Where it stands as of Mon, Aug 17
The Planning Board reviewed draft zoning amendments eliminating the two-year single-family existence requirement for two-family conversions and scheduled a public hearing for September 14, 2026.
Every time it came up newest first
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ZBA proposed two-family dwelling zoning bylaw amendments
Zoning Board of Appeals member Doris Cahill presented draft zoning amendments intended for the October Special Town Meeting warrant. The proposal eliminates an existing rule requiring a single-family dwelling to exist for at least two years before converting into a two-family dwelling. Planning Board members discussed distinguishing two-family homes from accessory dwelling units and multi-family units, and considered potential impacts on lot coverage and industrial zones.
- Current zoning requires a two-year waiting period between single-family home construction and two-family conversion.
- The draft bylaw removes the two-year restriction to allow new construction or conversion to two-family dwellings without delay.
- The board discussed clarifying definitions to ensure two-family structures are distinct from accessory dwelling units and multi-family complexes.
- Members raised concerns regarding whether two-family properties could simultaneously add an accessory dwelling unit, potentially creating three units on a single lot.
- A formal public hearing before the Planning Board is scheduled for September 14, 2026.
Outcome: The board provided feedback on the draft language and scheduled a public hearing for September 14, 2026.