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ZBA approves two‑family bylaw draft for referral, sets public forum and town‑meeting timeline
Summary
The Zoning Board voted to send a drafted two‑family zoning bylaw (new definition, removal of a two‑year conversion waiting period, and updated lot‑size rules) to the Select Board and Planning Board for referral, and approved a public forum for Aug. 12 and a schedule that leads to town meeting on Oct. 17.
The Town of Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals on July 15 voted to approve a final draft of an amendment to the zoning bylaw to allow construction and conversion to two‑family dwellings under updated standards and to send the draft for referral.
Staff presented the draft language that adds a definition for a two‑family dwelling, removes a two‑year waiting requirement for conversions, updates minimum lot‑size rules that historically referenced a 1955 standard, and clarifies how accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can interact with two‑family dwellings. The draft removes several now‑obsolete special‑permit conditions and relies on existing standard special‑permit findings for site‑specific review.
The board agreed to schedule a public forum on August 12 to educate residents and invited Planning Board and other committees to participate; staff will advertise and share informational materials. The administrative timeline presented: submit the final draft to the Select Board by Aug. 4 for an Aug. 11 Select Board referral, Planning Board consideration in mid‑August, legal ad by Aug. 26, Planning Board public hearings Sept. 14 and Sept. 28, and town meeting on Oct. 17.
Board members emphasized the need to monitor interactions with the new state zoning provisions and to coordinate training/webinar opportunities so members and applicants understand the new statutory impacts.
The board voted unanimously to forward the draft for referral and to proceed with the outreach timeline.
