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Uxbridge Planning Board backs ZBA-sponsored ADU warrant article after public hearing
Summary
The Planning Board voted to recommend favorable action on a ZBA-sponsored warrant article updating the town's accessory dwelling unit bylaw to reflect 2024 state changes, allowing ADUs 'by right' while preserving local special-permit controls for larger units.
The Town of Uxbridge Planning Board voted to recommend favorable action on a Zoning Board of Appeals-sponsored warrant article that updates the town's accessory dwelling unit (ADU) bylaw to align with 2024 changes in state law.
Jim Blackburn, introduced himself as "the chair of the zoning board of appeals," and told the board the draft revises the town's ADU rules so they are no longer in conflict with the state's new requirements. "Accessory dwelling units are now allowed by right," Blackburn said, and the draft retains a special-permit category for larger ADUs that exceed what the state allows.
Board members raised questions about tax and assessment impacts. One board member noted assessors typically treat ADUs as two-family units; Blackburn referred taxation questions to the town assessor. The proposed bylaw removes a prior restriction that limited ADUs to relatives or caregivers, allowing broader use of accessory units as rental apartments under state rules.
After brief discussion and a public-hearing closure, the board moved and approved a recommendation for favorable action by roll call; recorded votes on the motion included board members recorded in the minutes as Eli, John and Lauren voting "aye." The recommendation will be forwarded as the Planning Board's advisory position on the warrant article ahead of town meeting.
The board did not adopt specific tax-rate changes and deferred assessment questions to the assessor; implementation details were not specified in the record.
