Quincy council adopts ‘coliving’ housing rules to comply with state law

Quincy’s City Council voted to adopt Ordinance 26-6-48, adding a coliving housing chapter to the Quincy Municipal Code to implement state requirements for shared‑living developments. Municipal service director Worley told the council the ordinance adds new code sections and establishes severability and an effective date.

The move comes after council members asked how the new rules would be applied. Municipal service director Worley said developers would submit the project as a development application and that the city would review it through the applicable permitting pathway. “They would have to submit it as a development process or application, and then it is reviewed,” Worley said. He added that the process will likely involve some initial adjustments as the city implements the new standard.

A council member questioned whether existing single‑family homes could be converted, and whether neighbors would be notified as part of any conditional‑use process. Worley said neighbors within 300 feet are typically notified for conditional‑use matters and that staff would check whether conversions of existing residences are permitted or whether the code primarily anticipates new developments. Another council member urged staff to prepare a clear checklist and public outreach plan so the city can explain the steps applicants and neighbors should expect.

Council members moved to approve the ordinance, which the council adopted by voice vote. The city clerk recorded no roll‑call tally in the transcript; the action was announced as carried.

Why it matters: the ordinance brings Quincy into formal compliance with the state statute cited in staff materials and sets a local process for reviewing coliving projects. Council members emphasized the need for clear permitting steps, neighbor notification procedures and public outreach as the regulations move into implementation.