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Ordinance committee tables resolution opposing state ADU "by‑right" mandate, requests data
Summary
The committee took up a resolution opposing the state-mandated, "by-right" ADU policy but voted to table it and ask the city attorney, Inspectional Services and Planning to provide data within 90 days on ADU impacts to infrastructure, parking, schools and municipal services.
Councilor Plan introduced a resolution (Item 14426) opposing the state’s implementation of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a "by‑right" permit, arguing Lawrence’s density and municipal constraints mean local control is needed.
“The city council calls upon the mayor, the Lawrence legislative delegation, and the governor to support legislation that would repeal or substantially amend the ADU by‑right mandate to restore greater local control,” Councilor Plan said while reading the resolution text and outlining required reporting by local departments. He warned the uniform state rule is a “one‑size‑fits‑all” approach that does not reflect Lawrence’s density and infrastructure limits.
Councilors discussed several local consequences they expect from broader ADU allowances: increased on‑street parking congestion, greater strain on water and sewer systems, pressure on schools and emergency services, and a risk to neighborhood stability. Councilor Plan also cited an administration figure, saying, “According to the mayor, his number is not mine. There are 9,000 unlawful apartments in the city,” and said better enforcement of existing unlawful units and smarter zoning decisions are part of any local response.
Several councilors stressed they lack firm department data. Councelor Selena Reyes (appearing remotely) said she would support moving the item to the full council but favored adding review by city departments first. A motion carried to table the resolution and send correspondence to the city attorney, the Inspectional Services Department (ISD), and Planning & Development asking for ADU registration and impact data before the committee forwards a recommendation.
The committee recorded its roll call with Chair Anna Levy, Vice Chair Franklin Miguel and Councelor Selena Reyes voting in favor of the motion to table and request review. The resolution remains tabled pending the departments’ responses and any legal guidance the city attorney provides; the resolution text calls for a 90‑day report from Planning on projected ADU impacts.
