MAPC Zoning Recommendations for Essex

Based on public feedback, a review of existing conditions, previous planning efforts and a zoning audit, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) released the following zoning recommendations for Essex:

1.) Establish the following zoning districts:

• Residential/agricultural district
• Neighborhood business district
• Office/light industrial district

2.) Update use regulations, dimensional standards, and development standards

3.) Remove barriers to expanding housing options. Recommendations to increase housing stock include:

• Allow accessory dwelling units to be built
• Update requirements for two-family and multi-family homes.
• Adopt an inclusionary zoning bylaw
• Enact open space residential development requirements to promote cluster subdivisions
• Comply with the multifamily zoning requirements for MBTA communities

4.) Align zoning and general bylaws with community values. Measures to reflect community values include:

• Natural and cultural resource protection
• Continue to have occupations be an allowed use
• Regulate short-term rentals

5.) Make zoning bylaws less complex and more user-friendly for both Town officials and the general public.

6.) Develop a robust community engagement strategy to ensure zoning reflects community goals.

7.) Expand staffing capacity to adequately administer and enforce the bylaw.

Any changes to the zoning bylaws must be approved by Essex residents at a future town meeting. Updates, including dates and warrants for upcoming town meetings will be posted to the NSR blog.

To read MAPC’s complete report, please click HERE.