Weymouth Town Council Approves Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance
New regulations aim to preserve single-family zoning while complying with state law
WEYMOUTH - February 3 - The Weymouth Town Council has unanimously passed an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance amendment, implementing regulations to preserve single-family zoning districts while complying with new state law. The amendment, known as Measure 24-119, was approved during the council meeting on Feb. 3.
The ordinance comes in response to the Affordable Housing Act, passed by the Massachusetts legislature on Aug. 6, 2024, which takes effect on Feb. 2, 2025. The act allows ADUs to be permitted as of right anywhere single-family residential uses are allowed.
Councilor Kenneth DiFazio, chairman of the Ordinance Committee, presented the amendment to the council, explaining its purpose and the process leading to its approval.
"In a one-size-fits-all approach to increase housing in the community, the amendment allows for Accessory Dwelling Units, ADUs, to be permitted as of right anywhere single-family residential uses are allowed," DiFazio said.
The new ordinance introduces several key provisions, including a site plan review, notice to abutters, and design recommendations. These measures aim to reasonably preserve single-family zoning districts within Weymouth while adhering to state regulations.
DiFazio emphasized the collaborative effort behind the ordinance's development. "I would like to thank the Planning Department, the Town Solicitor, and the members of the Ordinance Committee. We reviewed a rather lengthy ordinance on an expedited basis, and I can say that it was quite thoroughly reviewed several times," he said.
The Planning Board played a crucial role in shaping the final ordinance. In a letter dated Jan. 28, the board expressed its support for the measure and the town's approach to the pending ADU amendment to Chapter 40A of Massachusetts General Laws.
"The Board voiced support for imposing as many additional reasonable regulations as possible to protect existing single-family neighborhoods," the Planning Board's letter stated. It also noted approval of the increased transparency offered by notifying abutters of the as-of-right site plan review public hearing.
The ordinance amends Chapter 120 of the Town of Weymouth Ordinances, adding Article 29 specifically addressing ADUs. The new article includes sections on purpose and intent, Mass General Laws, applicability, building permit approval and site plan review, and ADU site plan review design guidelines.
Town Council President Michael Molisse praised the collaborative effort behind the ordinance. "Great work by the Planning Department, the Planning Board, the Ordinance Committee, the Solicitor, McLeod also, and I know this is something that has been passionate to Councilor MacDougall, so thank you for your work on that," Molisse said.
The ordinance's approval required a two-thirds vote, which was achieved through a roll call vote. All present council members voted in favor of the measure.
The ADU ordinance amendment represents Weymouth's effort to balance the state's housing goals with local concerns about preserving the character of single-family neighborhoods. By implementing reasonable regulations, the town aims to maintain control over ADU development while complying with the new state law.
The next regularly scheduled Town Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 18, due to the President's Day holiday.