Gloucester Councilors will hold public meetings on proposed zoning changes

Gloucester Ward Councilors will be holding a series of zoom meetings with residents regarding zoning changes put forward by Planning Department. The proposed zoning changes would do the following:

• Allow permitted by right development of two-family homes on any lot that conforms to the development standards of a single-family home. This applies to all residential districts in Gloucester, including the Coastal Residential District (RC-40).
• Height allowances for one, two-, and three-family homes in residential districts would increase from 30 to 35 feet. Height allowances for multifamily development in residential districts would increase from 35 to 45 feet.
• Allow three-family dwellings to be permitted by right in certain residential districts, including the R-5 zoning district surrounding the downtown.

The proposed zoning changes are in line with the city’s 2017 Housing Production Plan, which seeks to increase Gloucester’s housing stock.

City officials are seeking resident feedback from residents. Each will take place between 5:30-7:30 PM. The zoom link will be posted on the Gloucester City website: http://www.gloucester-ma.gov/. Please see the meeting dates below:

January 26: Cohosted by Ward 2 Councilor Tracy O’Neil and Ward 1 Councilor Scott Memhard

January 27: Cohosted by Ward 5 Councilor Sean Nolan, and Ward 4 Council President Van Gilan.

February 7: Cohosted by Ward 3 Councilor Frank Marigotta and Councilor-at-large Jason Grow

February 9: Cohosted by Ward 4 Councilor Valerie Gilman and Councilor-at-large Tony Gross

February 10: Cohosted by Ward 1 Councilor Scott Memhard and Councilor-at-large Jason Grow