Executive Summary
The Zoning and Planning Committee met on June 22, 2026, to deliberate on two primary agenda items: proposed amendments to setback requirements for transformers (Item 65-26) and dimensional controls for residential developments within business districts (Item 57-26). The committee voted to hold Item 65-26 to allow for participation from Eversource at a future meeting. Regarding Item 57-26, the Planning Department presented options to address massing mismatches between residential projects in business zones and their surrounding neighborhoods, particularly in the Nonantum area. The committee reached a consensus to pursue a combination of targeted rezoning and enhanced special permit findings to ensure neighborhood compatibility, holding the item for further staff analysis.
Meeting Information
- Governing Body: Zoning and Planning Committee
- Meeting Date: June 22, 2026
- Meeting Type: Regular Committee Meeting
- Committee Members Present: R. Lisle Baker (Chair), Pamela Wright (Vice Chair), David A. Kalis (Vice President), Susan Albright, Lisa Gordon, Brian Golden, Rena Getz, Randy Block, Stephen Farrell, Julia Malakie (joined late).
- Other Councilors Present: Sean Roche.
- Staff Present: Katie Whewell (Acting Director of Planning), Ms. Coelho (Planning Department), Jonah Temple (Law Department), Curtis Buecher (Committee Clerk), Joseph (Deputy City Clerk).
Item 65-26: Amendment to Chapter 1.53 Setbacks for Transformers
Description
Request for discussion and possible zoning amendments to Section 1.53 Setback to allow for transformers to project into the setback.
Discussion
- Acting Planning Director Katie Whewell reported that the Eversource representative was unable to attend but indicated availability for the July 20 meeting.
- The committee briefly discussed the need for technical input from the utility provider before taking action.
Action
- Motion: Councilor Getz moved to hold the item.
- Vote: The motion passed unanimously (Ayes have it).
Item 57-26: Dimensional Controls for Residential Uses in Business Districts
Description
Request for discussion and ordinance amendments to dimensional controls (Setbacks, Height, FAR, etc.) for residential developments within business use lots, with focused consideration for lots adjacent to residential neighborhoods.
Planning Department Presentation
Ms. Coelho presented three primary options to address concerns regarding residential massing in Business Use (BU) zones:
- Targeted Map Amendment: Rezoning specific residential clusters (e.g., side streets off Adams Street) from BU2 to residential zones (e.g., MR2).
- Citywide Text Amendment: Modifying dimensional standards for all residential development within business districts citywide.
- Special Permit Finding: Adding a specific "neighborhood compatibility" finding to the special permit process for ground-floor residential use.
Committee Discussion
- Floor Area Ratio (FAR): Councilor Wright noted that BU zones often allow FAR levels two to three times higher than adjacent residential zones, creating significant massing issues.
- Dimensional Standards: Councilor Getz advocated for a rule where 100% residential projects in BU zones must trigger the dimensional standards of the proximal residential zone.
- Legal Protections: Jonah Temple of the Law Department clarified that Section 6 findings regarding non-conforming structures would still apply, stating: "You can't just say anytime you're reconstructing, you now need to meet the new standards. There is some room that non-conformities can be increased solely through a section six finding."
- Contextual Review: Councilor Roche cautioned that a strict compatibility finding might be too restrictive for commercial corridors like Beacon Street where a larger residential presence might be appropriate.
Action
- The committee directed the Planning Department to further analyze a combination of Option 1 (Targeted Rezoning) and Option 3 (Enhanced Special Permit Findings).
- Motion: Motion to hold the item passed unanimously.
Administrative Matters and Future Meetings
- Next Meeting Date: July 20, 2026.
- Future Meeting Date: August 17, 2026.
- Committee Priorities: Chair Baker emphasized that the committee's highest priority remains addressing the demolition of small houses and their replacement with significantly larger structures.
- Staff Resources: The Chair requested that councilors coordinate with him and the Vice Chair before assigning new tasks to the Planning Department due to limited staff resources.