The Zoning & Planning Committee voted to approve the following (read the report and watch the meeting video):
- Requesting discussion and amendments to Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance (5-1-2, Councilor Baker Opposed, Councilors Albright and Danberg Abstained) “the following changes have been made to the draft ordinance: up to 1,200 sf internal ADUs by-right for existing structures more than 4 years old; 1,200 sf external ADUs by-right for existing structures more than 4 years old; 1,000 sf external ADUs by-right for new construction; addition of a potential screening requirement for new construction; expanding the provisions for historic carriage houses to those located in local historic districts; removing the 15 ft separation requirement for historic carriage houses; and for those seeking a special permit the City Council may require owner occupancy or parking as part of the special permit along with the criteria that the ADU compliments the principal dwelling.” Zoning & Planning Report
- Reappointment of Scott Friedman to the Newton Historical Commission (8-0) term to expire on March 30, 2028
- Reappointment of Tamirishe Gambiza to the Newton Affordable Housing Trust (8-0) term to expire on May 2, 2027
- Appointment of James O’Connell to the Planning and Development Board (8-0) James O’Connell outlined his planning experience and involvement with the Massachusetts Zoning Reform Working Group. Councilors expressed appreciation for his willingness to serve.
- Appointment of Sean Macamaux to the Conservation Commission (8-0) Sean Macamaux discussed his dedication to land conservation and his interest in the environmental impacts of development. Councilors inquired about his views on increasing green space restrictions in Newton.
The committee voted to hold the following:
- Request for the addition of a maximum residential facade build-out ratio to Chapter 30, Zoning (8-0) The proposal aims to introduce a 60% maximum façade build-out ratio, enhancing design flexibility for diverse residential types. It also includes exemptions for 1.5-story construction and lots with frontages of less than 60 feet. Four people spoke at the public hearing, noting the change will not reduce tear-downs. 2 spoke in favor of the proposal. Councilors had concerns about narrow lot exemptions and questions about setback provisions and odd-shaped lots.
- Request for discussion and possible amendments to enhance the preservation of existing homes (8-0) Discussions on potential zoning or ordinance changes to discourage the replacement of existing homes with larger, more expensive structures. Discussed the above item.
- Amend the setbacks in the MR zones to encourage preservation of existing buildings (8-0) Discussions on modifying zoning metrics in multi-residence zones to better regulate building sizes and encourage the renovation of existing housing stock. Discussed the above items.
Present: Councilors Baker (Chair), Oliver, Albright, Wright, Krintzman, Getz, Danberg, and Kalis
Also Present: Councilors Lobovits, Lucas, Kelley, Block, Leary, Malakie, and Farrell
Planning & Development Board Present: Kevin McCormick (Chair), Amy Dain, Lee Breckenridge,
Ed Dailey, and Peter Doeringer
City Staff: Jennifer Caira, Deputy Director of Planning; Zachary LeMel, Chief of Long Range
Planning; Nora Masler, Senior Planning Associate; Jennifer Wilson, Assistant City Solicitor; Katie
Holden, Committee Clerk; and Jaclyn Norton, Committee Clerk
