Zoning Advisory Committee

The Hopkinson Zoning Advisory Committee held a remote meeting on July 15, 2026, primarily discussing proposed revisions to the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw and the potential adoption of a new starter home zoning overlay under Chapter 40Y. The committee considered increasing the by-right ADU size from 900 to 1,200 square feet or 75% of the principal dwelling, with larger units requiring special permits through the planning board rather than the zoning board of appeals. They also discussed including language to restrict short-term rentals of ADUs to 31 days, aligning with state guidelines, to prevent misuse of ADUs as profit-generating short-term rentals. Additionally, the committee reviewed a state program encouraging affordable housing through starter home zoning districts with a minimum density of four homes per acre and inclusionary zoning requirements. The discussion highlighted challenges such as construction costs, road frontage requirements, and community acceptance. The committee planned to finalize the ADU bylaw revisions and vote on forwarding them to the planning board in an upcoming August meeting. No contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this session.