This bill amends sections of the General Laws related to zoning ordinances, particularly focusing on the definitions and regulations surrounding accessory dwelling units (ADUs). It replaces the term "parcel" with "lot" in the definition of an ADU and changes "primary" to "principal" to describe the main use of a dwelling unit on the same lot as an ADU. The bill introduces a comprehensive list of zoning-related definitions, such as "abutter," "accessory use," "aggrieved party," and "agricultural land," among others. It also provides detailed definitions for terms like "building height," "common ownership," "community residence," and various types of daycare facilities. The bill does not indicate specific insertions or deletions but provides a clear framework for zoning ordinances.

The bill also outlines general provisions for permitted uses within zoning districts, stating that households, community residences, and family daycare homes are permitted uses in all residential zoning districts, subject to public health or safety exceptions. It mandates that ADUs shall be permitted in accordance with certain sections and requires consistent statewide treatment of ADUs, including design standards. The bill removes provisions that allowed ADUs as a reasonable accommodation for family members with disabilities or those aged 62 or older, instead allowing one ADU by right on any owner-occupied lot. It also prohibits municipalities from imposing restrictions on tenants based on familial relationships or age, charging excessive fees for ADUs, or imposing unreasonable dimensional requirements. The bill repeals a section related to zoning ordinances for ADUs and states that private restrictions on ADUs that conflict with this bill are void. The bill will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
1006: 45-24-74