerns that passing the amendment as drafted would create conflicts with other zoning rules and invite a wave of special permits and variances.

A motion to recommend rejection of the amendment as written was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote. Several board members suggested splitting the proposal or reworking the language and recommended that a more comprehensive approach be considered as part of the ongoing master planning process.