In Plymouth, allowing Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADU’s as a way to increase affordable housing is gaining momentum.
ADU’s are those living spaces created above the garage, or in a breezeway to add a one bedroom unit, or even a detached one-bedroom dwelling on a single house lot.
This idea is gaining attention statewide, and also by Planning Board Member David Peck, who is proposing a bylaw change to allow such ADU’s.
WATD’s Bobbi Clark has more….
Planning Board Member David Peck explains the proposed bylaws change:
“This is an idea that’s been running rampant across the country to be able to create small apartments in a carriage house or in the basement in single family areas, so it creates a smaller, affordable dwelling unit within an existing building or an existing site. One of the options is a small house in the backyard on the property.”
Peck says the proposal agrees with evolving state guidelines:
“This proposed amendment, which is consistent with what Governor Healey has just announced, would become an as of right option which would simplify the application for approval for an ADU.”
And as an as of right option within the bylaw, Peck says,
“…it’s completely allowed without going to Zoning Board of Appeals or Planning Board. However, the requirement in our draft language is it needs to meet all health requirements, so the septic system has to be able to cover the number of bedrooms and it has to pass safety in terms of egress-getting in and out—and parking.”
Also of interest in the proposed draft language:
“The draft language right now does not include a requirement that the homeowner be present in one of the units, either the main building or the ADU.”
The Planning Board will hold the first of several required public hearings on the matter tomorrow, Wednesday October 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall.
