Zoning Board of Appeals Jul 23, 2026

The Town of Amherst Zoning Board of Appeals held a meeting on July 23, 2026, primarily focused on a zoning appeal concerning the interpretation of gross floor area (GFA) exclusions for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The appeal questioned whether finished upper-level living space, labeled as an attic, should be excluded from the GFA calculation under the town's zoning bylaws. The board heard detailed presentations from the appellant, the building commissioner, the applicant, and legal counsel, as well as public comments expressing concerns about neighborhood impact, density, and the adequacy of current zoning definitions. The discussion highlighted the complexity of interpreting local bylaws in alignment with state regulations and the challenges posed by the current attic exclusion language. The board ultimately voted to continue deliberations to a future date to allow further review. Additionally, the board addressed a separate special permit request for a property at North Witness Street involving conversion of a four-unit building into duplexes, with plans to continue the public meeting to a later date for final decisions. No contract awards, RFPs, or procurement actions were discussed during the meeting.