HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning (sub) 10/02/2024RECEIVED
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Town of Mansfield
6 Park Roer, Rlausfzeld, NIA 02048
Housing ZoningWorlcing Group
(Subcommittee of the Planning Board)
Meeting Minutes
October 2, 2024
Planning Board
Meeting Held in Person in Planning Department Conference Room
Present: Mark Corsillo and James Turnbull, Associate
Sarah Raposa, Director of Planning & Development
Robert Blackman, Building Inspector and Zoning Enforcement Officer
Amy Donovan -Palmer, Health Agent
Arun MacCarthy, Chief Assessor
Conversation with the Building Inspector, Health Agent, and Assessor.
Mr. Blackman said that he follows MGL codes. He can control 1-2 family units by Town code,
but cannot control ADUs. He said that if an existing attached unit meets the 900 SF
requirements, it could be converted to an ADU.
Mr. Corsillo noted that the sub-conunittee is working on that now for by right with reasonable
regulations.
Ms. Donovan -Palmer said that the Health Department does come into play for sewer and septic.
If a person seeks to add to an existing septic system, an engineer should provide calculations for
the additional bedroom to meet the code for gallons per day.
Discussion ensued relating to whether the existing setbacks should apply. The draft table was
reviewed and discussed. The table may need to be adjusted based on proximity to existing
structures, septic systems, and leaching fields.
Mr. Blackman said the current bylaws allow the construction of a 2,000 SF garage structure. He
said that the primary structure must be the front structure and the ADU as a secondary structure,
if detached, must be behind the existing structure.
Ms. Donovan -Palmer said the current Title 5 provision requires a minimum three -bedroom
system. If the ADU adds another bedroom to total four, a bigger septic would be required.
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Mr. Corsillo asked if inspections would be required to convert an existing non -habitable space to
an ADU. Mr. Blackman replied that the new space or new building would need to meet the
energy code. The structure cannot be a prefabricated unit or shed. Modular structure would be
allowed. He noted that the Fire Department does not regulate mobile homes.
Ms. Donovan -Palmer suggested adding language for current building codes. She said that Title 5
codes are becoming stricter.
Mr. Corsillo asked if ADUs could be structured for incentivized reduced taxes. This would
encourage starter family units to remain in the Town. Ms. MacCarthy said the taxes are based
on State codes. There is a different rate for attached units versus detached units. The detached
rate is about 5% higher. She cannot create new codes.
Mr. Blackman said the existing "in-law" type units, which are only for family members, cannot
legally be rented. If the unit is converted to meet the new ADU codes, it could be rented.
Mr. Corsillo asked if Ms. MacCarthy could provide a list of Town parcels by land use. She
confirmed that she would forward the list to be distributed. Ms. MacCarthy noted that she will
be attending a conference in November and she will inquire about ADU impacts.
Mr. Blackman asked how the ADU could impact Town water and wells. The structure must be a
certain distance from drinking wells. Discussion relating to well water and existing septic
systems and that machinery is not allowed to travel over either, nor can a structure be built over
them.
Mr. Turnbull asked if the ADU disposal system could be added to the existing septic system.
Ms. Donavan -Palmer said she does not like the concept of adding to an existing system. It is
possible, but not easy to approve and needs to be engineered. She suggested the language of
State Sanitary code and Title 5 be added to the ADU bylaw.
Mr. Blackman said that a regular mobile home is not allowed, but a tiny home would be.
Ms. Raposa said they are not changing current bylaws for trailers and sheds.
Mr. Corsillo asked if there is a way to create a tax advantage for folks who create ADUs. The
notion is that it be increasing the supply of available housing.
Mr. Blackman suggested that language be added to the bylaw so that the new structure or
addition must comply with Town standards and the State Building Code.
Motion to approve the Minutes for August 14, 2024, August 27, 2024, and September 25, 2026
by Mr. Corsillo; seconded by Mr. Turnbull. The vote 2-0
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The group agreed to meet in the Planning Conference Room on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at
10:00 am.
The meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m.
The date of the next Housing Zoning ff'orking Group meeting is October 9, 2024 at 10: 00 a. in.
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