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Planning commission and Select Board approve ADU definition changes; ZBA notified
Summary
Ferrisburgh staff told the ZBA that the Planning Commission approved new definitions for dwelling types, and the Select Board approved them last night; the new Accessory Dwelling Unit definition removes the owner-occupancy requirement and size limits, though staff said procedural questions remain about when the changes take effect.
Zoning Administrator Katie Hill notified the Zoning Board that the Planning Commission had approved revised zoning bylaw definitions for dwelling types, including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), at its July 16 meeting and that the Select Board approved those changes the night before the Aug. 6 ZBA meeting. Hill said the new ADU definition "eliminates the current requirement for the primary residence to be owner-occupied" and "eliminates the current size limits on the ADU," which would permit a second home on any parcel zoned for single-family residences if septic capacity allows two homes. She cautioned that she was unsure whether the changes were formally in effect because of procedural questions.
Board member Bob Beach, who also sits on the Planning Commission, provided additional context for the change. The board did not take action on the bylaw text at this meeting but was informed that the changes are in progress and may affect future permit reviews, including the treatment of accessory apartments and previously approved exceptions.
