Rockport to consider 3 zoning changes

The Rockport Planning Board has proposed three zoning changes, which are listed below:

1. Accessory dwelling units will be allowed by right in all zoned areas in town, eliminating the ADU building requirement that the lot area be sufficient for two dwelling units. The new zoning bylaw would also cap the unit size to 900 square feet and would have design requirements to match the look and feel of the principal home. Short-term rentals would be prohibited, with a minimum rental duration of at least 30 days.
2. 60% of the land in new residential development will be required to stay open. There is currently a 50% open space requirement for residential development.
3. An overlay district would be implemented over Station Square. The overlay district would allow mixed-use housing and commercial buildings, townhouses, and multifamily houses to be built by right. New housing would be limited to 2 ½ stories and would have design requirements, including uniform roof lines and “New England neighborhood” facades.

The proposed bylaws would need to be approved at the upcoming Town Meeting. In the past, changes to zoning bylaws would require a two-thirds majority vote. Now, because of new state legislation aimed at increasing Massachusetts’ housing stock, zoning changes that would increase housing availability will only need a simple majority to be approved.

The date for the Spring Town Meeting has not yet been posted on the Rockport town website. All updates will be added to NSR Advocacy Blog.