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New Ashford to review local bylaws after state accessory dwelling unit law
Summary
Planning Board Co-Chair Diane George reported the new state accessory dwelling unit law allows ADUs up to one-half the size of the original building, up to 900 feet, and limits towns'ability to refuse them; New Ashford must consider bylaw changes by Feb. 2, 2025 and will assess Title V and Town Counsel implications.
New Ashford' Planning Board Co-Chair Diane George told the Select Board on Nov. 4 that a recently enacted state accessory dwelling unit (ADU) law will require the town to review and likely amend local zoning bylaws.
Diane George said the state law allows accessory dwellings to be one-half the size of the original building, "up to 900 feet," and that municipalities have limited authority to refuse them. She told the board the Planning Board will meet to determine whether and what bylaw additions are necessary and that the town needs any changes in place by Feb. 2, 2025.
George said there are Title V (septic) implications associated with increased dwelling units and that Town Counsel may need to be consulted to ensure compliance with the state law. She added she is contacting officials in other towns to learn how they are handling the new requirements.
The Select Board did not take formal action at the Nov. 4 meeting on specific bylaw language. The town will schedule Planning Board work and, if needed, referrals to Town Counsel and the Select Board for future consideration.
