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ADU at 2 Row Street put on hold after building‑code egress issue
Summary
The committee held a petition for a detached accessory dwelling unit at 2 Row Street after the inspectional services department and petitioner identified unresolved International Residential Code (IRC) egress requirements; the petitioner will revise plans and consult ISD before returning.
The Newton Land Use Committee held a public hearing on petition 207‑26 (2 Row Street) after staff and the petitioner identified a building‑code issue requiring two means of egress for the proposed accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
Architect Karina (Katrina) Melo and Sam Kashmar explained the ADU proposal — a two‑car garage with an ADU above — but told the committee that an IRC egress requirement (IRC §311.2) prompted them to revisit the design. The team said they are exploring an integrated walkthrough door in the garage elevation to meet the second‑egress requirement for a small unit under 500 square feet.
Planning recommended deferral while the petitioner resolves the matter with the Inspectional Services Division (ISD). Committee members agreed: the Land Use Committee does not have the capacity to resolve a building‑code interpretation on the floor during a public hearing. The petitioner was asked to return with revised drawings and evidence of outreach to abutters.
What’s next: The petitioner will coordinate with ISD, revise the designs to show compliant egress, confirm neighbor outreach and return to the committee for a continued public hearing and review.
