Council continues public hearing on accessory‑dwelling‑unit ordinance after Affordable Housing Commission recommendations

The Charlestown Town Council on Oct. 15 continued the public hearing on ordinance 4‑24, a proposed amendment to Chapter 2‑18 (zoning) governing accessory dwelling units (ADUs), to Nov. 12, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

Councilor Sarah, the sponsor, read a detailed letter from Jake Wolfgang, chair of the Affordable Housing Commission, who urged revisions to ensure the draft mirrors state law (citing Rhode Island General Laws including 45‑24‑73 and related sections). The commission’s memo recommended, among other items, replacing a broad "year‑round occupancy" phrase with a 30‑consecutive‑day occupancy standard aligned to state definitions, clarifying owner‑occupancy language, separating items that are allowed "by right" from uniform standards, and reviewing maximum ADU size against state minimums and accessory‑structure rules.

Councilors, the town solicitor and planning commission representatives said the memo raised substantial technical and legal issues that require review by the town planner and building/zoning official. The council voted unanimously to continue the hearing, request written opinions and memos from the town planner and building/zoning official, and, where feasible, to convene a joint meeting with the planning commission and the Affordable Housing Commission to reconcile state law requirements and local drafting choices.

No final changes were made at the Oct. 15 meeting. Council members emphasized the need to comply with state law and asked staff to return with a legal review and planner memo before the next hearing.