Notes from the Planning Board (PB), August 20, 2024, Hybrid Meeting

1. Chair Kate Fletcher called the meeting to order and explained the Affordable Homes Act recently signed by Governor Healy (See SU August 15, 2024). She said it will require a review of local bylaws in the next 180 days — estimated time for law to go into effect.

2. It will require a review of local bylaws with respect to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Short-Term Rentals (STR). Although state law governs and supersedes local bylaws there are still areas where local bylaw could govern. For example, local law can prohibit ADUs from being short-term rentals; setbacks for ADUs can be governed by local bylaws.

3. Kate Fletcher said Liz Wheeler would work on the Short Term Rental bylaw, and she would add the Lake and Pond Overlay District (LPOD) bylaw to the list of bylaws to review and work on LOPD with PB member Eric Egan.

4. The discussion about LPOD continued with members recounting the history of the bylaw and expressing regret that it has not been overwhelmingly successful in protecting the lake. For example, Egan thought only one house on the lake was subject to LPOD restrictions.

5. The Chair indicated that the Affordable Housing Trust has been waiting some time for PB review and possible approval of their Housing Plan. PB will hold a public hearing followed by a vote of the PB in mid-September

Editor's note: PB might also want to review the section on "tiny houses on tiny lots" as a provision of the new law that may impact Stockbridge and other south county towns.

Photo: Richard Lasner