The October 21 meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board included a hearing intended to vet a drafted new and/or modified zoning bylaw for the placement and construction of A.D.U, accessory dwelling units.
Chairman Tom Tucker opened the hearing noting that in advance of the spring town meeting, the board was seeking public input and the airing of questions and concerns pertinent to this matter in order to ensure all voices are heard and to avoid contentious exchanges on the town meeting floor. The small audience did indeed get loud at one point, prompting Tucker to ask for decorum and a respect for all viewpoints. Yet, it was clear that some in attendance feared the new dwelling units could house migrants.
The draft reads, “…an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a self-contained housing unit inclusive of sleeping, cooking, and sanitary facilities on the same lot as a principle dwelling subject to otherwise applicable dimensional and parking requirements, that maintains a separate entrance, either directly from the outside or through an additional entry door or corridor shared with the principal dwelling sufficient to meet the state building code for safe egress, is not larger in gross floor area than ½ the gross floor area of the principal dwelling or 900 square feet, whichever is smaller.”
The draft goes on to read that the purpose and intent of the bylaw change …”provides homeowners with a means of obtaining rental income, companionship, security, and services thereby enabling them to stay more comfortable in homes and neighborhoods they might otherwise be forced to leave.”
In terms of criteria, the draft includes rentals of more than 30 days with continuous habitation, structures that are architecturally compatible with the principle single-family residence on the lot, at least one additional parking space, lot coverage, setbacks, and building height requirements are met for the district in which it is located and is permitted via a special permit.
The public comments ranged from considering the changes a “dream come true” that would now allow multi-generational living as principal residents age to concerns that a landowner with sufficient acreage might develop rental units that would, in turn, allow migrants to move into the area.
One speaker asked what the setbacks might be for an ADU, but board member John Mathieu said the state has not provided guidance, thus it was incumbent for the board to draft such language for public comment.
Another resident questioned if the need to provide documented familial relationships as is currently the case for those occupying family-related apartments. Mathieu conjectured that said practice would likely end.
Board member William Wennerberg said that ADUs could take many forms, including the renovation of garage spaces or sheds, basements, and attics.
Collectively, the board thought setbacks might be established to meet with those when the lot was created. Other areas touched on were the possible need for site plan review, storm water planning, FEMA compliance where applicable, and septic inspection.
The Public hearing was continued until November 18 at 7:00 pm.
Mattapoisett Planning Board
By Marilou Newell