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Norwell Town Meeting adopts ADU rules, demolition‑delay bylaw and Farmer's Porch special permit
Summary
Town Meeting passed major zoning changes: an as-of-right Protected ADU bylaw and a special-permit path for larger ADUs (Articles 35–36), a demolition delay bylaw for Significant Buildings (Article 34), and a Farmer's Porch special-permit provision (Article 43).
At the May 5 Annual Town Meeting, voters approved a package of land‑use and zoning measures including new rules for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), a demolition‑delay bylaw for historic and architecturally significant buildings, and a special‑permit allowance for a "Farmer's Porch" on undersized or pre‑existing nonconforming lots.
Article 35 established a Protected ADU (as‑of‑right) framework with size limits, separate entrance requirements, parking expectations, Title 5/Board of Health sewage documentation requirements, and prohibitions on short‑term rentals; the Advisory Board recommended the Article and the motion passed unanimously. Article 36 created a special‑permit pathway for larger or "Non‑Protected" ADUs (up to 1,300 square feet under certain conditions), allowed conversion of certain previously permitted ADUs, and specified owner‑occupancy and other conditions; the Advisory Board recommended and the motion passed by majority vote.
Article 34, proposed by the Planning Board and recommended by the Advisory Board, adopts a Building Demolition Delay bylaw establishing procedures for the Norwell Historical Commission to review demolition permit applications for "Significant Buildings," a public‑hearing timeline, and a 12‑month delay period for properties the Commission determines are preferably preserved; the article passed by a 2/3rds vote.
Article 43 created a special‑permit standard allowing a Farmer's Porch (an open, roofed, unenclosed front porch) on undersized or preexisting nonconforming lots subject to dimensional limits and safeguards including stormwater rules and impervious-coverage caps; the Article passed by 2/3rds vote.
Taken together, these votes change the local zoning landscape to expand housing options through ADUs while adding preservation and design rules intended to protect historic resources and neighborhood character.
