Accessory Dwelling Units zoning amendment | southborough.infohttps://southborough.info/issues/accessory-dwelling-units-zoning/2026-10-16T15:05:38-04:00Advisory Committee, Mon, Apr 6: Article 29: Accessory Dwelling Units zoning bylaw amendmenthttps://southborough.info/topics/GzmDgSFDiu0/02026-04-06T12:00:00ZZoning 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. Outcome: Failed 2-5; committee recommends disapproval.Advisory Committee, Wed, Mar 25: Town Meeting warrant articles review and recommendationshttps://southborough.info/topics/9wWw5PxEqGQ/12026-03-25T12:00:00ZThe 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. Outcome: Articles 27, 30, 31, and 32 recommended for approval (6-0). Articles 17, 29, 35, and 36 were held.Planning Board, Mon, Mar 23: Accessory Dwelling Unit bylaw updatehttps://southborough.info/topics/6s0--zLvHVc/02026-03-23T12:00:00ZThe 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. Outcome: Hearing continued to April 11, 2026, at 9:00 AM.Zoning Board of Appeals, Wed, Mar 18: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw article prephttps://southborough.info/topics/5t7mI7e3Mlk/42026-03-18T12:00:00ZThe 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. Outcome: Board members agreed to draft a one-page informational sheet for Town Meeting