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Council tables proposed ADU zoning changes after members raise state‑law and implementation concerns
Summary
Councilors expressed concern that a state‑driven amendment (24‑24 / 24‑24A) could allow accessory dwelling units on R‑1 lots over 20,000 sq ft without familial limits; the solicitor said interpretation is not settled and the council voted to table the ordinance to Oct. 16 for further review.
A proposed zoning amendment to implement recent state ADU changes drew sustained debate at the Oct. 2 meeting and was tabled for two weeks.
Councilor Schmidt said the draft ordinance would allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on any R‑1 parcel larger than 20,000 square feet without the familial‑occupancy requirement the town previously used, a change he characterized as state intrusion into local zoning. Several councilors said they feared the amendment could lead to de facto up‑zoning and increased pressure on schools, roads and public safety services.
The town solicitor told the council that the interaction between the new state statute and the existing local ordinance is not yet settled and that interpretations could differ; he recommended staff counsel and the zoning official coordinate on guidance. Mayor (speaker 2) said he agreed with caution and preferred tabling to allow staff and the solicitor to review implementation ramifications.
Councilors also suggested inviting the zoning official and the consultant who drafted the materials to a future meeting so the council can see a side‑by‑side of required versus discretionary changes. The council voted 7–0 to table ordinance 24‑24A to the Oct. 16 meeting.
No final policy change or vote on adoption was taken at this meeting.
