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Drafted definitions and technical rules under review: ADUs, coverage, height and lighting
Summary
Planners reviewed multiple technical definitions — accessory dwelling units, dwelling-unit/boarding-house language, building-height measurement (parapet vs roofline), cantilever coverage, lot coverage vs impervious surface, and lighting color/photometric standards — and asked staff to produce clear diagrams and reconciled definitions.
Commissioners spent extended time refining definitions and measurement rules that dictate how houses and small commercial buildings will be evaluated under the new Regulations.
On accessory dwelling units (ADUs), the Town Planner and commissioners discussed whether ADUs should be approved by site plan or special exception. Curt Bosco said ADUs historically were approved by Special Exception, but Pezk noted forthcoming state changes that will alter approval procedures after July. The planner and commissioners asked staff to provide recommended language reconciling local rules with the pending state-law changes.
Members sought consistent rules for measuring building height across roof types (flat, parapet, shed) and asked the planner to standardize diagrams so the measured point is comparable across roof forms. The commission clarified that cantilever overhangs should count for three feet of coverage and that inground pools should not be treated as building coverage, though impervious-area rules remain under discussion.
On lighting, commissioners said they prefer a warm color-temperature limit and practical enforcement: "light should be kept at 3K, 4K max," the chairman said; staff were asked to include photometric requirements to monitor light trespass. The Town Attorney will refine vehicle-sign wording so parked vehicles used primarily for advertising are not treated as allowed signage.
