Zoning & Planning Committee - April 13, 2026

• Meeting Date: April 13, 2026
• Governing Body: Zoning & Planning Committee
• Meeting Type: Regularly Scheduled Meeting
• Attendees:
  • Committee Members: R. Lisle Baker (Chair), Pamela Wright (Vice Chair), John Oliver, Susan Albright, Rena Getz, Lisa Gordon, David A. Kalis.
  • City Staff: Nora Colello (Chief of Long-Range Planning), Anthony Ciccarello (Commissioner of Inspectional Services), Jane Stanislausso (Chief Zoning Code Official), Henry Lee (Law Department), Mr. Dorringer (Planning Department/Board), Dr. Taylor (Vice President).

The committee discussed a request for amendments to Chapter 30 zoning to enhance the preservation of existing homes over their replacement by larger, more expensive structures.

Key Discussion Points:

• Teardown Data Analysis: Nora Colello presented data from 2017–2024 showing that approximately 5,500 homes were sold, with roughly 500 (9%) being demolished and rebuilt. The SR2 district accounted for 36% (160) of these teardowns.
• Financial Impact: The Commissioner noted that building permits and new growth revenue from single and two-family homes generate approximately $10 million annually for the city.
• Regulatory Tools:
  • Sliding Scale FAR: A tool to reduce the allowable floor area ratio as lot size increases. A 'modest' reduction might reduce house size, while a 'significant' reduction could disincentivize teardowns entirely.
  • Large House Review: Modeled after Wellesley, this review focuses on stormwater and tree impacts but was noted as a 'weak control' for limiting actual building mass.
• Legal Considerations: Attorney Henry Lee cautioned that significant FAR reductions must not make 'by-right' projects unfeasible, as this could conflict with M.G.L. Chapter 40A (the Zoning Act).
• Staff Concerns: Chief Zoning Official Jane Stanislausso noted that overly restrictive FAR might inadvertently increase teardowns if homeowners find it impossible to build additions to existing non-conforming structures.

Official Action:

• Motion to Hold: Councilor Kalis moved to hold the item for further analysis of teardown history and alternative tools like demolition delay. The motion passed unanimously (7-0).

Councilors Albright and Kelley requested amendments to Chapter 30 to exempt raised beds four feet or less from the definition of a 'structure' and allow them within setbacks.

Proposed Ordinance Standards:

• Front Setback: Maximum 2 feet in height; minimum 5 feet from the front property line.
• Side and Rear Setbacks: Maximum 3.75 feet in height; minimum 3 feet from the property line.
• Size Limits: Maximum length of 10 feet, maximum width of 4 feet, and a total combined area not exceeding 80 square feet per setback.
• Trellises: Allowed up to 5 feet in height from the ground if attached to the bed.

Legal Definitions:

• Structure: The current code defines a structure as a "combination of materials affixed to a location on land." The Law Department confirmed this currently captures garden beds.
• Proposed Raised Bed Definition: "A freestanding planting area constructed above the existing grade and contained by rigid edging or walls with a defined footprint and height measured from the adjacent finished grade to the top of the planting surface or surrounding containment, whichever is greater."

Committee Deliberation:

• Support: Proponents argued for 'gardening equity,' noting that many residents only have sun access within setbacks.
• Opposition: Chair Baker and Councilor Oliver expressed concerns about maintaining 'white space' between properties and the potential for runoff issues.

Official Action:

• Motion for Public Hearing: The committee voted to set a public hearing for the May meeting cycle.
• Motion to Hold: Councilor Kalis moved to hold the item pending the generation of schematics and photographs of the proposed standards. The motion passed (7-0).