Zoning board pushes for major housing reforms

In a recent government meeting, the planning board discussed significant zoning changes aimed at addressing the challenges faced by developers in the city. The board unanimously approved the creation of a zoning overlay district, which will provide developers with new opportunities without altering existing zoning regulations. This decision was met with no opposition from attendees.

The meeting also addressed correspondence from the Department of Environmental Protection regarding existing transmission lines along the Taunton River. The board agreed to place this correspondence on file, a standard procedure for such matters.

A key topic of discussion was the need for revisions to the A-2 apartment zoning district, which has been a point of contention for over 15 years. The current requirements—100 feet of frontage and a minimum of 10,000 square feet for the first unit, with an additional 2,000 square feet for each subsequent unit—have led to numerous applications to the zoning board of appeals, as few parcels in the inner city meet these criteria.

The zoning board of appeals has recommended that the city council consider lowering the minimum lot size to 5,000 square feet and adjusting the additional unit requirement to 1,500 square feet. This change aims to streamline the approval process and facilitate the development of much-needed housing in densely populated areas. The planning board is expected to send a letter to the mayor endorsing this recommendation, ensuring that the proposal is informed by the insights of both the zoning board and the planning board.

Overall, the meeting highlighted a proactive approach to zoning reform, with board members expressing a consensus on the need for more flexible regulations to support housing development in the city.