CPDC 10-5-2026

The Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) meeting, held October 5, 2026, continued its public hearing on proposed zoning bylaw amendments for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The commission discussed aligning definitions and dimensional standards with state regulations, short-term rental language, lot-coverage and setback provisions, and whether existing single-family homes in non-single-family districts should retain ADU eligibility. After closing the hearing, the commission voted to recommend the amendments to the 2026 Town Meeting; no contract awards or purchasing decisions were made. Members also discussed preparing visuals and explanatory materials for the Town Meeting presentation.

The commission received an Eastern Gateway planning update, focusing on proposed open-space and parking standards for future mixed-use development, with further discussion of street and right-of-way standards planned. Staff reported a $50,000 grant from the state’s EEA ECO One Stop program for design guidelines and said the town expects to issue an RFP in the coming weeks to hire a consultant. This was a planned procurement, not an RFP award; the Eastern Gateway zoning work is being developed toward an April 2027 Town Meeting target.