Accessory Dwelling Units zoning amendment

Votes

Every time it came up newest first

1. Mon, Apr 6 · Advisory Committee

   Article 29: Accessory Dwelling Units zoning bylaw amendment

   Zoning Board of Appeals member Doris Cahill presented Article 29, which would remove the special permit requirement for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and allow them by right up to 1,200 square feet. Cahill explained the change aims to eliminate the existing 50 percent gross floor area cap, which prevents smaller homes from building a practical ADU. Committee members expressed concern that 1,200 square feet is excessive without special permit oversight, effectively allowing two standalone houses on single residential lots.

   • State baseline allows ADUs up to 900 square feet by right, while the proposal expands that to 1,200 square feet by right in Southborough.
   • Town assessor records show approximately 34 registered accessory units currently in town, mostly built on larger properties.
   • Cahill noted that handicapped-accessible two-bedroom units typically need between 1,000 and 1,300 square feet.
   • Members voiced concerns about neighborhood density, impacts on town services, and schools.
   • A motion to recommend approval of Article 29 failed in a 2-5 vote.

   Outcome: Failed 2-5; committee recommends disapproval.

   Watch at 1:38 · See the whole meeting

2. Wed, Mar 25 · Advisory Committee

   Town Meeting warrant articles review and recommendations

   The committee deliberated on several pending warrant articles and voted on four non-controversial proposals. Members expressed hesitation over a Zoning Board of Appeals proposal (Article 29) to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) up to 1,200 square feet by right, noting concerns about creating large secondary homes on residential lots, and agreed to invite the ZBA to discuss it. The committee also decided to hold the industrial park zoning article and two citizen petitions until its March 30 meeting.

   • Voted 6-0 to recommend approval of Article 27 (Willow Street easements by donation), Article 30 (SAHT terminology), Article 31 (MBTA table correction), and Article 32 (Tricentennial banner signage).
   • Article 27 language was revised to ensure easements are acquired solely through donation rather than borrowing or purchase.
   • Article 29 would expand ADUs up to 1,200 square feet by right without requiring a special permit, compared to the state baseline of 900 square feet.
   • Article 17 (Industrial Park) was held so members can review the full text before taking a final position.
   • Article 35 (citizen petition for a separate Finance Committee) and Article 36 (citizen petition banning non-reusable plastic bags) were held for further discussion.

   Outcome: Articles 27, 30, 31, and 32 recommended for approval (6-0). Articles 17, 29, 35, and 36 were held.

   Watch at 41:40 · See the whole meeting

3. Mon, Mar 23 · Planning Board

   Accessory Dwelling Unit bylaw update

   The board opened the public hearing on a proposed zoning bylaw amendment governing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The proposed update aligns the local bylaw with state regulations, allowing ADUs by right up to 1,200 square feet, provided they do not exceed the principal dwelling's gross floor area and only one ADU is placed per lot.

   • Allows ADUs by right up to 1,200 square feet.
   • Limits properties to one accessory dwelling unit per lot.
   • A board member filed a statutory appearance form to participate after missing the previous session.

   Outcome: Hearing continued to April 11, 2026, at 9:00 AM.

   Watch at 0:10 · See the whole meeting

4. Wed, Mar 18 · Zoning Board of Appeals

   Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw article prep

   The board discussed its role in presenting and explaining the proposed ADU bylaw amendment at Annual Town Meeting on April 11. Board members discussed recent questions raised by the Planning Board regarding conversions of single-family homes into two-family structures versus ADUs, and reiterated that ADU approvals must still satisfy all Board of Health, building code, and wetland requirements. The board agreed to prepare a concise one-page informational handout comparing current zoning code to the proposed changes.

   • Article is sponsored by the Select Board for Town Meeting on April 11, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM
   • One-page informational handout must be submitted to the town clerk's office by April 9
   • Proposed bylaw sets a 1,200-square-foot maximum for ADUs and eliminates the special permit path for larger units
   • Board members will attend the Planning Board hearing on March 23 to coordinate on any remaining questions

   Outcome: Board members agreed to draft a one-page informational sheet for Town Meeting

   Watch at 38:40 · See the whole meeting