The Zoning & Planning Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video):
- Reduce or remove parking minimums for commercial uses in commercial centers in BU1 & BU2 zoned areas (7-1, Councilor Baker abstained) After a public hearing, members supported decoupling parking requirements from ground-floor commercial uses to help existing shops expand and new businesses gain a foothold in transit-served village centers. Staff and business groups testified that rigid minimums hinder investment and are out of step with peer cities. Special-permit consistency and site-plan standards still apply. The Economic Development Commission and Charles River Regional Chamber of Commerce both spoke in favor of the proposal at the public hearing.
- Remove or reduce parking minimums for commercial uses in commercial centers outside of BU1 and BU2 zoning (8-0) the change would make it easier for businesses to expand or change use without requiring a special permit. Charles River Regional Chamber of Commerce spoke in favor.
- Amend Chapter 30 Zoning to create a new Adult Day Care use category (8-0) No one spoke at the public hearing.
- Routine residential alterations with existing nonconforming height (7-1, Councilor Baker abstained) Amendment clarifies that modest additions to buildings already over height may proceed by right if they do not exceed the existing ridgeline and otherwise meet setbacks/FAR. Members discussed side vs. rear additions and potential impacts on abutters before voting.
The Committee voted No Action Necessary:
- Short-term rental (STR) compliance update (8-0) The Commissioner of Inspectional services stated that they recieved 6 responses from property oweners regarding illegal short-term rentals. Three replied they would stop renting, three want to register with the City. The difficulties in issuing penalties and filing a criminal complaint to obtain a lien on a property were discussed.
- Abutter-notification policy for large projects (8-0) Committee discussed expanding notification radius for large projects. The Planning Department recommended focusing on improving notification methods instead of expanding the radius, due to limited staff time. The Committee requested the Planning Department return at a later date with a plan for improved notification methods.
Present: Councilors Baker (Chair), Oliver, Albright, Wright, Kalis, Getz, Danberg, and Krintzman
Also Present: Councilor Malakie
City Staff: Director of Planning and Development Barney Heath, Senior Assistant Solicitor
Andrew Lee, Deputy Director of Planning and Development Jennifer Caira, Chief of Long Range
Planning Zachery LeMel, Commissioner of Inspectional Services Anthony Ciccariello, and Deputy
City Clerk Cassidy Flynn
