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Zoning board delays decision on two ADU variance requests, including a 1,200‑sq‑ft proposal, until after March town vote
Summary
The ZBA continued two applications for accessory dwelling variances — including an application to convert an existing 1,200‑sq‑ft garage at 47 North Street into an ADU — to the March 19, 2026 meeting so local rules can catch up with a pending state/town change on ADU size thresholds.
The Milford Zoning Board of Adjustment voted to continue two accessory‑dwelling variance requests to its March 19, 2026 meeting to allow the town’s pending decision on ADU size thresholds and related ordinance updates to carry forward.
Attorney Eli Lano, representing owner/applicant Kate (Caitlin) Brown, asked the board to defer action on variance cases 2025‑21 and 2025‑22. Lano said the existing enclosed garage footprint at 47 North Street is roughly 1,200 square feet; the applicant seeks to convert the space into an ADU and requested relief from the current local ADU gross‑floor‑area cap (750 sq ft). Lano noted the state has moved to ease ADU restrictions and said Milford may adopt a larger by‑right ADU size; that pending rule change made continuing the hearing a reasonable option, he argued.
Board members raised concerns about the proposed unit's size. Joan (board member) said on the record, “1,200 square feet is like another whole single‑family home,” and several members worried a unit that large could function as a second principal dwelling, increase traffic and allow an investor buyer to convert the property to long‑term rental use. The applicant and counsel responded that the garage’s existing footprint constrains the design and that bedroom count and parking could be conditioned if the board granted relief.
A neighboring resident, Norman Fisk, spoke in favor of the application, saying the applicant’s improvements had increased neighborhood values and that the additional housing option would be beneficial.
Given the board’s mixed views and the pending town/state rule considerations, the applicant requested a continuance. The board voted to continue both cases to the March 19, 2026 meeting; the chair said the applicant may modify variance requests if local regulations change before that date.
The continuance preserves the applicant’s ability to pursue revised relief after the town’s vote and avoids a potentially moot decision should Milford update its ADU gross‑floor‑area allowance between now and March.
