Trust to review state ADU guidance and coordinate with Planning on advocacy

Trust members discussed a state-level effort to standardize accessory-dwelling-unit (ADU) zoning requirements and to limit local restrictions that could block ADU implementation. Trustees agreed Jan. 10 to refer the request to the planning board for review, to draft a Trust letter that emphasizes subsidized-housing inventory inclusion (and avoids detailed zoning setback or lot-size prescriptions), and to copy the town delegation on any comments to the state body referenced in the discussion.

Trustees and staff recommended that the Trust limit its advocacy language to matters within the Trust’s mission (affordable/subsidized housing inclusion) while allowing the planning board and planning staff to handle detailed zoning provisions. A trustee suggested holding an open forum for the public to learn about ADUs as the town approaches potential zoning proposals at spring or fall town meeting.

Staff will prepare a draft letter for review at the next Trust meeting and coordinate with the planning director and board to present either joint or complementary comments to the state entity referenced in the meeting (EOHLC in the transcript).