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Planning board previews zoning work after state ADU law; Feb. 2, 2025 deadline noted
Summary
Woburn staff briefed the planning board on new state legislation legalizing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and related changes to the lot‑merger doctrine; members discussed whether site‑plan review applies and noted a Feb. 2, 2025 deadline to adopt local conforming changes.
At its Oct. 22 meeting, the Woburn City Planning Board discussed recent state legislation that legalizes accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and affects related zoning procedures.
Staff told the board the law mirrors changes New Hampshire adopted about a decade ago and allows certain ADUs by right; members discussed whether local site‑plan review would still apply or whether jurisdiction rests primarily with the building commissioner. "If the use is allowed by right... it's the building inspector's jurisdiction," a board member said, arguing the planning board may have limited direct authority over ADUs in single‑family or duplex contexts.
The board was also briefed on a statutory change to the lot‑merger doctrine that may allow previously merged lots to be separated and used again if they meet minimum dimensions (e.g., about 5,000 square feet and 50 feet of frontage). Staff said the city should prepare zoning edits to conform with state law and noted a Feb. 2, 2025 deadline to enact any permitted local tweaks.
Members asked staff to bring draft zoning language that conforms with the state statute and to clarify whether and when site‑plan review would be applicable.
