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Kingston updates zoning to implement state ADU rules and correct commercial-use table
Summary
Town Meeting adopted changes aligning accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules with the state Affordable Homes Act and corrected Commercial District use-table errors; both measures passed by two‑thirds majorities.
The Planning Board urged and Town Meeting approved a set of zoning amendments to implement the Commonwealth’s Affordable Homes Act and to clarify uses in the Commercial District.
Article 30 creates clear definitions for "Protected" and "Unprotected" accessory dwelling units (ADUs), allows certain Protected ADUs by right in specified districts (subject to size, parking and owner-occupancy rules) and establishes special-permit criteria and enforcement mechanisms for Unprotected ADUs. The changes are intended to bring the bylaw into compliance with state law (M.G.L. c.40A §§ 1A and 3; 760 CMR 71.00) and to provide standards for parking, setbacks, minimum/maximum square footage and owner-occupancy recertification.
Article 31 amends the Commercial District use table to correct errors that had inadvertently listed intended uses as not allowed; examples included artist studios, professional offices, small repair shops and certain restaurant and retail uses. The Planning Board described the change as housekeeping to reflect originally intended permissions.
Both articles passed with two‑thirds majorities. Planning staff said the updates will permit by-right ADUs in appropriate districts and streamline permitting where local special-permit review remains necessary.
