HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-03-19 ad Hoc - Zoning Advisory Committee MinutesTown of Reading
} ''C Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Zoning Advisory Committee
Date: 2014 -03 -19
Building: Reading Town Hall
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: General Business
Attendees: Members - Present:
Marsie West
David Tuttle
Jeff Hansen
George Katsoufis
Erin Calvo -Bacci
Members - Not Present:
Eric Bergstrom
David Traniello
Others Present:
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Berger Room
Session: General Session
Jean Delios - Assistant Town Manager - Community Services
Jessie Wilson - Community Development Administrator
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders, Community Service Department
Topics of Discussion:
There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:43 PM.
Continue Review on Table of Uses
- Discuss Accessory AE)artments -
Mr. Hansen presented to the Committee a slide show on accessory apartments. He
discussed the following:
• Overview
• Current state
• Pros and cons
• Bylaw Considerations
• Review of Reading Housing Plan - facts and needs /goals
The Committee discussed three other towns that allow accessory apartments. Andover and
Hopkinton allow by a special permit. The Town of Lexington allows three categories of
accessory apartments. They are permitted: by -right accessory apartments, which are
permitted as of right, and special permit accessory apartments and accessory structure
apartments, which may be allowed by a special permit. Mr. Katsoufis commented that
Rockport allows an owner to rent their house and live within a certain distance.
The Committee discussed the Town's current bylaw. It was agreed a home would have to
be continuously owner occupied to allow an accessory apartment. Ms. Wilson clarified the
parking; an additional parking space would be needed. Ms. Wilson questioned how
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Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes
accessory apartments would be counted in the housing stock. She had concerns regarding
affordable units. The Committee made a few comments and changes. Mr. Hansen made the
changes and the presentation will be part of the on -going public record. Ms. Wilson will
forward on the draft language to VHB.
Ms. Wilson let the Committee know that CPDC is still working on the Table of Uses. Updated
comments are in the packet. The CPDC will continue to work on it at their next meeting.
- Establishment of Districts — Section 3
Mr. Tuttle fixed the numbering and a few words /sentences. Ms. West suggested that Mr.
Redmond review the changes to make sure he agrees. It was noted the numbering and
sections might change once the whole process is done. The draft should be available on the
website for the public to view.
- Section 4
The Committee discussed the revised section 4 and how to tackle it because of how many
pages it contains. Mr. Tuttle suggested that until the re- codification is done section 4
should be put on hold. There are sections being deleted so he felt it would make more
sense to re- organize the document first. Ms. Wilson went through the comments /edits
made by VHB. She stated a mini diagnostic will be forwarded that will outline the major
changes. The Committee decided that 4.3 including Principal Uses will be on the next
agenda. Ms. West stated she would like to be present when accessory uses will be
discussed.
- Update on Draft Permitting Flow Chart
Mr. Katsoufis let the Committee know the flow chart will be distributed before the next
meeting.
- Continue Review of Section 2 — Definitions
The Committee continued with the definitions and suggested edits and deletions.
- Mr. Katsoufis questioned the definition of Residential Street. Should the Town use
MassDOT street definitions - arterial, collector and local? After a discussion it was
agreed this definition should be put a side.
- The definition of Restaurant was discussed and what businesses are considered a
food service.
- Roadway stand wording was modified but the ZAC would like to review it again.
Adiournment
On a motion made by Mr. Tuttle, the Committee adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Ms.
Calvo -Bacci seconded. Vote was 5 -0 -0
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