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Planning Board agrees to ADU changes including primary-residence rule and 550 sq. ft. minimum
Summary
The Bristol Planning Board reviewed amendments to Article XV on Accessory Dwelling Units, agreeing to require one ADU per lot, add a legal primary-residence requirement, lower the minimum size to 550 sq. ft., and clarify off-street parking language; staff will bring revised text back July 22.
The Bristol Planning Board on July 8 reviewed a package of proposed changes to Article XV governing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and agreed on several specific edits for staff to finalize.
Vice Chair David Shirley argued the Board should require that one of the units be the owner's legal primary residence to distinguish family residences from properties used as seasonal rentals or multiple cottages. After discussion about ownership held in an LLC or revocable trust, the Board agreed the primary-residence requirement should apply if the unit is legally the owner's primary residence.
The Board also directed several text edits: change the phrasing to permit creation of one ADU per lot, correct the Purpose section wording to "aesthetics of the Town," clarify off-street parking by adding "A minimum of" before the required parking space, and require septic adequacy be confirmed as part of any Certificate of Compliance. Members discussed that campers and recreational vehicles are not eligible as ADUs under the ordinance.
On the size standard, members concluded 400 square feet was too small and agreed to lower the minimum from 750 to 550 square feet while keeping the maximum at 950 square feet. Ms. Donna Sullivan, Land Use Administrative Assistant, will update the draft ordinance to reflect these edits and present the revised document at the Board's next meeting for a vote.
