Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Code Amendment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves package of UDC amendments including ADU rules and site‑plan review change
Summary
The commission approved multiple UDC amendments prompted by recent state laws: it moved site‑plan review authority to the Planning Commission, expanded fence requirements where commercial or multifamily abut single‑family zones, adopted accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations consistent with Act 313 (including a 1,000 sq ft cap), and updated definitions per Act 60.
The Cabot Planning Commission approved a package of amendments to the city’s Unified Development Code on items prompted by new state laws.
Staff explained that changes to section 4.8.3 (site‑plan procedure) respond to Act 591 by bringing all site‑plan reviews before the Planning Commission rather than allowing certain small plans to be handled administratively. Commissioners noted the change will increase the number of items coming before the board but approved the amendment by roll call vote.
The commission also approved changes to section 5.4.6 to require a minimum 6‑foot opaque fence (up to 10 feet) where multifamily or commercial developments abut single‑family zoning; commissioners asked for consistent language on acceptable materials and the staff agreed to amend the wording to include wood, masonry or metal.
A new ADU section (4.17) was added in response to Act 313. Staff said ADUs must be accessory to an existing single‑family dwelling, carry an occupancy limit of one family, and are limited in size (staff noted a 1,000‑square‑foot cap). Commissioners discussed fire code and setback limits and approved the ADU regulations, the table of permitted uses update to list ADUs as by‑right in residential zones when accessory to a qualifying dwelling, and definition updates in section 6.1.2 that reflect Act 60 childcare distinctions.
All individual UDC amendments were approved by roll call votes (each item recorded as passing 7–0). Staff noted the language for ADUs and the definitions came from the state legislature and that certain private covenants (bills of assurance, HOAs) remain enforceable by those entities even if an ADU otherwise meets city regulations.
The amendments together change local procedures and land‑use allowances and will take effect as the city publishes the updated code and completes any required administrative steps.
