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Planning Board reviews preliminary list of 2027 zoning amendments, flags state bills on multi-family and tiny homes
Summary
Town Planner Jason Bachand outlined a preliminary 2027 zoning amendment package including a Phase III ordinance audit, harmonizing definitions and uses, flexible-sized dwelling units, compensatory storage, temporary pop-up uses, and draft language for tiny homes and THOWs; the board noted HB 1588 (multi-family in commercial districts) and HB 1681 (tiny homes) will require local ordinance changes.
Town Planner Jason Bachand reviewed a preliminary set of zoning amendments the Planning Board expects to work on for 2027, describing a Phase III Zoning Ordinance audit to harmonize definitions and uses across tables and a range of topics including flexible-sized dwelling units, compensatory storage (higher floodplain standard), temporary "pop-up" uses in the Town Center, impervious-surface rules, and measuring frontage on corner lots.
Bachand specifically noted two state-level developments that will affect local code: HB 1588, recently signed into law, requires the town to consider changes related to multi-family dwellings in commercial districts, and HB 1681 concerns tiny homes and tiny homes on wheels (THOWs). The board discussed separating Tiny Homes and THOWs to make ordinance language clearer and debated whether additional Town Center amendments or a Warrant Article funding a build-out analysis are needed. Bachand emphasized this is a preliminary draft that will require additional work and public engagement.
